Throwback Adventure – Arethusa Falls – New Hampshire

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 some cases you will also see journeys that occurred before our little lady Wilma became part of our family, as in our Throwback Adventure today.

In June 2017 Shadow and I had a breathtaking Adventure to Arethusa Falls in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Arethusa Falls, sometimes referred to as Tuckerman Falls, is sourced by the Bemis Brook. It is almost 200 feet in height and is one of the tallest waterfalls in New Hampshire. The trail to Arethusa Falls is approximately a three mils round-trip hike. Part of the Trail is paralleled by the Bemis Brook Trail while following the Bemis Brook, and leading you past the Bemis Brook Falls and Coliseum Falls. It is a popular area for hiking, and ice climbing in the winter months.

One of the most amazing Adventures I have ever taken was this hike I took with Shadow to Arethusa Falls. I remember the trail to the Falls was clearly labeled,filled with rocks, a bridge or two, and other hikers along the way. The main trail was not very inspiring, but the elevation gain was definitely a good work-out. I was super impressed with my rockstar Shadow, (nine at this time) as unlike me, he did not miss a beat!

Upon arrival at the Falls we were immediately drawn to the massive height at the Falls. It was thin in depth,and musical in sound, as misty water streamed over the rocks. We hoped from rock to rock finding a nice place to rest, enjoy the waterfall, and eat a little snack. It was definitely one of the most impressive waterfalls I have seen, and the experience of an exhausting hike made the Adventure even better. We relaxed and enjoyed the Falls for awhile before heading back on the main trail.

On our return trip we cut over to the Bemis Brook Trail. The Trail over to the Bemis Brook Trail was quite steep. I actually remember sitting down and scooting to make sure I did not fall. Upon arrival at the bottom we were pleased at the site of a lovely waterfall, before following the Brook and spotting at least one other waterfall along this trail. There were places for Shadow to swim and drink from the brook. The mountain water was pure in color, gorgeous, and magical in sound. It was so fun to find this side trail as I believe I did not know about these other lovely waterfalls before heading on this journey. This lovely trail completed a day of absolute Perfection! I would highly encourage you to visit the magnificent Arethusa Falls and the Bemis Brook Trail. I will forever remember this special Adventure with my Shadow. Please see a quick video and some photographs below. (I am hoping at a future date I will be able to get the longer video to download) (Rating: 5)

February 9, 2019 – Fruitlands Museum – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts. Fruitlands Museum is a museum celebrating multiple visions of America on the site of a utopian community. It connects nature and culture with a variety of exhibits. It is on 210 acres of property which also includes hiking trails, a store, special events, and a cafe.

We enjoyed a gusty Adventure to Fruitlands Museum, a place we have been to on at least on two other occasions. We started off in the museum area, with lovely views, perfectly shaped buildings, and unique statues along the road. The area is always perfectly groomed, although little landscape to see in the winter months. We walked through the exhibits heading down the hill, the wind incredibly breezy, almost pushing us back. We appreciated the museum area visually before heading to the trails.

We spent most of our time exploring the trails on the property. The trails were marked well with color, winding through the woods, up and down some hills and through a field. We saw some deer from afar, enjoyed some boardwalk trails and dodged slippery ice patches along the way. The trails were very simple, and somewhat blah in the brown of winter. There were kiosks along the way providing information, and numbers to label different parts of the trails. We especially enjoyed the hike through the field adding a variety in the color, with some perfect hay-like grass for Wilma and Shadow to partake in some synchronized rolls. The hike was somewhat eerie with squeaking trees, not a person in site, and gun shots from afar. Although I had called to make sure there was no hunting at this site, the sounds caused some worry, and masked the “normal” relaxation of the hike. However, we carried on and were glad to get some exercise on this February winter day.

So as you know, we only explore part of the Fruitland Museums property as the Shadow and Wilma were not invited into the museum buildings. Therefore we will not rate this Adventure for our readers, but definitely a unique local spot for an Adventure. Below you will see photographs from our visit yesterday, and a past visit with Shadow, Buster, and My Mom (although this past visit was more a relaxing time viewing the sunset, versus exploring.)

February 9, 2019

Fall 2016

Throwback Adventure – Kennebunkport, Maine

Shadow, and I had two Adventures to Kennebunkport, Maine in the summer of 2017, and I believe my Mom joined us on one of those trips. Kennebunkport, Maine is a coastal town in Southern, Maine. It is well known for the beaches, the Bush Compound, a Trolley Museum, and the Goat Island Lighthouse.

We have had wonderful trips to Kennebunkport, Maine, with my beach-loving Shadow. We were especially drawn to Kennebunkport as it was a short drive from our home state of Massachusetts, a dog-friendly town, and provided us a lovely coastal experience. One of our highlights has been running around on the beaches, often meeting other dog lovers, and enjoying the gorgeous setting sun. On one of our journeys I took a little video of a jog on the beach that really captured a special memory with my Shadow, (which you can view below). And although I sound a bit comical I somehow just love this silly little video.

