Throwback Adventure – Edwards Harborside – Maine

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In April 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I adventured to Edwards Harborside in York, Maine. In researching Edwards Harborside to create this blog I learned that it is a marina with several beach areas. However I was unclear on the exact title of the beach which was in front of the Edwards Harborside Inn, therefore not officially the Edwards Harborside Beach as I expected. Even without this official title I still decided to blog about this location, possibly a less known area for travelers.

We had a beach-filled Adventure to Edwards Harborside, one of our many stops that day. It was a sunny spring April day. I believe we found this location accidentally, parking after finding a sign for “Edwards Harborside”. The beach we found nearby was small and quiet. Shadow and Buster were energized by the beach, digging, wrestling, and romping! They always made me smile on our beach trips, as on on this Adventure to Edwards Harborside. We explored the entire beach, walking in the water, and checking out the rocky areas. Definitely a fun day of memories at Edward Harborside (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will display a video or photo, usually highlighting an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments.

So if you have followed my blog from the beginning you will know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year later we welcomed little Wilma into our world.

Today’s feature is a selfie of Shadow, Wilma, and I at Halibut Point in Rockport, Massachusetts. Halibut Point is a beautiful location with a lighthouse, quarry, and lovely coastal views. We have been there many times and enjoy this unique location. You can read more about our trips to Halibut Point by typing “Halibut Point” in the search box.

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February 22, 2020 – Fall River Heritage State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fall River Heritage State Park in Fall River, Massachusetts. Fall River Heritage State Park is a historic public park that is located along the Taunton River. The Park includes: a large carousel, a visitor center, a boardwalk, and views of the battleships of Battleship Cove – America’s Fleet Museum. Fall River Heritage State Park is popular for sailing, walking, educational programs, and summer activities.

We had a scenic Adventure to the Fall River Heritage State Park. Upon arrival, I was immediately awed by the World War II battleships docked at neighboring Battleship Cove. They were gigantic, and absolutely fascinating. We immediately wandered toward these ships, but did not enter the actual Battleship Cove, unlikely to be dog friendly. We explored the minimal grounds finding several propellers, a 9-1-1 Memorial, and various other artifacts.

After wandering around the Battleship Cove grounds we headed toward the Visitor Center. I almost neglected to locate the carousel as we passed by, closed for the season. Our entrance began as we traversed a wooden bridge leading us to the doorsteps of the Visitor Center. We headed up to and around the Center, making sure not to miss sight of the River. Over to the left were the ships and the impressive Baga Bridge, while to the right the boardwalk resumed. Our journey continued down the boardwalk, parallel to the River. Along this boardwalk we passed a small park with benches, and what appeared to be a building for sailing ventures. We spent about two hours in the Park mostly walking along the boardwalk, while also stopping to take photographs and explore various sites. Throughout the Park we located small kiosks identifying our location, which eventually ended, leading me to the conclusion that we ventured far past the Park’s border. We walked and walked until we arrived at a World War II Memorial. We visited the various statues, and memorials before heading back to the Park.

Throughout our visit to the Heritage River State Park I especially was drawn to the spectacular Battleships, and the scenic boardwalk along the River. The Park unfortunately was quite dirty, and was scattered with geese poop. However, we did our best to avoid these unpleasantries, and enjoyed our brisk walk. As per our usual Adventure, it was filled with cheerful rolls, lots of posing, and enthusiasm for a new Adventure. I worked on some training with Wilma during today’s Adventure, and was quite proud of her work, a wonderful role model by her side. It was nice to see the sun out, and a slight increase in temperature for our New England Winter. Definitely glad we could explore the Fall River Heritage Park today (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Otter River State Forest – July 2013

In July of 2013 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Otter River State Forest. Otter River State Forest is in Baldwinville, Massachusetts. It is just over 1,000 acres in size and is popular for camping, mountain biking, hiking, and swimming. The Forest is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

We had a hot summer day Adventure to Otter River State Forest. I remember enjoying a long hike, yet also finding the trail quite confusing. However, we did not get lost, and were pleased to find a resting area above the Pond with lovely views. Near the end of our walk we located a brook, which as you can see below, making Shadow quite happy. One thing I remember clearly about this Adventure was dropping my cell phone in the brook, creating many foggy photographs. Apparently my phone survived as I was able to track down these photographs to summarize this Adventure. Another Adventure we enjoyed at one of our Department of Conservation and Recreation Parks

February 19, 2020 -Holyoke Heritage State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Holyoke Heritage State Park in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Holyoke Heritage State Park includes: a Children’s Museum, the Volleyball Hall of fame, playgrounds, a Merry-Go-Round, and a Visitor Center which highlights Holyoke’s paper manufacturing history. There are pathways throughout the Park, including along the canal which once powered the local mills.

