Throwback Adventure – Plymouth, 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 May 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the town of Plymouth in Massachusetts. Plymouth is a coastal town in Southern Massachusetts. It is famous for the site of the first Pilgrim settlement and contains famous landmarks including: Plymouth Rock, and the Mayflower.

We had a fun Adventure to Plymouth back on a cool May morning. We explored the Harbor area, including parts of Brewster Garden, and of course checked out the Plymouth Rock. The Plymouth Rock was much smaller then expected, but it was still nice to view this important landmark of history. We wandered around for awhile checking out the boats, and taking a nice long walk. It was challenging locating old photographs, but I found several below which are a good summary of our visit. We definitely will be back to explore more thoroughly, and share a more detailed account of our visit (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

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October 19, 2019 – Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park – New Hampshire

This past weekend we had a getaway to Vermont, which involved many Adventures, most of which I will blog about. We stayed in a cabin in the woods, and due to no wifi I am far behind on my blog, therefore posting much later then preferred. However, definitely some amazing locations that I am excited to share.

One of our Adventures on the way was the the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park in Cornish, New Hampshire. This is the second time we have been to this location as Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to this Park back in October of 2015. We were thrilled on our recent visit to have My Parents join us! The Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park is the former home, gardens, and studios of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Much of his artwork is displayed in the gallery and on the grounds. The Site also includes: nature trails, tours, various statues, and gardens. The Park also sponsors summer concerts, and workshops.

We had a gorgeous Adventure to the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park. Although I had blogged about it in one of my Thursday throwback segments, I could not resist writing about it again. Shadow, Wilma, and I arrived about an hour previous to meeting My Parents so we could explore the trails, before returning to tour the main grounds. I was quite pleased to quickly locate the Ravine Trail, which contained a waterfall we had discovered on our past visit. The trail was packed with colorful leaves, and sloped quickly into the ravine before turning and following the brook, scattered with fall foliage. It was a crisp Fall day, but just perfect for an energetic hike. The trail was not too clear, but I followed it by memory, and also spotted several informational displays, and a bridge on the path. I was quite thrilled to find the waterfall again, simple, but lovely. We continued through the trail before hiking up the ravine, and ending in the field on the opposite side of the property.

After traversing the Ravine Trail we wandered around the property checking on the buildings, statues, gardens, and spectacular mountain views. I tried not to miss a detail snapping numerous photographs throughout. It was not long after then that My Parents arrived. Having been there previously, and in refreshing my memory of the site before their arrival, I was pleased to provide an informal tour. We wandered around viewing the various features throughout. Shadow engaged in continual enthusiastic rolls, causing me to ponder, did he know he was on vacation?! Wilma was a bit overzealous, but how could you blame her having her Grandparents in tow! We picnicked with a view, enjoyed the wonderful company, and created memories. I really do love the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park, and can just imagine the indoor exhibits are quite fantastic as well. So glad we were able to spend a family afternoon at this beautiful Park, definitely a special National Park in New England (Rating: 4.5).

Please see below for photographs from both of our Adventures. You can also read about our first Adventure by typing in “Saint-Gaudens” in the “search box” (to the right side of the page on a computer and on the bottom of the page on a phone)

October 2019

October 2015

October 19, 2019 – Cornish-Windsor Bridge – New Hampshire

One of our Adventures on the way was the Cornish-Windsor Bridge in Cornish, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1866, and is one of the longest in the country. It crosses the Connecticut River, connecting New Hampshire and Vermont.

This was the second time that we had Adventured to the Cornish-Windsor bridge as Shadow, Buster, and I visited back in October 2015. Surprisingly it appears that I did not photograph the pups at our initial visit. On this trip we were thrilled that My parents were joining us! Our Adventure to the Cornish-Windsor bridge was incredibly panoramic. We located two spots to view this spectacular bridge, one of which was close-up and well trafficked, the second more distant, and dog friendly. The Cornish-Windsor bridge was quite stunning, grey in color, beautiful in style, and magnificent in length. We captured the bridge from both locations, and enjoyed the scenery. So glad we could view the Cornish-Windsor bridge again today (Rating 4.5).