In addition to the beaches we have enjoyed the little downtown area, including: the tasty Clam Shack,a lovely bridge adorned with beautiful flower boxes, and little shops along the way. We also spent some time trying to capture the Goat Island Lighthouse on camera, although only viewed from afar. It was hard to track down photographs from our visits, but I think I was able to gather a good collection highlighting some wonderful moments in Kennebunkport. Definitely a special New England town which we plan to return to again (Rating: 4).

Weekly 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 my first video is to me a perfect display of an Adventure at one of our favorite local parks. I have yet to blog about this park, but it is one we visit at least once a week. I love this video as I think it captures moments on a fun hike, and caught an unexpected moment that I found quite hilarious!

Watch closely and enjoy! And do not worry, it was not a frigid day…

February 2, 2019 – Norris Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Norris Reservation in Norwell, Massachusetts. Norris Reservation is a 129 acre park run by the Trustees of Reservation. The Reservation includes: boardwalks, ponds, a small brook, a boathouse, and many trails. Some of the trails parallel the North River. The area is popular for walking, snow shoeing, dog walking and fishing.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Norris Reservation on a chilly February day. I recently had been reading about the wonderful parks under The Trustees of Reservation and was excited to check out the Norris Reservation, free of charge. We started off our hike along the main trail, walking past an icy-filled babbling brook, and a frozen pond. We soon veered to the right eager to follow the Gordon Pond trail, complete with boardwalks! Although occasionally you could see the road to the right, overall the trail was lovely, many boardwalks, benches, bridges, and some square stones grooming the trails. The ice was making cracking, and gurgling sounds, one feature I love in the frigid New England weather.

From the Gordon Trail we looped around on the outer loops of the various trails which followed the North River before looping back to the parking lot. The River was a bright blue framed by tan grass along the shore. We walked out to the River’s edge on several occasions checking out the ice, and water. Shadow and Wilma were enthused with this detour often rolling in the grass and engaging in energized play. Along the way we also found the beautiful boathouse. We sauntered through the house enjoying the windows with the perfectly framed scenery and the view from the front porch. Quite a lovely and unique structure along the way.

The trails were simple but the features, and water along the way made for an absolutely lovely hike. It was nice to see maps available at the entrance, and along way to guide your way. Throughout our Adventure we saw numerous dog walkers, and others out on this cold day, many stopping to chat and say hello. It was a refreshing day at this special Reservation. I do hope we will be back again (Rating: 4). (The videos are currently having difficulty downloading, so may be added at a later date).

January 26, 2019 -Borderland State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Borderland State Park in the towns of Easton and Sharon Massachusetts. Borderland State Park is a 1843 acre Park known for its history and recreation. The Park has over 20 miles of trails and is popular for hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and disk golf. It also includes the Ames Mansion built in 1910, and owned by Oakes and Blanche Ames who created a nature preserve. The State of Massachusetts later acquired the property and opened it as a state park.

We had an ice-filled Winter Adventure to the Borderland State Park. This was our second, or possibly third visit to Borderland State Park. We spent about three hours at this magnificent Park, starting at the Ames Mansion. We walked around the lovely structure checking out the unique architecture, and the landscaped property. Memories of previous visits with Buster, and my Mom flashed into my mind on a much colder and snowy day. A simple, but lovely mansion.

From there we headed to the Pond Walk Trail, map in hand. We soon arrived at the Swamp Trail, and although not quite swampy on this Winter day, there was mud filled ice along the way, and several boardwalk bridges, many plastered with ice. I was thankful to keep my balance, and to have worn my waterproof boots. We soon arrived at the Pond Edge Trail, before following various trails along the way. One of the features I love on a hike is a water view, so that often guided our turns. The trails were lovely, many parallel to the water, through the fields, and often lined by trees and boulders. We found several bridges, and even a mini-waterfall along the way. There were many dog walkers out enjoying the trailers.

Highlights on today’s Adventure included: Wilma playing and digging in the ice, Shadow rolling in the grass, lots of new smells, muddy ice, fun little bridges and of course enjoying some exercise in the great outdoors. We also enjoyed the continual water views, the Ames mansion, and the little waterfall along the way. Definitely a Park we will return to in the future, hopefully sooner then later (Rating: 4).

January 2016

Throwback Adventures – Myles Standish State Forest – Massachusetts

In March of 2015 my parents, Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to Myles Standish State Forest which is in the towns of Carver and Plymouth, Massachusetts. Myles Standish State Forest is a 26 square mile forest with sixteen ponds, and many miles of trails. It is a popular area for swimming, hiking, hunting, equestrian riding, fishing, and boating.

We had a Family filled Adventure to Myles Standish State Forest on a lovely Winter day. We were so excited to have both my parents on for this wonderful hike. We hiked along a pond trail, with numbers guiding our direction. The boys were excited to find a new trail with water views, many trees, and their amazing Grandparents by their side. My Dad was our tour guide making sure we followed the trail and did not get lost along the way. It was a special family day enjoying the great outdoors. Definitely a place we hope to explore again in the future (Rating: 4, Company: Absolutely Perfect!)

