October 9, 2018 – Drew Farms – Massachusetts

Tonight Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Drew Farms in Westford, Massachusetts. Drew Farm is a family owned and operated business that specializes in apple picking, and family activities. They have a small farm stand, mostly made up of pumpkins, apple bags, and mums. Apple cider and cider donuts are available on weekends.

We had a delicious Adventure to Drew Farms. It always makes me smile when I find a dog-friendly activity, that is not always known to be dog-friendly. It was exciting to finally go apple picking, a MUST in the New England Fall. I bought my bag for apples and we began up the hill to the apple orchards. We picked some apples and headed around, finding a little pumpkin patch, and straw-seat area for some scenic Fall photographs. Sauntering up and down the rows of apples we searched for the perfect pick, colorful apples covering the ground. There were some benches under a beautiful Fall tree, some colorful flower buds, and many apples to choose from. I think this was the first time Shadow and Wilma had been on an apple picking Adventure, creating quite the special memory on this evening. Looking forward to soon cooking some apple filled treats (Rating: 4).

October 8, 2018 – The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, in the area of Boston, Massachusetts. The Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872, and encompasses 281 acres of land. The Arboretum maintains a record system of which all plants on the ground are tracked, while research is ongoing. The Arboretum is free and open to the public, offering outreach enrichment to people of all ages.

We had a splendid Adventure to the Arnold Arboretum. So fun to find a local Arboretum that both allows and welcomes dogs. We spent about three hours exploring the trails, paths, and roads throughout the park. The gates were closed to cars, which was a huge plus. We begin our journey heading toward the Fog x Hill, containing a “fog sculpture” made up of pure water vapor. Little did I know at the time that this was a man made feature, so quite magical at fog appeared to have taken over the trail. I tried to capture this on film, but we arrived close to the location when the fog was almost dispersed. Still a fun and unique “show” that captivated our attention.

Next we headed toward the Leventritt Shrub and Vine Garden, walking along a trail through the woods, along a scenic wooden fence. On arrival to this Garden the area opened up and we headed toward the Garden. Our ear was drawn to peaceful Asian music and the dance of two performing their cultural art. The music was relaxing, calm, and appealing to the ear. We watched the couple perform for a bit, snapped a quick video and headed on through the scenic garden. Most of the flowers were past their bloom, but I was able to catch a couple beautiful buds on film.

After leaving the Shrub and Vine Garden we traversed various trails and areas throughout the park, including: the beautiful Conifer trail, The Bradley Rosaceous Collection, the ponds, and many additional pathways. Although it was definitely off season for this beautiful park, there were still gorgeous scenery throughout. Most of the time you could not even tell you were in the city, instead feeling one with nature. We definitely will have to come back to the Arnold Arboretum in the high season seasons of bloom. So glad we were able to enjoy the Arnold Arboretum today (Rating: 4).

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October 6, 2018 – Fort William Henry – New York

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Parents, and I visited Fort William Henry in Lake George, New York. Fort William Henry was a Fort of the British during the French and Indian War. It was built in 1775. Fort William Henry is known for the French siege in 1757 where the British were massacred by the Huron Tribe after be allowed to withdraw. The French later destroyed the Fort in 1757 after a successful siege. A replica was built for the filming site of the “Last of the Mohicans”, and is now a popular tourist attraction in the area.

We had a very brief Adventure to Fort William Henry. It was a dark and gloomy, yet nice and cool Fall day at Fort William Henry. We began walking onto the Fort ground passing “soldiers” shooting off muskets. Parallel to these gentleman were historic camp scenes plastered with authentic costumes and colonial activities. We proceeded through the grounds and over to the water view with beautiful mountains surrounded Lake George. However it was then that canon demonstrations began from within the Fort. Although surprisingly Shadow did not seem too bothered, that soon ceased, and we headed away from the area to relax, before heading out. I am not sure if dogs would have been allowed into the actual Fort, but not sure if we would have been tempted by the sizable entrance fee. So a short visit, but glad to see some of the Fort ground before heading off on our next Adventure (Rating: 3).

