Dog friendly hikes and exploring, mostly around New England. Our Adventures includes: waterfalls, the beach, conservation land, lighthouses, state parks, the woods, the mountains, statues, and castles.
Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I visited the Contoocook Railroad Bridge in Contoocook, New Hampshire. The Contoocook Railroad Bridge was built in 1889 and is the oldest existing railroad bridge in the United States. It traverses the Contoocook River, and is open for foot traffic.
We were excited to find an Adventure to yet another New England Covered Bridge. Parking was available at the Bridge, allowing us to walk right over and through this marvelous structure. The Bridge was a stunning brown color, and although dull from the front and back, a surperb and majestic view from the sides. It was difficult to photograph the Bridge from the distance as it was immediately parallel to another. We did our best, and enjoyed looping around the other Bridge, adorned with beautiful flower boxes. After exploring all angles we did find a little trail down to the water’s edge. Although very muddy, and littered it allowed us to exhaust all attempts for a photograph.
It is a fun to find an Adventure that adds a piece of history to our journey. A one of a kind Bridge, only in our New England. We were pleased to explore the Contoocook Railroad Bridge (Rating: 4).
Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Littleton, New Hampshire. This was my third visit to Littleton, New Hampshire (having been there with Shadow, Buster, and My Mom, and also with Shadow, Wilma, and My Mom). Littleton is on the northern side of the White Mountains. It is well known for the shopping district, historic buildings, the art scene, and the Riverwalk, (which highlights the Riverwalk Covered Bridge). Littleton is a popular area for tourists, and has even been voted one of the best towns in the USA.
On our first two trips to Littleton we mostly spent our visit on the Riverwalk, and exploring the Riverwalk Covered Bridge. The first journey was quite a rainy day adding great stories to our Adventure. We found a little restaurant along the water providing us some cover from the rain, hot drinks, and of course the perfect scenery for some photography. Our second trip was a bit drier, yet cooler. On this journey we especially enjoyed some photography along the rocks. It was also a great location for our afternoon picnic. Both visits came with stunning Fall foliage!
On our most recent trip, just yesterday, Shadow, Wilma, and I attempted to explore various features of the town, including: the downtown shops, the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, and the Pollyana statue. Our first stop was the Pollyana statue of which I had read about and was therefore very excited to see this landmark. A fun statue, bringing smiles to the faces of visitors. We quickly noted the “Polyanna theme” was plastered around town with paintings on the crosswalk stating “stop look wave”, and banners throughout stating “The GLAD town”. This theme definitely provided an inviting and positive vibe for the community, and its’ visitors.
From there we strolled around the shopping areas. We were soon greeted by a store owner providing treats, and water, and letting us know the shop was “dog friendly”. There were numerous piano’s along the streets, again adding a theme of harmony and cheer. We also viewed numerous, beautiful flower arrangements along the shops, and roads adding a colorful touch to the area.
Our last official stop on this trip was a walk along the Ammonoosuc River, and the Riverwalk Covered Bridge. We savored a nice long walk through this gorgeous, and scenic Bridge. Although soon into the Bridge poor Shadow became nervous, but he made it through victoriously! Relieved to be on solid ground, he quickly forgot all his worries with a dip in the River. The dogs enjoyed exploring the rocks on the River, while I snapped numerous photos. After were finished at the River we decided to take a longer loop back. This provided a picturesque view of the Bridge, from afar. Definitely a beautiful Summer day to be out exploring the town of Littleton (Rating: 4, Bridge: 5).
PS – Don’t you worry we did find ourselves some afternoon ice cream!
Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Groveton Covered Bridge in Northumberland, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1852 by Captain Charles Richardson and his son. It traverses the Upper Ammonoosuc River.