October 2019

October 2015

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 of Shadow and Wilma at one of our favorite locations, Lincoln Woods. We had many Adventures over this recent Columbus Day weekend, including Lincoln Woods. I decided not to blog about these locations (as I have blogged about them previously) , but include several photographs in our Tuesday Video/Photo section. You can read more about the fabulous Lincoln Woods by typing in “Lincoln Woods” in the “search box”. It is definitely a special place in the White Mountains. Here are Shadow and Wilma, checking out the view:

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Remembering our Buster

So I thought I would write a little blog to remember our Buster. Three years ago today Buster passed away from a brain tumor. It all happened so quickly, and he was just seven-year-old. It was a devastating and challenging time. Buster was an energetic boy known for his zest for life and his dangerously happy tail. He was cuddly, sweet, and confident. Buster and Shadow were best buds, and played continuously. It was a huge decision to adopt a second dog, but I could not have made a better decision. So today I thought I would share a collage of some of my favorite photos of Buster, and our lives together. We miss him dearly, and are glad that we had many Adventures together!

Throwback Adventure – Green Briar Nature Center

In April 2014 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Green Briar Nature Center in Sandwich, Massachusetts. The Green Briar Nature Center is located adjacent to the well known Briar Patch of Thornton Burgess’s stories. As you may know Burgess was a native of Sandwich, and is famous for his books, including Peter the Rabbit. The Center is located along Smiling Pond, and includes interpretive trails and a wildflower garden. The Center also offer nature programs, and contains a “jam kitchen”.

We had an enjoyable Adventure to the Green Briar Nature Center. We were visiting in off-season, so had the entire Center to ourselves. It was brown time of year in New England, but we spotted several tulips, and purple flowers on our walk. I especially recall relaxing on the dock, and the boys enjoying a dip in the water, almost sending me right off the dock. We relaxed and wandered around the premises, and found ourselves a bit disappointed that the jam kitchen was closed for the season. I can imagine that this Center must be quite stunning when the wildflower gardens are in bloom, so we might just have to visit again. Glad we were able to explore the Green Briar Nature Center (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

October 13, 2019 – Quechee Covered Bridge -Vermont

This weekend Shadow, Wilma, my Friend, and I Adventured to the Quechee Covered Bridge in Quechee, Vermont. The Quechee Covered Bridge was originally built in 1970 and spans the Ottauquechee River. It has views of an old mill dam, gorge, and contains a pedestrian walk across.

We had a scenic Adventure to the Quechee Covered Bridge. Shadow, Buster, and I had been to the bridge on one occasion, and I was glad to be back. We were thrilled to have one of our friends visiting from Tampa, and could not have chosen a better covered bridge to represent these wonderful structures. We parked and took some posed photographs on the gorge side before crossing the front of the bridge to the waterfall. The waterfall was gigantic, and just spectacular, the sunset framing the background of the falls. We sauntered down to the Quechee Falls Park, a cemented, landscaped area with benches to relax and take-in the view. We spent some time photographing and just gazed at the spectacular scene, the falls singing from all directions, and the bridge towering from above. Such beauty!

From there we wandered back up the stairs and headed to the bridge to see the view from atop the bridge. The bridge was lined with colorful flower boxes, and provided continued lovely views. After peering out at the panorama, we strolled all the way across, and found an additional viewing spot. Another perfect scene from a new angle.

I have written about this bridge previously in a blog about Quechee, but decided to discuss the bridge in depth today. We were so glad to Adventure to the Quechee Covered Bridge, definitely a must-see new England bridge. I have included photographs, and videos from our visit today, and two photographs of our first visit. A little dark on this New England evening, but hopefully you can still imagine this picturesque location (Rating: 5).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is what I find to be an adorable photograph of my Shadow. I guess I feel a little guilty sharing it as he had a moment of unacceptable behavior, but how can you not smile at this hopeful face. I actually was attempting to snap a photo of my fancy dish, and only later did a realize a sweet face was peaking from behind. My Mom and I were eating at the Jordan Pond House Restaurant at Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park. We were thrilled to have Shadow and Buster join us at their outdoor seating. One of the most beautiful places we have had Adventures to is Acadia Park. This particular trip to Jordan Pond has forever engraved fond memories in my heart. If you would like to read more about this Adventure you can search for Jordan Pond in the “search box”. Shadow’s lesson for us today is, never give up on your dreams (haha!)

