August 25, 2019 -Bay Circuit Trail – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I took a walk on the Bay Circuit Trail. The Bay Circuit Trail is a recreation trail of over 200 miles, crossing 37 towns and linking many parks and landmarks. It is popular for activities including: biking, paddling, horseback riding, and running.

We had a simple Adventure on the Bay Circuit Trail. The Trail was a dirt path surrounded by greenery. There was no change in scenery, no color, and little variety, creating quite a monotonous and dull scene. The Trail often paralleled private homes, however remained quiet from voices, and activity. We saw several bikers throughout the afternoon. Shadow and Wilma appreciated the new smells along the way, always so eager to explore!

On the way back I decided to take a side trail that led us over to the Minuteman National Park. This path was extremely overgrown and often I was pushing plants and prickers aside leading the way for my best buds. It was great to see a bit of change in landscape with some logs on part of the path, an unusual metal structure on the side, and bright pink flowers from afar. However I was quite pleased when we arrived at the scenic Minuteman National Park, ending our journey on the Bay Circuit Trail. I was quite unimpressed with the Trail, yet wonder as a walker if I can really give this Trail justice, as we traversed far less then the 200 plus miles. The idea of biking to landmarks is quite extraordinarily but on foot one can only go so far. Therefore I will not rate this The Bay Circuit Trail as I was still grateful to find a new place for a walk. A beautiful day for an Adventure!

PS – If you would like to read more on my blog about Minuteman National Park you can search for this in the search box.

Throwback Adventure – Riverhills Park – Florida

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 August 2012 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to Riverhills Park in Temple Terrace, Florida. Riverhills Park is located along the Hillsborough River. It includes: a boardwalk, boat landing, tennis courts, and a playground.

We had many trips to the Riverhills Park back when we lived in Tampa, Florida. These particular photographs were taken from a visit in August 2012, our last month in Tampa before relocating to Massachusetts. (I am guessing I may have other photos, but these are the ones I was able to locate). Riverhills Park is a small, but scenic park with a lovely boardwalk along the River lined with cypress trees. We often would visit the Park to walk and relax, and also take a stroll in the lovely neighborhoods surrounding. It is definitely a place I have fond memories of, and hope some day I will be back to reminisce. Not necessarily a Park to travel far to visit, but yet if you are in the area a scenic spot to stop. We loved our Adventures to Riverhills Park. (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Other Tidbits, Fun, and News

I have decided to add a “History and Forts” section under the menu on my blog. I am excited about this as we have been on many Adventures on these topics, and it will be helpful to have a separate category, especially for those history buffs out there! Most of these are obvious History and Fort blogs, but there were a couple state parks that are categorized as “historic” so I added them to this section as well. These blogs will continue to be listed in their relevant state, and in some cases may fall under another category (Example: if a Fort is located at a Park that also has a lighthouse it would be in the lighthouse category as well). I thought I would share just a few of my many favorite photographs and/or Adventures. I look forward to adding more categories in the future!

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 Buster from one of my favorite local State Parks. It is one I have yet to blog about, but a location we often enjoy. I utilized a special feature on my camera, so it has a unique touch. Reminds me…I really should buy a camera! Another great memory of my boys together!

Magnet picture 2

August 19, 2019 – Lost Pond Trail – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Lost Pond Trail in Goreham, New Hampshire. The Lost Pond Trail beings at the AMC Visitor Center, and is officially part of the Appalachian Mountain Trail. It follows the Ellis River and ends at Lost Pond, providing distant views of Mount Washington.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Lost Pond Trail on a warm summer morning. We headed out early, planning this as our feature Adventure on a day full of many. The Lost Pond Trail began across the street from the AMC Visitor Center. It was marked with a sign, before beginning down a boardwalk, and across a marsh. Immediately there were spectacular, jaw-dropping views. This reminded me exactly why we journey on long drives for day trips to the White Mountains, like Lost Pond.

From the boardwalk the trail veered toward the right following the white and blue blazes. The trail paralleled the Ellis River, often from high above. On several occasions we headed over and through the River, cooling down in the clear River water. There were yellow wildflowers, bright mushrooms, and berries along the trail. Some sections of the trail that had boardwalks and small bridges, and there were continual rocks throughout. At one point I thought I had taken a wrong turn as the trail started gaining elevation, but soon after this gain we spotted Lost Pond from the distance.

Upon arrival at Lost Pond Shadow and Wilma posed on a rock as they checked out the views. From there we traversed down the side of the Pond, lots of large rocks, making for an interesting hike. The views were beyond picturesque the pond scattered with rocks, lilies, and breathtaking mountain views. Shadow loved his swims, and water-sitting, while Wilma continually hopped on rocks. She sometimes threw me off-balance with her athletic, and unexpected jumps. This place was so absolutely beautiful words really cannot explain. I loved that the trail followed the River, providing opportunities to wade, and lead to the beautiful Lost Pond with glorious views. The trail was very quiet, and on several occasions I thought I heard some animal voices in the distance. The only downfall was that a good portion of the trail was close to the main road, providing sounds of vehicles zooming bye. However, I can definitely say this was one of my favorite White Mountain hikes. So glad we took the trip to the Lost Pond Trail (Rating: 4.5)

Throwback Adventure – Avery Point Light – Connecticut

In January of 2017 Shadow and I Adventured to Avery Point Light in Groton, Connecticut. The Avery Point Lighthouse is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut. It was established in 1944, and is the last Lighthouse that was built in the Connecticut. The Avery Point Lighthouse was later restored in 2006 due to disrepair. It is currently is managed by the American Lighthouse Foundation.