We were happy to start the first day of September with a journey to a new covered bridge. The day was a bit cloudy, and gratefully cooler then recent days. We found the Groveton Covered Bridge just off the main road, with parking nearby. The bridge was white in color. The paint was pealing off, revealing a run-down landmark. However we were to pleased to see it stable for foot traffic, and open for exploring. We took a walk down the sides of the rivers taking photographs, and then looped far around to get a distant view. There were many wild flowers in the area, adding some bright color. We studied the architecture as we strolled through the Bridge, careful not to be run down by the constant ATV activity. After we had an opportunity to capture all available angles we decided to sit and the grass to savor the experience. A fun start to our day of Adventures in New Hampshire (Rating: 3).
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.
On September 8, 2013 Shadow, Buster, and I visited the Cranberry Bog in Carlisle, Massachusetts. Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed. The Cranberry Bog is also partially located in Chelmsford. The towns bought the property in 1986. It is now used for conservation and recreation purposes. The Carlisle section of the land includes 40 acres of a working Cranberry Bog. The property has wooded uplands, and wetlands with several ponds. There are trails throughout the property.
I was excited to visit this unique location. Who would think a Cranberry Bog would be a dog-friendly, and an off-leash hot-spot. We enjoyed explored the trails, viewing the Bog, and taking in the colorful landscape. Shadow and Buster enjoyed swimming in the ponds, a great option to cool down on a warm Fall day. We saw several other people and dogs throughout, but found the park to be quiet, and peaceful. One of my favorite photographs of Shadow and Buster came on this day, both posing at this scenic spot. We had a fun time exploring the Cranberry Blog (Rating: 4)
Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I visited Moose State Park in Gorham, New Hampshire. Moose State Park is located in the White Mountains, occupying approximately 755 square acres of land. It houses the Peabody and Moose Rivers, which feed the warming pond, and swimming area in the Park. Moose State Park is a popular location for biking, camping, and fishing.
We were excited to have my Mom join us as we embarked on our Adventure to Moose State Park. We began our visit on the Perkins Path trail. This loop circled through the forest, at times paralleling the Rivers. We savored the little details along the path. There was a cave-like formation atop a huge bolder, gigantic circular rocks, and colorful mushrooms along the way. Midway on the loop we located a wooden bridge crossing over the River. Definitely an ideal location for some photographs, and videos. After finishing at the bridge we continued on the trail taking in the moments,on this beautiful day.
Upon completing the loop we walked a little further finding the camping areas, some modern bridges, and the “warming pool”. Shadow enjoyed a swim in this “pool”, while Wilma rolled around in the grass. It was nice to see some additional features of this park.
The main highlight of our afternoon was finding some fun rocks along the River to rest on, dip our feet, and relax. The River was frigid, numbing our feet, yet adding the perfect therapy to our soles. We enjoyed each others company, while taking in the sounds of the River. Shadow took a dip in the River, while Wilma found some chewing sticks. Some attempted selfies, and laughs, as memories were formed. And although Moose State Park quite simple, we savored our time at Moose State Park. (Rating: 3, Company: Exemplary!)
Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I visited the Sulphite Bridge in Franklin, New Hampshire. The Sulphite Bridge is also referred to by locals as the “Upside-Down” Covered Bridge. It is a railroad bridge that was built back in 1896. The railroad line carried sulfur for the mills, giving it the name of “Sulphite”. The Bridge survived a fire in 1980, and is no long a working Bridge.
Upon our arrival to this Bridge I realized that Buster, Shadow, and I had stopped at this location in the past. (If I do find these photographs I will add it to my blog). I was disappointed to discover this, especially recalling that it was far from scenic, nor picturesque. However, we were happy to stretch our feet, and take in the sounds and sites. The Winnipesaukee River Trail appeared to begin right at the base Bridge, providing us a great excuse for a walk. There were lots of small wildflowers along the paved trail, and the sound of the Winnipesaukee River could be heard singing below.
Overall we found it was difficult to get great photographs of the Bridge, however we did our best. Before leaving we climbed a short hill to take some photographs from atop the Bridge. This provided us the true visual of the “Upside-Down” as the railroad tracks were on the very top. A good view to end our Adventure at the Sulphite Bridge (Rating: 2, Company – Perfection!)
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.
