Throwback Adventure – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 September 2012 Shadow, Buster, and I had an Adventure to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We were on our big journey home to relocate back to Massachusetts, and stopped to visit a friend along the way. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and is known for its history. Philadelphia is also noteworthy for the Museum of Art which played a famous roll in the movie “Rocky”. I have many special memories of this lovely city as some of my undergraduate studies occurred here. Back in the day I had lots of fun in Philadelphia enjoying great friends, and exploring the city thoroughly.

We had a short, but wonderful visit to Philadelphia. My friend made us feel right at home, and Shadow and Buster were able to experience some city living. We went out to breakfast with outdoor seating, and did lots of walking, checking out the ground of the Art Museum, and enjoying city views. We got caught in the rain but did not let it stop us. I have been thinking of Adventuring back to the area soon. It will always be a special place in my heart (Rating: Throwback Adventures 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 photograph from the Wiley Pond area in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This location is absolutely beautiful and a place I always stop when nearby. This photograph was taken in the summer of 2017 when Wilma was still a little puppy! If you would like to read more about this location you can type in “Wiley Pond” in the search box. Many wonderful memories at this gorgeous spot.

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Throwback Adventure – Willard Brook State Park – Massachusetts

Willard Brook State Park is a publicly owned Park between the towns of Ashby and Townsend, Massachusetts. It is 2,597 acres and includes a fast-running brook, and Trapp Falls. It has a swimming pond, numerous trails, and opportunities for camping and picnicking.

Shadow, Buster and I had many, many Adventures to Willard Brook State Park, a lovely local State Park. We have been in every season and with many others throughout the years. I even visited as a kid, went on a date, and took our 2014 Christmas photographs at this fabulous location. Willard Brook Park is a special place with lots of memories. The Park has many trails, a fresh brook for dips and sips, sticks for lots of dog chewing, and many places to relax and play. We have also enjoyed spending time near the tiny Trapp Falls, definitely a seasonal waterfall. One of our preferred hikes has been the trail along the Brook as it is quite scenic and also has provided many opportunities to cool down. The park has several simple, but scenic bridge which as you may guess I have enjoyed photographing. I have put together too many photographs below from many different visits over the last eight years. We will have to get there again as I do not believe Wilma has been there yet. A beautiful local Park to explore! (Rating: 4).

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Weekly Video/Photo

SIf 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.

Today’s feature is my favorite Christmas photograph of Shadow and Wilma together this year, one of the photographs from our Christmas card. My plan was to put together a photo collage from this year’s (and past years’) holiday shoot(s) but I never got to it. So, I thought I would share this in my Weekly Photo section, keeping it simple, and ending the year of Adventures. This will definitely go down as one of my favorites of my “double dog” Christmas photographs. My hope is that it make you smile as it did me. Happy late Christmas and New Year’s Eve from Shadow and Wilma.

PS – And yes super-focused Shadow has the Christmas tree BALANCED on his head 😀

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December 27, 2019 – Lynch Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts. Lynch Park is a sixteen acre park that includes a rose garden, playground, and a small sandy beach. It provides views of the Atlantic Ocean and Woodbury Cove. There are fees to enter the park seasonally.

We had a windy Adventure to Lynch Park on a cloudy December day. Upon arrival we found that we were one of the few visitors. We headed to the beach, noting colorful kayaks framing the shore. This “beach” appeared more of a shoreline near the water then an actual “beach” for swimming, but I believe visitors may swim in-season. After exploring the beach we headed over to the amphitheater, imagining quite the summer concerts. However we soon noted the grass was full of goose poop, and quickly headed away from the area toward the paved driveway. We continued up the hill and circled around the end of the park. We found one spot to head over to the water, the surf quite rough, creating a dramatic scene. It appeared there was a small boat not too far from the shore, which seemed a bit harrowing. We continued up the hill and enjoyed the views over the ocean. There were benches lining the paved path, and trees scattered throughout the park. The path wound around and brought us to the playground. From there we headed over to what appeared to be the rose garden. I can just imagine how gorgeous this garden must be in-season, but we will not be returning as dogs are not allowed in the garden, when in bloom.

I was quite unimpressed with the Lynch Park as there was not much to see, or places to walk. The spectacular views were somewhat skewed by a hideous fence, although I am sure it was necessary for safety. The Park rules required dogs “on leash” but most of the dogs we saw were off leash. Even with these thoughts my goal is always to enjoy a walk and to appreciate little details, moments, and a the thrill of a new Adventure. My favorite parts of our Adventure were: the features of the rose garden and observing the rough sea, almost as if a storm was looming. I tried to focus on the little details, while Shadow and Wilma enjoyed their rolls and exploring. It appeared that Lynch Park is best as a relaxing summer afternoon in the grass. So glad we could Adventure to Lynch Park (Rating: 2 – although probably not fair to rate this park in the winter months).

