Throwback Adventure – West Columbia Riverfront – South Carolina

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 Adventured to the West Columbia Riverfront in Columbia, South Carolina. The West Columbia Riverfront Trail is a paved path along the Congaree River. It is approximately eight miles in length and is part of the Three River Greenway.

We had a beautiful Adventure to the West Columbia Riverfront Trail. It was really just a small part of our full Adventure as we were on our way to Massachusetts to relocate and start our lives as New Englanders. And although I grew up in Massachusetts, this was a completely new life for my boys who had been raised in tropical Tampa Florida. We had a spectacular journey to Massachusetts with the West Riverfront Trail being one of our early visits. I am not sure I was able to locate enough photographs, however feel I could capture a good summary of our hike. I remember loving this Trail location, along the River with gorgeous bridges, bright colored flowers, and a perfect trail to walk. We enjoyed a nice walk, and met several kind people along the way. I do not remember intricate details of this Adventure, yet remember recall enjoying the location, quite the scenic place to stretch our legs. If we are ever back in South Carolina we will have to Adventure again to the West Columbia Riverfront.

June 18, 2019 – Bear’s Den – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Bear’s Den in New Salem, Massachusetts. Bear’s Den includes a short trail to a scenic waterfall, a stream, a secluded gorge, and contains ruins of an old mill. The waterfall is a cascade falls, approximately twelve feet in height, and is sourced from the Swift River. The Reservation was given its’ name due to a black bear being shot on the property. Bear’s Den is owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations.

We had a rainy Adventure to the Bear’s Den Reservation. We were quite thrilled to have a weekday Adventure as our three days off in the summer has begun! I expected the weather to become rainy, but we were determined to visit Bear’s Den, so we carried on! I was pleased to arrive at a small and empty parking lot. I had read there was hunting at this location so decided to adorn the pups in their bright orange armor! We headed down a green surrounded trail into the great outdoors. There was an informational kiosk a bit down the path with a map. Soon we heard the singing of the stream, and headed straight to the water. Shadow of course attempted a dip in the shallow water while Wilma found a fallen tree to climb, and a stick to chew. We took our time in this area walking around the shore, jumping on the rocks, and wandering around the mill remains.

The trails were not clear, however we followed the sounds and quickly located the waterfall from high above the gorge. We were pleased to find a path down to bottom of the gorge, and directly in front of the waterfall. The gorge area was spectacular, with caves in the rocks, lovely green, and the tall boulders surrounding us as we peered at the waterfall. The Falls had two main sections, separated by rocks in the middle. It was small, but yet just right. We relaxed for awhile taking in the scene. Both Shadow and Wilma spent some time sitting, while Wilma also enjoyed some rock jumps, and Shadow often could be found searching for the quickest path to the water. Wilma seemed a bit uneasy at times looking around cautiously, my mind repeatedly expecting a bear sighting Thankfully we did not see a bear!

Bear’s Den was a peaceful and special location. It was hard to capture the Falls in photographs, so I would encourage you to view the videos below. So glad we could Adventure to this location (Rating: 4).

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 Buster and Shadow at Stanley Park, in Westfield Massachusetts. I love this photo of them standing synchronized in front of the covered bridge! We were quite impressed by the lovely Stanley Park, and had a wonderful visit. This photograph brings back lots of great memories of our Adventures with Shadow and Buster. We sure do miss our Buster!

If you want to read more about Stanley Park please search for Stanley Park in the “search box” for more information on this Adventure. (On a mobile phone you can find this at the very bottom of the page, and on the computer you can find it to the right of the blog.)

Enjoy!

June 15, 2019 – Swamp Meadow Bridge – Rhode Island

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Swamp Meadow Bridge in Foster, Rhode Island. Swamp Meadow Bridge crosses the Hemlock Brook, and is approximately thirty six feet in length. It is the only covered bridge on a public road in Rhode Island.

We had a fun Adventure to the Swamp Meadow Bridge. We found this bridge in the middle of a country road. Upon parking we could hear the babbling Hemlock Brook below. The bridge was simple, but yet appealing. There were diamond windows in the structure, highly placed. The location was bright green, with few other colors in site. We strolled through the bridge several times, pleased to find little traffic. It appeared that the more we wandered, the more I was drawn in by the charm of this little bridge. We were delighted to visit the Swamp Meadow covered bridge (Rating: 4)

June 15, 2019 – Yantic Falls – Connecticut

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Yantic Falls in Norwich, Connecticut. Yantic Falls is approximately forty feet in height, and is sourced from the Yantic River. It falls from below a dam, and plunges into a gorge before entering the pool below. There is a walking bridge above the Falls. The Falls is famous for its’ history as a battleground of the Mohegan Indians back in the 1600s.