January 19, 2019 – World’s End Reservation – Massachusetts

Yesterday we Adventured to the World’s End Reservation in Hingham, Massachusetts. World’s End is a 251 acre park and conservation area preserved by the Trustees of Reservations. It is a 3.8 mile loop (with additional side trails) containing tree-lined carriage paths, views of the Boston skyline, rocky shores, and marshlands.

We had a wonderful visit to the World’s End Reservation on this “calm before the storm” kind of day. This was a place I have heard about since my return to Massachusetts and finally got a chance to explore. There was a pricey $8 fee to enter this conservation area, but not too bad when you think of the cost many pay for “entertainment”. We started our journey over the bridge, swans gliding by as they dodged chunks of ice. The ice was quite picturesque, framing a lovely scene. We headed up on the trails deciding to take the 3.8 loop around the land. It was a windy day, the trails quite vacant from visitors. The path was lined with trees, and had many benches with water views. The dogs enjoyed the new scents and an energetic walk.

On several occasions we ventured down to the shoreline, often filled with perfectly shaped ice, while on some ends no ice at all. I cannot recall seeing shapes of ice like we found in some parts, gorgeously formed shapes. Wilma especially was excited about these glacial-like features digging, chewing, and sometimes being surprised as the ice tipped her off slowly. She eagerly tried to draw Shadow into her play, but he preferred his footing on solid ground – smart boy! The sun was just right today, adding a perfect tough to the water.

On the last part of the loop we entered into a trail that appeared to be more in a marshy area. We veered off on various sode trails over to the water’s edge. There we found several rocks for Wilma to stand on while appearing to herself awe at the view. I was not able to capture this area in photographs as my phone died, reminding me of my plan to soon invest in a camera. However, overall a good collage below of the wonderful day. Definitely a park we plan to return to on a future date (Rating: 4)

Throwback Adventure – Cranberry Island – August 2015

In August 2015 Shadow, Buster, My Mom, and I Adventured to Little Cranberry Island in Maine. Little Cranberry Island is one of five island in the Town of Cranberry Isles. It is just 200 acres in size and is popular for its’ museums, gift shops, and lovely rocky shores.

We had a spontaneous Adventure to Little Cranberry Island on a summer trip to Maine. It was a foggy, warm and humid-curly hair kind of day. We purchased our boat ticket and set sail to the Island. The captain narrated the trip pointing out various landmarks, and even some seals along the way. Poor Shadow was a little stressed on the boat, however he appeared to still enjoy the view and ocean breeze. On the other hand, Buster was quite relaxed, napping below at our feet.

Upon arrival Shadow was quite relieved. He almost immediately dived in onto the grass for an energetic roll. We were instantly drawn to the flower boxes and baskets adorning the shops on the pier, and the pleasing coastal shore. We walked around finding some lobster traps, and a garden. We spent some time on the water’s edge, the boys of course enjoying some dips in the sea. Shadow, Buster and I also relaxed in the grass while Mom wandered in the shops and searched for shells along the shore. It was a short stop, but especially relaxing and peaceful. Wonderful memories of our Adventure to Little Cranberry Island (Rating: 4).

January 12, 2019 – Colt State Park – Rhode Island

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island. Colt State Park is a 464 acre Park along the Narragansett Bay. It includes: trails, playing fields, a museum, a dock for fishing, a boat launch, and an outdoor concert area.

We had a frigid Adventure to Colt State Park yesterday spending almost three hours on the trails. This was our second visit to this Park as Shadow, Buster, and I had visited in August of 2015, on a warm summer day. Yesterday was a quiet day for visitors, with a few dedicated walkers, runners, and of course our fellow dog lovers. We began our afternoon walking on a paved path that weaved through fields, and tree-filled areas. There were picnic benches throughout and views of a marsh-like areas. The trail looped around before arriving at Narragansett Bay.

We spotted the Bay ahead before arriving at a scenic bridge. After spending time exploring the shore beside the bridge, we headed across and over to the Bay side of the trail. The Bay’s shore was rock filled, many of the covered with ice. The bright blue water shimmered in the sun, while the wind adding nature’s texture. We strolled over and down the dock to check out another view before continuing along the Bay. The path eventually brought us to a rocky, shell-filled beach-like area. We spent some time exploring this area and relaxing from our steady walk. Wilma enjoyed hopping on the rocks and chewing on some sticks, while Shadow seemed quite pleased just being at the “beach”. We located a large wooden pole stating “Bristol”, causing great intrigue. A little too cold to sit and relax on this chilly day, however, lovely memories flooded my heart of a laying on the “beach” area with Shadow and Buster. A special moment on that summer day almost four years ago.

After enjoying this “beach” location we headed back to the car, the wind quite arctic on our faces. We took a slightly different route back, stopping to view a statue along the way. Poor Wilma did not appreciate this dedication, but of course added some humor to our day. It was one of those days I would probably not have ventured out if I was not motivated by the amazing Shadow and Wilma. So glad to enjoy an Adventure on this chilly winter day. I have included a collage mixed with photos from both of our trips as well as several videos below (Rating: 3).