We had a lovely Adventure to the Avery Point Lighthouse back on a sunny winter afternoon. There was limited parking, and I remember being a little unclear if I had parked in an appropriate spot. However, we stationed and headed off to the Lighthouse. The grass was surprisingly bright green, and the sky blue, masking the “normal” landscape of a winter afternoon. We were able to stroll directly up to the lighthouse, and of course we walked around to view each angle. Shadow was quite photogenic, although the bright sun was not too cooperative in capturing these moments. The Avery Point Lighthouse was definitely unique in location, and style. It was great that we could get an up-close and personal view. So glad we were able to Adventure to the Avery Point Lighthouse (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated.)

August 13, 2019 – Lexington – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Lexington, Massachusetts. Lexington is an affluent town famous for its history. It was there that the first shot of the Revolutionary War was fired. The Center of Town includes: shops, businesses, restaurants and numerous historic buildings and landmarks.

We had a historic Adventure to Lexington. I had planned a daytrip but due to the predicted storms we decided to have a local day. I was quite disappointed but pleased to find a great alternative.

We spent about two hours exploring Lexington. The day began spontaneously but I was soon pleased to locate a detailed map online, ensuring we visited all major landmarks. Our stops included the Buckman Tavern, The Belfry, Ye Old Burying Ground, The Minuteman Statue and much more. We strolled along the cablestone sidewalks, trotted down the ACROSS trail, rested in the lawn, and appreciated the rich history.

My favorite parts of our Adventure included: the architecture of the historic buildings, following the map to find the next stop on our Adventure, connecting with those around us, and watching Shadow and Wilma appreciate the moments. In regards to landmarks I was awed by the Burying Ground, and loved the scenic Minuteman Statue. Both Shadow and Wilma enjoyed numerous grassy rolls, a joyous celebration on yet another fantabulous Adventure! Lexington is definitely a special place to explore, especially for those history buffs (Rating: 4)

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photograph of a scenic winter wonderland, highlighted by Shadow and Wilma. This was taken at one of my favorite local State Parks which I have yet to blog about. I love the white wonderland captured in this photograph. One of my motto’s is: “Don’t let the weather stop you”. Hope you too will enjoy some winter hikes, although thankfully we can appreciate some other seasons before it is cold and slippery again!

Family picture 3

August 11, 2019 – Rocky Neck Art Colony – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Rocky Neck Art Colony is located on the Gloucester peninsula. It is considered one of the oldest art colonies in the country. Artists include: jewelers, painters, and photographers. Rocky neck includes many restaurants with outdoor seating and scenic views. It also contains the Gloucester Marine Railways one of the oldest shipyards in the country.

We had a coastal Adventure to Rocky Neck. We left later then I had planned (as my squirrel-stalker Wilma was having too much backyard fun) so we ended up taking a detour. My initial destination was overtaken by in-season crowds, quick eliminating my initial plan. I therefore was pleased to find the nearby Rocky Neck Colony. This was a place I had been once before and figured it would be a beautiful alternative for a summer stroll.

Upon arrival at Rocky Neck we immediately found free street parking. The walk was a gorgeous coastal scene. There were shops, galleries, and restaurants, many decorated with colorful flowers, and art displays. Rocky Neck was uniquely artsy, as expected, with paintings on outside buildings including window sills, and painted windows. The coastal views were spectacular with boats of all shapes and sizes. We ended our walk exploring the shipyard before turning around and enjoying some delicious ice cream at Rocky Neck Ice Cream.

Our last stop on this Adventure was a surprise, finding a hidden beach area along Rocky Neck. There were two simple parks opposite from one another, one with a beach. I was thrilled to find this, and before you knew it Shadow was instantly refreshed! I waded in with my sneakers and was quite impressed with Wilma sneaking in farther then usual. Shadow preferred to stay in the water while Wilma eagerly waited his return, spent some time digging, and enjoyed exploring some shells. We sat for awhile on the beach and appreciated the sights around us. Watching them made me laugh Wilma wild and energetic, Shadow calm and relaxed. It really was just a perfect way to end our visit to Rocky Neck. We spent about two hours exploring this peninsula and I am sure we will be back (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Jeff Smith Trail – Massachusetts

In December of 2014 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to the Jeff Smith Trail in Pepperell, Massachusetts. The Jeff Smith Trail is a conservation trail which runs through the “Blood Brook Ravine” land. There is parking for this Trail on Jewett Street and on Heald Street. The trail includes: a shoreline walk along the pond, follows a steep ridge above the pond, and weaves through the ravine that follows the Blood Brook. The total round trip hike is just under three miles.

We had an enjoyable adventure to the Jeff Smith Trail. I do not post many of our local conservation Adventures, however, sometimes feel inspired to share. On this particular walk I remember appreciating the unique landscape, the steep views of the lake, the ravine, and the Brook throughout our hike. We did not see a sole on the trail, and were swept away into the arms of nature. We found a beaver dam along the trail, and explored all the little spots we could find. I do not believe I ever researched this trail (until blogging) however spotted it on a drive through the area. A trail with water always catches my eye and am glad that we stopped for a hike on this brown, crisp, winter day. Not a fancy hike by all means, but yet a nice place to explore for the local followers and friends. Make sure you check out your local conservation land, you will often find a lovely spot (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).