We had a unique Adventure to the Holyoke Heritage State Park on a windy New England day. The Park was small, and mostly suited for those with indoor plans in mind, especially ideal for children, volleyball enthusiasts, and those interested in industrial history. We wandered around every path in the Park, soon locating a map of the accessible paths. I peered in the windows viewing the Merry-Go-Round and the smiles of children playing. There were some murals, a large wheel, and a short, but lovely walk along the canal. We met many children who were eager to see the dogs, the only furry friends around! Wilma threw herself on the ground, rolling in eager anticipation of guests, while Shadow enjoyed his “normal” Adventure rolls. We spent about forty five minutes exploring the grounds of the property, Shadow and Wilma appreciating the smells of a new Adventure. Glad we could find a new location for a walk today (Blog will not be rated as only the grounds were explored).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photograph of Shadow and Wilma at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, taken last March, in Bristol, Maine. This is definitely one of my favorite lighthouse poses of Shadow and Wilma, their ears blowing adorably in the wind. We were quite pleased to enjoy this gorgeous location in the off-season, few other visitors in sight. You can read more about our visit to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse by typing it in the search box. It is also located under the Maine tab, as well as the Lighthouse tab.

Lighthouse kids

Other Tidbits, Fun, and News

I am excited to share that I have added a new section on my blog titled: Ice Cream, Restaurants, and Food. This section includes: special dog treats, dog friendly restaurants, and in many cases dog friendly ice cream stands. This tab may especially interest local dog lovers, although most of these posts are relevant to people as well! You can find this section under the menu tab of the blog. Enjoy!

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photograph of Buster and Shadow in the woods, one of many photographs that I love. I am not sure exactly where this was taken but another photograph that represents our lives of outdoor exploration. Shadow and Buster were quite skilled at posing together, something adorable little Wilma has not yet mastered (haha). An Adventure with my boys!

Buster and Shadow

February 9, 2020 – Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Saugus, Massachusetts. Saugus Iron Works is the Site of the first integrated ironworks in North America, begun by European iron makers. The Park is nine acres and includes: a museum, working waterwheels, a mill, a 17th century home, and a short nature trail along the marsh and woodlands. The Park is open seasonally.

We had a unique Adventure to the Saugus Iron Works. As I am recovering from a back injury (yes again!) and still being cautious with Wilma recuperating toenail, we decided to defer from a daytrip and instead explore the Saugus Iron Works. I had observed the sign on the highway several times, leading to our discovering of this National Park.

Saugus Iron Works was well marked, and easily located. Upon arriving we found one car in the parking lot, however had not expected it to be crowded due to the current off-season. Immediately we located a brochure providing additional information about the Site. We spent about an hour exploring the Park, checking out the water wheels, furnace area, and all structures in site. The Park was on the basin of the Saugus River adding some scenery, and songs of nature. There were some picturesque bridge structures, and a cement path leading the way. After finishing exploring the main features we took a stroll along the nature trail, very short, but a nice little add-on to our experience. I was pleased to see a blue sky, contrasting with the browns of winter.

Throughout our visit Shadow and Wilma appreciated many rolls, while Wilma especially loved watching the ducks. Shadow and Wilma were eager to inhale the smells, and enthusiastic to explore. I was disappointed by the excessive geese poop along the grounds, but I guess that comes with New England winter. I found the Park simple, yet distinctive. I can imagine it is quite the learning experience when in-season with demonstrations, tours, and working wheels. So glad we were able to visit the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Park today (Adventure will not be rated as Park was closed for the season).

Throwback Adventure – Douglas State Forest – September 2012

In September 2012 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Douglas State Forest in Douglas, Massachusetts. Douglas State Forest is a 5,907 acre forest that includes Wallum Lake. The Forest is popular for hiking, and swimming. It is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation of Recreation.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Douglas State Forest. Douglas State Forest was one of our first Adventures after we relocated to Massachusetts. On our visit we enjoyed resting on the shore, dips in the Lake, climbing boulders, and of course some hiking and exploring. I find myself chuckling every time I look at the photograph of Buster with his eyes closed. Although I am guessing he must have blinked I always joke how he must be thinking “really another photo Mom”. I find it quite humorous. Douglas State Forest has a good mix of outdoors activities. We may have to visit again in the future (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).