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).

September 13, 2018 – Stage Fort Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday, Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, Massachusetts. In July 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I also visited Stage Fort Park. These types of Adventures are my favorite, the Adventure where all three of my best friends had the opportunity to explore the same location! Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed.

Stage Fort Park is a historic park in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was in 1623 that Gloucester’s first settlers set up fishing “staging” on this land. The area was fortified until the Spanish-American War. The Park includes: a gazebo, several beaches, recreational facilities, a privately owned restaurant (open seasonally), and gorgeous coastal views.

We had a lovely Adventure to Fort Stage Park. I was humored viewing photographs from our Adventure three years ago noting the similarities in both the weather, and our “hot spots”. Highlights of both Adventures included: relaxing on the beach, digging in the sand, and enjoying the spectacular coastal views. I also found myself drawn to the gigantic rock, and the unique cement stairs along the paths. We walked around the park savoring the spectacular coastal views, climbing on the boulders, and checking out the canons, and Fort area.

After exploring for a bit we headed to the beach. Wilma dipped into the water, deeper then most days, although soon becoming spooked by the waves. However, Shadow showed no fear, enjoying sitting, and dipping in to the ocean water. The beach was inspiring, and relaxing, always a peaceful oasis. On our first journey we watched the scuba divers, while on yesterday’s Adventure there was a low flying helicopter exercise on display. The park overall was simple, but had spectacular rocky coastal scenery, and some unique features that we thoroughly enjoyed (Rating: 3).

September 13, 2018

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July 25, 2015

September 13, 2018 – Sawyer Pond Covered Bridge – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I attempted an Adventure to the Sawyer Pond Covered Bridge in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The Sawyer Pond Covered Bridge was built within the last twenty five years and is just forty three feet in length.

I debated posting on our Adventure today, as we technically never made it to the Bridge. We drove back and forth on Magnolia Road before I finally located the Bridge out of the corner of my eye. The Bridge was on the land of a private residential home. The home was located on a busy street, so snapping a photograph from the car was not even an option. I did not know that it was located on private property, so was very disappointed. Even Shadow and Wilma seemed eager, and then confused, as I drove back and forth searching for the Bridge, never arriving for our Adventure. So my advise to you today is, do Not Adventure to the Sawyer Pond Covered Bridge, as you will NEVER arrive (Rating: 1)

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Throwback Adventure – Cedar Key Island – October 2011

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 2011 Shadow, Buster, and I went to Cedar Key, Florida. Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed. As you may know if you follow my blog, I lived in Tampa, Florida for eleven years, Shadow for four, Buster for three, and Wilma zero as she was not yet born. Shadow, Buster, and I had wonderful tropical Adventures while residing in Florida.

Cedar Key is an island city in the Gulf Coast of Florida. It sits three miles off the Gulf of Mexico and is accessible by car. Cedar Key Island is popular for artists, and naturalists. It is a tranquil location with only approximately 800 full-time residents.

We had an absolutely amazing Adventure to Cedar Key Island. One of my challenges with my “Throwback Adventure(s)” is my detailed and descriptive memories of the experience. However, I remember having a perfect get-away with my boys. We stayed in a super dog-friendly hotel, even providing us gifts for the dogs. The hotel was right near the beach, allowing lots of time to explore, and enjoy the evening sunset. It felt like we were able to explore the entire Island on foot. There were beautiful beaches for digging, and relaxing, dog friendly restaurants, colorful kayaks, boardwalks, and endless shells. We explored, and explored trying not to miss a single spot. I have very found memories of this vacation and will always treasure it fondly. (Rating: 5)

September 6, 2018 – Kimball Farm – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I went to Kimball’s Farm in Westford, Massachusetts. We have been to Kimball Farm many times over the years.
Kimball’s Farm began as a dairy farm in 1908, with the Kimball family selling milk whole sale. In 1939 they opened an ice cream parlor, and began making handmade ice cream. Kimball Farm has grown over the years, and now has three additional locations. The Kimball Farm continues to be family owned, and has expanded to sell food, and provide entertainment, including: a zip line, a golf course, a driving range, bumper boats, volleyball courts, a country store, and a seafood and grill shack.

I was excited to FINALLY head to Kimball’s for our first visit of the season. We were lucky to find a moment when the lines were short, and although a cloudy, dark day, the weather was just right. I ordered my favorite peppermint stick, and of course two plates of dogilicious ice cream. The pups guided us to our seats, and we quickly devoured our tasty ice cream. It is always a memorable experience being at Kimball’s as it was a place we frequented, growing up locally. Almost a little too crowded nowadays, but we still visit once or twice a year, and treasure many wonderful memories with family and friends. It is really unbelievable how it has grown, even a declared tourist attraction in the area.

After finishing up our ice cream, we decided to walk around to check on the latest additions to this marvelous family dynasty. Definitely an Adventure strolling by the goats as Wilma squealed, and barked, even standing on her back paws to catch a glimpse. We carefully made it past and on to the path beyond. We peaked around a bit before heading back to the car. Always a lovely, and tasty Adventure at Kimball’s Farm (Rating: 5, dog ice cream: 4).

PS – I could not resist including our Buster in the midst of today’s photographs. He had special times at Kimball’s too! We sure do miss him!

Throwback Adventure – Fort Williams Park – July 2017

In July 2017 Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I visited Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Fort Williams Park is a 90 acres Park located in the Casco Bay. It includes: the Portland Head Lighthouse and museum, beautiful coastal views, and historic ruins. It was formerly a United States Army Fort, but in 1979 became designated as Fort Williams State Park.

We had a short, yet wonderful visit to Fort Williams State Park. It was especially exciting as it was Wilma’s first trip to Maine! We started our journey with the Portland Head Lighthouse, a beautiful lighthouse, providing a close-up, and personal view. We spent some time near the lighthouse, taking in the moments, and the gorgeous scenery. We then were elated to see a sign for Gelatos, but yet soon disappointed that it was closed. Oh well, we were on to the magnificent coastal views, so no complaining here! There were splendid wild flowers and benches along the trails, a peaceful oasis. Definitely not lacking stunning scenery for some photographs.

From there we headed to the ruins. I do not believe I captured all the areas in photographs, but snapped some quick one of Goddard Mansion, on the hill above. It was beginning to get dark, but I did my best to capture this incredible mansion ruins. A new Adventure for Shadow, and the beginning of Wilma’s many adventures to come (Rating: 4).

September 2, 2018 – Dimitri’s Pizza – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I visited Dimitri’s Pizza in Contoocook, New Hampshire. Dimitri’s is a family owned restaurant with a casual dining experience, and outdoor seating along the Contoocook River. They have a variety of menu items, including: pizza and home made ice cream.

We were not planning on ice cream today, but why not eat some ice cream at a beautiful riverfront location. We found Dimitri’s after our Adventure to the Contoocook Railroad Bridge, located directly next door to the Bridge. The place was bopping, with many pizza pick-ups coming and out. There was an outdoor window and quick service for ordering. I am always humored at how Shadow and Wilma anticipate the ice cream from the counter. I of course ordered them each a dog ice creams, and mint chocolate chip for myself. We then headed to the riverfront seating to enjoy our tasty ice cream. Other guests to Dimitri’s were quite entertained viewing Shadow and enjoy their ice cream, lick by lick. It the perfect opportunity to celebrate the end of our weekend of Adventures (Rating: 3, Dog Ice Cream: 4)