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 photo of Shadow and Wilma from the Arnold Arboretum, an Arboretum of Harvard University in Massachusetts. It was take last month at one of our many visits. This is a beautiful location, and is a great place for a dog walk. In this photo the orange leaves of autumn are scattered over the ice of winter as the seasons merge. If you live locally I would definitely recommend you visit the Arboretum, although of course much more colorful in the spring and summer. If you want to read more about our first Adventure to Arnold Arboretum you can type it into the search box. On to Winter we go!

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December 7, 2019 – Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge/Cresson Bridge – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge, also known as the Cresson Bridge. The Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge is located in Swanzey, New Hampshire and crosses the Ashuelot River. It was originally built in 1771, and later rebuilt in 1859. It is one of the bridges located on the Ashuelot Rail Trail.

We had a deja-vu type of Adventure to the Sawyer’s Crossing Covered Bridge. In researching several covered bridges I had noted that there were several in Swanzey, all bright red in color. The Sawyer’s Crossing Covered bridge was one of the two I chose to explore. We arrived, again pleased to see the parking lot was plowed, the location covered with fresh snow. We dove over the plowed bank, and wandered over to the bridge to snap some photographs, and yes some more practice for our Christmas card. The River was still at this location, and the bridge smooth, versus the lattice style of the Denman Thompson Bridge. We walked along the shore, again cautious to get too close and end up over the snow covered edge. The bridge was located in a quiet residential area, and was quite scenic. We walked up to the sign near the front of the bridge, but traffic was observed to be too dangerous to attempt a walk through the bridge. There were some snow covered picnic benches nearby. It was a short but pleasant visit to the Sawyer’s Covered Bridge. I recall few snow covered Adventures to covered bridges, and our Adventures to these two lovely bridges definitely did not disappoint (Rating: 4).

December 7, 2019 – Denman Thompson/West Swanzey Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Denman Thompson/West Swanzey Bridge in Swanzey, New Hampshire. The Denman Thompson Covered Bridge was built in 1832 and crosses the Ashuelot River. The Bridge permits one-vehicle travel, and has a walkway on one side. There is a small park and picnic area adjacent to the Bridge.

We had a snow-filled Adventure to the Denman Thompson Covered Bridge. I was excited to visit a new covered bridge, the weekend after our first snow storm. I was pleased to see the parking area was plowed so we could safely leave our car and explore. We immediately heading to the Bridge. The snow was deep, adding an interesting aspect to our exploring. The scene was beautiful, the snow covered the park and bridge, while the River water flowed steadily. The Bridge was adorned with Christmas lights, and a wreath to celebrate the season. I was cautious to not get too close to the edge of the Park, unclear where the slope began and the water started. We posed for a bit and enjoyed the Winter wonderland.

After exploring the side of the Bridge we sauntered up to the sidewalk, and strolled under and through the Bridge. I appreciate finding a bridge that contains a walkway, providing safe travel under. There was a lovely view from the Bridge down the River. The location was peaceful and had little traffic. After observing the sites we made our way back to the River’s edge to snap a few more photographs. As you can see below we are practicing for our annual Christmas card, although I did save some of my favorites for a future post. Definitely a gorgeous New England Bridge (Rating: 4).

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Throwback Adventure – Castle Island – 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 April of 2018 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Castle Island in Boston, Massachusetts. Castle Island is located on the shores of Boston Harbor. Castle Island was formerly an Island, but was connected in 1982 by land, therefore creating a peninsula. At the top of the land is Fort Independence, the oldest fortified military site in British North America. Castle Island is the home to the Popular Sullivan’s restaurant, and is a favorite summer spot for Boston locals.

We had a windy Adventure to Castle Island. I was quite pleased to visit Castle Island as it is a location I had heard about often. As on many occasions we decided to explore Castle Island in off-season. There were paths along the Fort, and airplanes flying throughout. We enjoyed walking next to the Fort, the walls towering high above us, and checking out the views. Castle Island was not the cleanest spot, but I guess that is to be expected in a more urban setting. We were glad to visit a new location and enjoy a long walk. As per my usual Throwback blogs I had some difficulty locating photographs, but I did find some to represent our Adventure as well as a video along our stroll (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

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First Snow of the Season

As my fellow New Englanders are aware, we had our first snow of the year, an almost three day storm. In my part of Massachusetts we had approximately eighteen inches of snow! I was thrilled to have two days off from work and spend lots of time with my two best friends! Wilma was very excited about the snow running happily, and spending lots of time searching for the ball as it moved around under the snow. Constant entertainment, and laughs. I threw her some snow balls which she of course caught, she enjoyed keep-away with a stick, and of course I spent alot of time throwing the ball, her favorite backyard activity. As for Shadow he preferred lounging on the blanket, cuddling with Mom, and playing with Wilma. Even though they love playing, Shadow is often encouraged by Wilma so it is fun to see him engage her in playful moments. Although different personalities, energy levels, and ten years apart they really are best buds, and the perfect balance.

