Throwback Adventure – Upton State Forest – Massachusetts

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 November 2014 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the Upton State Forest in Upton, Massachusetts. Upton State Forest is a 2,660 acre, publicly owned forest that encompasses the towns of Upton, Hopkington, and Westborough. It is popular for skiing, mountain biking and hiking.

We had a brisk Fall Adventure to Upton State Park. As you may often “hear” if you follow my blog, I do not always remember details of our Throwback Adventure. However I do recall enjoying a nice walk, finding some boulders, and appreciating the end of the Fall foliage season. Since Upton State Forest is such an expansive forest, we of course could only cover a portion of the property on this Adventure. We will definitely have to visit the Upton State Park again in the future (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 sunset photograph of Shadow and Wilma at one of my favorite local parks. It was taken in the summer of 2017 when Wilma was just a little puppy. This photograph is what I would describe as a typical scene on our Adventures, Shadow in the water and Wilma looking on. It is the perfect snapshot of our lives of Adventures. We will have to plan another sunset Adventure soon.

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January 20, 2020 – The National Monument to the Forefathers – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to The National Monument to the Forefathers (also referred to as the Plymouth Monument) in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The National Monument to the Forefathers was dedicated in 1889 and honors the Mayflower Pilgrims. This granite Monument is approximately 81 feet in height and is suspected to be the largest solid granite monument. It is managed by the Department of Conservation.

We had a grand Adventure to the National Monument of the Forefathers. I was quite impressed upon arrival, the Statue towering from atop a small hill, the sun streaming down. The entrance gate was closed so we parked on the side of the road and sauntered in. We began by walking the road around the statue before heading up close to view it. I was impressed at the size, almost too large to visualize the details from below. It was just spectacular, and definitely one of the larger sculptures I have seen. It was a little difficult to photograph with the sun brightly shining, however I did my best, even enjoying some snapshots with the timer. There was little else to the area besides the Monument but definitely worth the visit. So glad we could see the National Monument of the Forefathers (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Derby Wharf Light Station – Massachusetts

Shadow and I Adventured to Derby Wharf Light back in January 2012. The Derby Wharf Light Station is a historic lighthouse located in Salem, Massachusetts. It was built in 1871 and is approximately 20 feet in height. The lighthouse is located at the end of Derby Wharf and continues to aid boat navigation.

We had a fun, blue-sky Adventure to the Derby Wharf Light Station. Our day was filled with many Adventures, and the Derby Wharf Light was one of our stops. We walked out to the end of the Derby Wharf to check out this structure. It was fun find the lighthouse at the end of the wharf. Derby Light was unique in shape and location. The area was busy with other guests but we were able to snap a couple photographs before others joined us. So glad we could visit the Derby Wharf Light Station (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

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Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is photograph of Shadow and Wilma that makes me chuckle. Shadow is a very calm and focused dog which I feel often makes him misunderstood. An example I think of is that when I am in the pet store people often say he is “shy” but he really is just focused on where he can find a treat. So with that said I still wonder what is going through his head in this photograph… It makes me laugh whenever I look at it. What do you think he might be thinking?

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Throwback Adventure – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

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).