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October 5, 2019 – Goose Rock Beach – Maine

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Goose Rock Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine. Goose Rock Beach is located in a neighborhood area, which is especially populated in summer months. Goose Rock Beach has approximately three miles of shoreline, provides views of several islands, and is bordered by tidal rivers. There is limited parking spots, and passes are required seasonally.

We had a spectacular Adventure to Goose Rock Beach. I decided to get up at four o’clock in the morning to explore a new beach and to appreciate the sunrise. Goose Rock Beach sure did not disappoint! We parked in front of several homes, the beach area bordered by greenery. I immediately heard the waves, and soon found a path to the gorgeous sandy beach. It was just lovely, sunrise in process, and few people in sight. Immediately we were energized, Shadow running, Wilma bounding. We walked down the beach exploring the tidal areas, found some lovely shells, and of course waded into the sea. We went to the end of one side where we found the tidal River entering the ocean, before turning around and exploring in the opposite direction. We caught a glimpse of an island, observed several boats floating in the water, and noted some kayaks and chairs scattered on the beach. The beach was pristine, peaceful, and quite therapeutic.

We spent about two hours walking, running, digging, and dipping. Shadow went deep into the ocean, the water quite shallow while Wilma especially enjoyed some chaotic digging. Both Shadow and Wilma took turns engaging the other in energetic play, just so sweet! As time went on we saw more people, most with furry friends. It was great to see that almost all of them had their dogs under control, and many quite friendly. I am guessing most were locals, appreciating this serene locale. The perfect, extra-early morning Adventure today (Rating: 4).

September 28, 2019 – The Wayside Inn Historic District – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to The Wayside Inn Historic District in Sudbury, Massachusetts. The Wayside Inn is said to be the oldest, continually operating Inn in the country. The Historic District has nine buildings, including: The Wayside Inn, The Grist Mill, The Martha Mary Chapel, and The Schoolhouse. The property encompasses 100 acres of property including these buildings, trails, field, and gardens. The area is popular for weddings, visitors, and photography.

We had an interesting Adventure to The Wayside Inn Historic District. Upon arrival I was shocked to see crowds, and crowds of people soon discovering it was due to the Colonial Faire and Muster of Fyfes and Drums Event. This led to quite the complicated parking situation, however, we eventually found a parking spot and began our journey. I had planned to walk the Innkeeper Loop, however never located the trail, so decided to wander where our eyes, and noses (haha) guided. We explored The outdoor landmarks, including: The Grist Mill, The Martha Chapel, and the Schoolhouse, and wandered along several trails in the vacinity. We chatted with guests and appreciated the unique Fyfe music. I was impressed that Wilma was hardly phased by the loud drums from various directions, and although Shadow had a couple nervous moments, he overall was quite relaxed.

The day was a warm one so we did not do any strenuous walking, but more exploring. Wilma loved greeting all guests possible, participated in excessive roles, and almost literally knocked me off my feet jumping on a gigantic boulder along the trail. Shadow loved his “normal “Adventure rolls, and was quite satisfied with his dip in the brook. I loved the Fyfe music along the way, and appreciated the unique atmosphere and location. There were scenic little spots along the pond, pretty paths along the brook, and a couple simple bridges throughout. I was quite ecstatic to see many signs of fall, with colorful leaves along the way, and piles of leaves along the trails. Our favorite time of year has just about arrived!! And although the sun was not too cooperative for photographs I still posted a variety below. So glad we could visit the Wayside Inn Historic District today (Rating: 3).