We had a spectacular Adventure to the Yantic Falls, our second stop on an afternoon of Adventures. I found myself quite frustrated as the Falls was very challenging to locate. However we persevered and eventually made it to this stunning Falls. Our journey began with a walk across the bridge above the Falls, viewing a train bridge to the right, and views of the dam and gorge to the left. We sauntered across the bridge, and down a small trail before climbing up to a small bridge above the railroad tracks. Finding ourselves on what appeared to be a private yard, we headed back across the walking bridge, taking in the sites and sounds of this spot.

After this little walk we headed over to the Falls, snapping many photos along the way. We soon found a trail that went down to the rocks, and into the gorge. Shadow continually hoped to dive into the water, but unfortunately there were no clear paths available for a swim. However, we enjoyed the view, and attempted many selfies before heading back up for yet another angle of the scenic falls. We relaxed a bit in the grass, while Shadow and Wilma ended our visit officially with some enthusiastic rolls. So glad we did not give up on finding this Yantic Falls, a beautiful waterfall (Rating: 4).

June 15, 2019 – Quaddick State Park – Connecticut

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Quaddick State Park in Thompson, Connecticut. Quaddick State Park is on the Quaddick Reservoir. It is popular for swimming, picnicking, and has a trail on the grounds.

We had a relaxing Adventure to the Quaddick State Park on a lovely Spring afternoon. Disappointed at an unreasonable fee to enter the park, we still decided to visit and explore. We first drove the loop around the Park checking out the areas from the window, spotting various grassy picnic tables along the Reservoir, a sandy swimming beach, and a pavilion area. I had read the beach was not dog friendly so we decided to find a picnic area on the water to relax. Shadow eagerly enjoyed some swims, while My Mom and I took photographs and smiled at Shadow’s swimming joy. Wilma explored the shoreline, and jumped onto a picnic bench, which for some odd reason was placed in the water. The water was gorgeously bright blue, and rippling peacefully. We appreciated great company as were glad to find a tranquil picnic spot away from the other visitors. We did not visit for long, but were pleased to visit the Quaddick State Park (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Palmer Island Lighthouse – Massachusetts

In January 2017 Shadow and I Adventured to the Palmer Lighthouse in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Palmer Lighthouse is located in the Acushnet River at the entrance to New Bedford Harbor. It was built in 1849. The Lighthouse is twenty four feet high and is made out of stone rubble. It can be reached by foot at low tide through the hurricane wall in New Bedford Harbor. The Palmer Lighthouse is no longer a working lighthouse.

We had a wild Adventure to the Palmer Ligthouse on a cool winter day. We had many Adventures in New Bedford on this day, and the Palmer Lighthouse was one of our most scenic stops. I do not remember doing much research but found that we could make our way to the Lighthouse as the tide was low. Having no idea what the tidal patterns were we decided to journey to the Lighthouse, closely watching the water. We met a nice family along the way that adored Shadow, while also ran into some teenagers in the appearing to be up to some trouble. I was quite disappointed at all the trash in the area, I guess left behind from the tide. However we carried on, sometimes on rocky footing, but soon arrived at the Palmer Lighthouse. The Lighthouse was quite stunning, bright white and uniquely stone. There was a stone-like pathway directly to the Lighthouse so we were able to climb to the door to check out this beautiful Lighthouse. We really lucked out finding low tide on this visit, but did not stay long unsure what to expect upon our return. A fun, and memorable Adventure to the Palmer Lighthouse (Rating: 3).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a video from a day-trip to Vermont with Shadow and Wilma, on which we stopped to explore the town of Wilmington, including a trail, and the Deerfield River. This video occurred IN the Deerfield River, and instantly brings a smile to my face every time I view it!! We were returning from our walk along the trail, and of course had to stop for a Shadow dip. After literally walking around the River Shadow decided to lay down, with no plans whatsoever to ever leave this cool oasis. Although he lives for getting into bodies of water I do not think I have ever seen him completely lay down in the water. I found the moment so humorous, and of course was quite pleased that he was cool and comfortable. Back at that time Wilma was almost scared of the water, although now she will take some steps in on occasion. She instead preferred to eat some grass as we waited for Shadow to finish his water therapy. I love that Shadow is a water boy, and that I captured this little moment FOREVER!