December 26, 2019 – Long Sand Beach – Maine

Yesterday Shadow and I took an Adventure to Long Sand Beach in York, Maine. Long Sand Beach is a less then two mile sandy shoreline that includes some rocky areas and tidal pools. The beach is located along Route 1A. It is a popular tourist spot in the summer months.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Long Sand Beach in York, Maine. I decided to take a solo Adventure with Shadow. Wilma sometime struggles with off-leash locations as she does not appreciate being charged by off-leash dogs, while on leash. I often am disappointed to find that the majority of the off-leash dogs we encounter are not under voice control, and as you might guess this can be unpredictable. And although I might be an overprotective dog Mom, I do not feel Wilma is quite ready to be off-leash, still young and quite driven by her adorable hound nose. So…having some extra days off I felt this would be a good opportunity to take Shadow on a journey of his own, my beach-loving, extra-well behaved boy. Although feeling a bit guilty I decided to head off to Long Sand Beach with Shadow.

We arrived at Long Sand Beach finding it just below the main road. There were other visitors scattered throughout the beach, many dogs in tow. Shadow was absolutely thrilled to be at the beach. We headed straight to the water and began walking along the shore, appreciating the sun, and the sounds of the surf. I spotted Nubble Lighthouse off in the distance, although a bit too far off to photograph with my cell phone. Shadow was excited to meet all dogs in sight, quickly making best buds with an adorable Vizsla. I often heard comments about how “big” Shadow was but fellow walkers quickly noted his calm and friendly demeanor. It was so fun to see him in this environment as we have not recently encountered new friends. Shadow enjoyed smelling, finding some lobster traps, shells, and numerous smells unknown to my eyes. Shadow loved wading in the water often trotting enthusiastically. It was clear that the tide was going out the beach growing quickly as we strolled along. It was a gorgeous afternoon filled with many smiles. And although the beach was simple, and somewhat unappealing the memories and moments were absolutely perfect. So glad we could enjoy a relaxing beach Adventure today (Rating: Beach: 3, Adventure: Priceless)

Throwback Adventure – Nauset Lighthouse/Nauset Beach Lighthouse – Massachusetts

In April of 2017 Shadow, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Nauset Lighthouse (also referred to as the Nauset Beach Lighthouse) in Eastham, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. The Nauset Lighthouse was restored and relocated back in 1923. The Nauset Light Preservation Society currently maintains the Lighthouse and through private donations funded the restoration and relocation of the lighthouse. The Lighthouse has benches nearby and is located adjacent to the Nauset Light Beach.

We had a dark spring-day Adventure to the Nauset Lighthouse, one of the many stops on a getaway to Cape Cod. I always am pleased to find a Lighthouse with unique features, and the Nauset Lighthouse definitely did not disappoint. We wandered up to the Lighthouse and around, glad to find the spot all to ourselves. It was a brown spring day but the bright red on the Lighthouse added the perfect touch. We located a photo frame nearby of which you could pose with the Lighthouse, a fun little feature for tourists and Adventurists like ourselves. A delightful visit to the Nauset Lighthouse (Rating: 4).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a blooper video of Wilma who is quite entertained with a Santa hat. This was taken last year, her first Christmas! We were attempting to take photos for our Christmas card but she was more interested in keep away with her new “toy”. Oh, and a quick cameo from my sweet Shadow. Definitely a fun memory to have on tape! Merry Christmas Eve to all!

December 22, 2019 – Salty the Seahorse – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Salty the Seahorse in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Salty the Seahorse is a 38 foot tall Seahorse and is a well known landmark for the Town. “Salty” was originally constructed by the Dunseith family who resided on the property and wanted to attract tourists to their gift shop. It currently is owned by the Town and was briefly taken down and repaired before being installed again in 2000.

We had an entertaining Adventure to Salty the Seahorse. I had found this interesting structure on Atlas Obscura, a website I often frequent that has amusing, and original places to visit. As you may expect we did not have any difficulty locating this grande, pastel, and unusual structure. We parked and took a brief local walk before arriving at “Salty”. “Salty” displayed a holiday sign, immediately in front, and humorously was adorned in a santa hat. Definitely a one of a kind landmark! So glad we could see this fun, landmark in the town of Mattapoisett (Rating: 3).

December 22, 2019 – Ned’s Point Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Ned’s Point Lighthouse in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. Ned’s Point Lighthouse was built in 1838 and was named after farmer Ned Dexter. The grounds are open, however the Lighthouse is only open during scheduled tours. The Park also includes picnic tables and a small beach.

We had a gorgeous, sun-rising Adventure to the Ned’s Point Lighthouse. I was unclear if dog’s were allowed at this spot due to my research, although finding some comments about dogs visiting. I tried emailing the Lighthouse Keepers several months ago but never received a response. I therefore decided to carry on with our Adventure. Although I had planned to arrive just a bit earlier, I was pleased to make it with the sun still rising, sparkling atop the ocean.

Ned’s Lighthouse was simple, but quite picturesque, the ocean scene framing it as the sun shined to one side. The Park was very quiet with one person sitting in their car, and several cars driving through. We walked around for a bit posing for some photos, appreciating the heat of the sun, and peering out into the ocean. I noted there was a sign on the beach stating no dogs so we avoided this area. The tide appeared to be in as there was practically no beach area to explore. An unembellished Lighthouse, but yet still the quintessential New England scene. So glad we could visit Ned’s Point Lighthouse today (Rating: 4).