Quite Relieved to be Back in the Car, my sweet Shadow!

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October 5, 2018 – Silk Road Covered Bridge – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Silk Road Covered Bridge in Bennington, Vermont. The Silk Road Covered Bridge was built in 1840 by Benjamin Sears. It crosses the Wallroomsac River, and is approximately 88 feet long. It is one of three covered bridges that crosses the Wallroomsac River.

We had a fun time Adventuring to all three covered bridges in Bennington, Vermont. I debated blogging them all together, especially as they look so similar, however decided to blog them separately. The Silk Road Covered Bridge was our first bridge stop of today. It is the smallest of the three bridges. We pulled along the bridge, with many other tourists, all snapping photographs side-by-side. Cars were flying through the bridge, making it dangerous to get too close, or under the bridge. We loved the bright red color. We were able to sneak along the side, and get a couple photos. Poor Shadow is not yet allowed to swim post-surgery, so we did not get too close to the River. However we still enjoyed our visit on this beautiful fall day (Rating: 3).

October 5, 2018 – Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins – New Hampshire

Today we went to Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. The Madame Sherri Castle Ruins are located in the Madame Sherri Forest. This Castle was built by Madame Sherri. Madame Sherri and her husband Andre were involved in show business, including: dancing, musicals, and costume designing. They were originally from France, but moved to New York. They started their own business and were very successful. After Andre passed away Madame Sherri bought some land in Chesterfield, where she built her Castle. This was her party house, as she actually lived across the street in a smaller bode. The Castle burnt to the ground in 1962. Madame Sherri later passed away in 1965.

We had a mystical Adventure to the Madame Sherri’s Castle ruins. Another Adventure I was thankful for researching ahead of time, as there were no clear signs to the location. However upon arrival we did see the sign for Madame Sherri Forest. I decided to dress Shadow and Wilma in bright orange, as I read that hunters were free to roam the Forest. They did not seem to mind, and we then headed on our journey. We crossed the bridge across a little brook, and headed to the ruins. A little more spectators then I preferred, however, we took turns with the many visitors taking photographs. We wandered around and through the ruins, especially enjoying the stairs up into the sky. There were arches, columns and beautiful stones framing which clearly was a fascinating castle. We spent our time in the area, trying not to miss a piece of the ruin.

After enjoying the ruins we spent some time wandering the trails. The trails were not well marked, but we made sure to get some exercise while in the Forest. The beginning of Fall was clear, with beautiful yellow leaves along the trail. This was Shadow’s first Adventure since surgery, making it an even more joyous Adventure (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Sabbaday Falls – October 2014 and July 2017

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.

In October 2014 Shadow, Buster, my Mom and I Adventured to Sabbaday Falls, while in July 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Sabbaday Falls. Sabbaday Falls is a popular waterfall located in Waterfall Valley, along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. There is a short, handicapped accessible travel trail to Sabbaday Falls. Sabbaday Falls is an approximate thirty five to forty five foot drop, ending in a Gorge-like area. The waterfall is made up of a series of cascades.

We had a lovely Adventure to Sabbaday Falls on both of our trips. Our first trip it was quite the chilly fall day, while the second trip was a warm summer afternoon. Sabbaday Falls is highly scenic with rustic railings, bridges, and steps along the falls. There are benches and picnic tables in the area, allowing time to relax and cherish the views. We even enjoyed a picnic on our first journey, while Buster and Shadow played-away. Although Sabbaday Falls can be touristy at some times of years, it is well worth the visit to this spectacular waterfall. As with many of our Adventures it was hard to capture the beauty of the Falls in photographs. Definitely a stop we plan to visit again in the future (Rating: 5).

July 2017

October 2014

September 20, 2018 – Mine Falls Park – New Hampshire

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Mine Falls Park in Nashua, New Hampshire. We decided to go on a local Adventure while waiting for Shadow to be done with his day in the hospital, for surgery (see previous blog). So a nice distraction, but yet still somewhat worrisome waiting for a surgery update. However, Shadow and Buster, and I had been to Mine Falls Park numerous times in the past, so I felt a tiny bit better knowing Shadow was not missing out on a new Adventure.