In addition to hours of play-time we practiced for our annual Christmas card. I will share these photographs soon! So although there are pros and cons to being a New Englander and dealing with snow, I can say we definitely enjoyed the first storm. Below you will see some photographs and videos from the last couple of days. Let the Winter begin!

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photo from the Arboretum at Farandnear Reservation in Shirley, Massachusetts this past May. Shadow and Wilma are posing near one of the gardens. The Arboretum is simple, and beautiful, and there are extensive trails throughout the property. A lovely and quiet local Reservation. You can read more about our first Adventure to the Farandnear Reservation by typing it in the search box, It is hard to believe the flowers are already gone for the year. Time for the snow!

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Throwback Adventure – Lettuce Lake Park – Florida

Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Lettuce Lake Park when we resided in Florida. Lettuce Lake is a 240 acre county Park in Tampa, Florida. The amenities include a 1.25 walking loop, boardwalk, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Park contains the Hillsborough River and offers canoe and kayak rentals. There is a $2 fee to enter the Park.

We had numerous Adventures to Lettuce Lake Park. Just the thought of the Park brings back many fond memories as we often frequented the area. This was actually the first place that we took Buster for a walk, when he was just small puppy. Buster had no interest in walking on a leash, and preferred laying down and greeting guests. It makes me smile just thinking about it. Often we had friends join us, and also made friends with fellow dog walkers. I even recall one particular visit where I was quite excited to wear my Patriots’ sweatshirt, as the cooler weather occurred quite infrequently. Simple, but pleasant memories. It was difficult to locate pictures but these three provide a quick snapshot of this special location. Hope to visit again in the future (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Throwback Adventure – Fisherman’s Walk – Maine

We have had several Adventures to Fisherman’s Walk over the past five years. Fisherman’s Walk is a paved and gravel trail that parallels the York River in York, Maine. The path begins near the Wiggly Bridge, and ends at Harbor Beach. It is broken by streets at some locations and is less then two miles round-trip.

We have enjoyed all of our Adventures to Fisherman’s Walk in the scenic town of York. I always smile when I can share Adventure that ALL of my pups had the opportunity to visit, and Fisherman’s Walk is one of those Adventures. The Fisherman’s Walk is a lovely coastal stroll, quiet, and peaceful. We enjoyed viewing attractive boats, scenic docks, and of course you cannot go wrong with a trek along the coast. Great memories of our coastal time at the Fisherman’s Walk. See below for a mix of photographs from our various visits (Rating: Throwback Adventures will not always be rated)

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a video from our sunset visit to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in Maine. We had a spectacular Adventure to Cadillac Mountain last April, one of the most beautiful spots in New England. We actually visited twice on this trip, as I could not resist heading back to catch the sunset at this gorgeous location. I love this video as it really looks like Shadow and Wilma are watching the sunset, and appreciating the beauty. Definitely a must-see Mountain for those who Adventure to Maine. If you want to read more about our Adventures to Cadillac Mountain you can type in “Cadillac Mountain” in the search box to read about our Adventures (there are actually two posts, one on our Adventure with Shadow and Buster – on a very foggy day, and one on our Adventure with Shadow and Wilma – on a clear day). Enjoy!

November 16, 2019 – Battle Road Trail, Part I – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Battle Road Trail in Concord, Massachusetts. The Battle Road Trail is an almost ten mile round trip Trail, connecting historic sites from Concord to Lexington Massachusetts. The Trail focuses on the Battle of 1775 which began the American Revolution. It crosses wetlands, forests, and farmlands, and contains various landmarks and kiosks along the way. The Trail is part of the Minute Man National Historic Park.

We had a well-needed Adventure to the Battle Road Trail on a brisk November day. Having been sick, and with a family member in the hospital we have not been on any new Adventures in the last week or two. And although we have enjoyed many local walks, I was thrilled to head off on a new Adventure, even though I am far from feeling well.

We spent about two and a half hours traversing the Battle Road Trail, and nearby paths, exploring over half of the East Section of the Trail. Some of the landmarks we visited included: the Paul Revere Capture Site, the Hartwell Tavern, the Jacob Whittemore House, the Samuel Hartwell House Site, and the Captain William House. The Trail was simple, but varied terrain, the anticipation of the next landmark added some elation to the journey. We often walked at a quick pace, but of course took some time to sniff out the new landscape. Due to the chilly weather I was surprised to see many others walking the Trail, including: families, furry friends, bikers, and runners. Shadow and Wilma even got to say hello to a happy toddler who was very enthused about meeting the pups.

Throughout the day Shadow loved many rolls in the hay-like grass, while Wilma was quite obsessed by the sheep, who were loudly vocalizing their “baaa”. I think my favorite part, besides a long walk with my two best buds, was the historic homes along the Trail. I loved their unique architecture, and the often scenic placement amidst the fields. And although I have not stopped coughing since this Adventure, I could not be more happier that we had a long walk on the Battle Trail. We will definitely be visiting the other half of the Battle Trail in the near future. A unique way to combine exercise, the outdoors, and history (Rating: 4).