Please search for Wilmington in the “search box” for more information on this Adventure. (On a mobile phone you can find this at the very bottom of the page, and on the computer you can find it to the right of the blog.)

Enjoy!

June 8, 2019 – Brooks Woodland Preserve – Massachusetts

On June 8, 2019 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Brooks Woodland Preserve in Petersham, Massachusetts. The preserve includes over thirteen miles of trails, rivers, brooks, forestland, and wetlands. The property was previously home to the Nipmuc Indians, while later being cleared for pastureland, and farms. The land was named for James Wilson Brooks. Brooks Woodland Preserve is owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations.

We had an invigorating hike at the Brooks Woodland Preserve on a lovely spring morning. I was wondering if we would make it to the property, as with no exact address we drove down a rocky country road. However, we were pleased to find the bright blue official Trustees sign and arrive at the trailhead. I confirmed that no hunting was permitted but yet became concerned to find a nearby sign stating “However…” warning you to be aware that hunters still could be around the area or on the property. I was thrilled to find one of Shadow and Wilma’s reflector vests in the car, slightly reducing my anxiety with this information. I often joke how I have one dog that looks like a bear, and one that looks like a deer, so therefore avoid properties known for hiking. Still a bit anxious with this warning, I covered by pups with bright orange, and decided to continue on our Adventure.

We began down a slightly overgrown trail hopping over two large trees that had fallen over the path. The trail opened up to a gorgeous field-like area, beautiful green colors spanning our view. We soon entered the woods and arrived at a gorgeous stream, and bridge. Shadow quickly found a path down to the water while Wilma and I watched from above (see the first video below). We relaxed at this singing brook for some time until Shadow was ready to leave the cool flowing water and journey on to the trail. Our hike mostly followed the yellow loop trail, although we veered off in some locations to check on various scenery, often a bridges over a singing brook. We met one couple on and off throughout our hike who appeared to be traversing the same trail. They were very nice, and seemed to appreciate some “hellos” with Shadow and Wilma. Besides this couple we found ourselves alone with nature.

This trail was quite special as the town it was located in was in the country, leading to a true natural hike. There was constant birds chirping, and oftentimes you could hear the singing of streams. Not a chance that you could hear the highway from this location, so tranquil and serene. Shadow seemed quite energized on this hike, often speeding ahead of us, I am sure quite enthused from the many, cool stream dips! My favorite parts of this hike were: trail that paralleled the stream, the picturesque bridges, watching Shadow’s joyful swims, lush green landscape, and being one with nature at this serene location. Besides my worries of the nearby hunting, we really enjoyed our visit at the Brooks Woodland Preserve. As you may guess I found this property through the Trustees of Reservations. Definitely a wonderful visit to this lovely property (Rating: 3)

Throwback Adventure – Fraconia Falls – New Hampshire

In October 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fraconia Falls in the town of Lincoln, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Falls is a series of cascades that is sourced from Fraconia Brook. Fraconia Falls is a popular area for swimming and sliding down the Falls.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Fraconia Falls on a gorgeous Fall day. The hike to Fraconia Falls begins at Lincoln Woods, one of my favorite hikes of the White Mountains. We were excited to journey on an extra long hike, all the way to the Falls. The trail turned left when we arrived at a scenic wooden bridge, right about where we noticed the sign leading us to Fraconia Falls. We decided to first traverse this bridge and view the Brook before turning around and heading on the trail to the Falls. We then began hiking along the trail which paralleled the Brook. We soon located a scenic area to stop, relax, and have a snack, such a peaceful oasis along the shore. After a restful break we continued on to the Falls. The Falls was simple, and unique in its own way. We posed for some photographs, standing on the rocky platform, and viewing the area off to the right. I actually wondered if it was the true Falls as I was expecting a much larger, and more elaborate natural creation. I still sometimes ponder this question but we did follow the sign and arrived at this Falls, so how could we be mistaken??

The Falls was our last stop before turning around to return to our car. We had spent the day wandering the trails of Lincoln Woods and exploring various spots along the way. Another perfect day in the White Mountains (Rating: Lincoln Woods: 5, Fraconia Falls: 3).

Below please enjoy some pictures from the Falls, the trail from the bridge, and one from right before the Falls trail. If you would like to read more and see photos about Lincoln Woods search for Lincoln Woods in the “search box” for more information. (On a mobile phone you can find this at the very bottom of the page, and on the computer you can find it to the right of the blog.)