Mine Falls Park is a 325 acre park in the city of Nashua, New Hampshire. The name of the park came from the 1700s when low quality lead was told to have been mined from the island below the Falls. Workers actually dug the canal to drive the industry. The Master Plan of the Mine Falls Park was created in 1974, and the Park grew from there. The Park consists of wetlands, trails, and fields. It is bordered by the Nashua River and Mill Pond.

Wilma and I enjoyed our visit to Mine Falls Park, somewhat deflecting our worry from Shadow. The Park has a unique feel with trails along the canals, and several lovely bridges to cross. We looped around the canal, before heading to the lower trail along the River. Wilma seemed quite thrilled to be on a new Adventure sniffing everything in site. It was exciting to see very small signs of Fall on the leaves, and the lovely wild flowers along the trail. We traversed a smaller trail along the River, and found a city marked rock along the way. Mine Falls Park is a simple park, but yet lovely in its own way. It brought back wonderful memories of visits with Shadow and Buster, who unlike Wilma, enjoyed dips in the water. However, Wilma, had no complaints about her feet being on dry land. Definitely glad to go on a local Adventure with my little lady, but we sure did miss our Shadow (Rating: 3).

September 2018

August 2015 (One of my many Adventures with Shadow and Buster to Mine Falls Park)

News – Shadow’s Surgery

So today was a tough day for Shadow, and Wilma as I, as Shadow had surgery to remove a tumor on his leg. Although I did not prefer for him to have surgery, the procedure was reasonably simple (yet still serious surgery), and necessary to provide continued functioning and the health of his leg. We are expecting to return to our Adventures in a couple weeks, as Shadow will need to rest before returning to our active lifestyle. Shadow is so brave, and strong. I often refer to as my gentle giant. The anticipation, and surgery day was tough, but the surgery went well, and we are on to recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts, and wish us luck with our wild little Wilma as we change our lifestyle to one of rest! We will be back!

Throwback Adventure – Comstock Covered Bridge – August 2017

In August 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Comstock Covered Bridge in East Hampton, Connecticut. The Comstock Covered Bridge was built in 1840, and is approximately eighty feet in length. It crosses the Salmon River. The Comstock River Bridge is one of only three historical covered bridges in Connecticut. It is open to pedestrian traffic only.

We had a lovely Adventure to the Comstock Covered Bridge. We were especially enthused as it was the first day that Wilma had Adventured to Connecticut! We found parking near the Bridge, and began exploring the area. The Comstock Covered Bridge is on the edge of the Salmon River State Park. (We only briefly explored the park, so I will not blog about the Park specifically.) Our journey began on and through the bridge as we walked back and forth, enjoying the views of the River and the Truss architecture of the Bridge. From there we headed down to the sandy shore to view the Bridge from the side. Shadow and Wilma posed as though they were in awe of the Bridge, and of course I attempted some family selfies.

We then followed the trail along the River for a bit, stopping for some Shadow swims. We quickly found a path down the River edge to hop along the rocks and to sit, relax, taking in the scenery. The area was overall quiet, with a few visitors here and there. We enjoyed our journey to the Comstock Covered Bridge, and may return in the future to thoroughly explore the Salmon River State Park (Rating: 3).

September 13, 2018 -White Farms Homemade Ice Cream – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to White Farms Homemade Ice Cream in Gloucester, Massachusetts. White Farms Homemade Ice Cream just recently opened in April of 2018.

We had a delicious Adventure to the White Farms Homemade Ice Cream stand. I was hardly up the steps to the window when the employee asked if the dogs could have some ice cream. Of course I agreed, and Shadow and Wilma quickly gobbled up their ice cream as we both watched the adorable licks.

The menu was unique with flavors grouped by colors. I was anticipating ice cream, but decided to order an orange sherbert shake, as there were no seating opportunities for guests. The perfect to-go treat that I savored on our drive home, just delicious (Rating: dog ice cream: 4, Shake: 4, Location: 3).