I finally will be adding a “Florida” section to my blog. Posting these adventures is long overdue as I lived in Tampa, Florida for eleven years, before relocating back to my home state of Massachusetts. We had many wonderful adventures throughout the state of Florida, and I am elated to share these Throwback Adventures on my blog.
On July 4, 2011 Shadow, Buster, our friend Rhonda, and I journeyed to Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey, Florida. This Park is a Florida State Park, which opened to visitors back in 1873. It is popular for wildlife viewing, and recreational activities, including: hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, and fishing. It is located on the South Creek, along the Southwest Coast of Florida.
We decided to celebrate July 4th with an Adventure to a new local Park. We were so happy to have our dear friend Rhonda join us on this holiday adventure. It is rare to find such a kind, genuine, and dedicated friend, and we are lucky to find such a gem of a friend with Rhonda. We sauntered along the trails, enjoying the water views, and stopped to rest on benches along the way. As many of my posts and adventures have been in New England, you will notice the unique Florida landscape, highlighted with beautiful Palm Trees and Ferns. It was wonderful residing in Florida, with such varied landscape from the Northeast. Although my Throwback blog makes it hard for me to remember particular details, I remember enjoying our trip to this Park. We are looking forward to our friend Rhonda joining us for a future Adventure. We sure do miss her!
Today, Shadow and I visited Rocky Roads Ice Cream Parlor in Marshfield, Massachusetts, Part II of our afternoon of Adventures. This was a rare, and unique journey as Wilma spent the day with her puppy friends, while Shadow and I ventured on today’s Adventure. As those of you who follow my blog already know, I am recovering from surgery, and I felt this was a good first step back into our Adventure. Shadow is super well-behaved, and extra calm, while Wilma has constant energy and unexpected wild moments. While I love every moment of Wilma’s entertaining energy, I decided to jump back into our Adventures with my Shadow
Rocky Roads Ice Cream Parlor has 26 flavors of ice cream, including soft serve and slush. This appears to be a new ice cream shop in the area.
If you have followed our blog you know that we cannot turn down some tasty ice cream on a summer day. Shadow waited eagerly while they prepared his soft serve, and I then decided to order coffee ice cream with whip cream. Shadow gobbled his up quickly, while I savored every bite. A super delicious treat to wrap up our wonderful Adventure in Marshfield, Massachusetts (Rating: 4).
Today Shadow and I journeyed to Rexhame Beach in Marshfield, Massachusetts. This was a rare, and unique journey as Wilma spent the day with her puppy friends, while Shadow and I ventured on today’s Adventure. As those of you who follow my blog already know, I am recovering from surgery, and I felt this was a good first step back into our Adventure. Shadow is super well-behaved, and extra calm, while Wilma has constant energy and unexpected wild moments. While I love every moment of Wilma’s entertaining energy, I decided to jump back into our Adventures with my Shadow
Rexhame Beach is on the South Shore of Massachusetts. It is one of the few coastal New England beaches that permit dogs all year around. There are also trails nearby, included along the South River. A fee is required to park during the Summer months.
We had a wonderful, relaxing, and uplifting Adventure to the Rexhame Beach. It was so nice to be out exploring again, and spending a summer afternoon at the Beach. I was stunned on arrival to see the parking lot was predominantly empty. Although it was a cloudy, cooler day, it was a pleasant surprise to find such a quiet location. We walked through the fence near the dunes before arriving on the Beach. The Beach was covered with colorful round rocks, adding texture and color to the sand. The waves were medium in size, but roaring, and current- driven. Shadow appeared uneasy with the waves, but we waded a bit before finding our perfect sandy spot on the beach. Shadow quickly enjoying rolling in the sand, digging, and some extra-relaxed napping. We spent time, taking in the sounds and sites, letting the worries of life fade away. The peace of a tranquil beach setting cannot be underestimated. Pure perfection!
After spending some time at the Beach we found a trail leading over to the “River”. We were told about the “River” by a fellow dog lover, and were awed by this unique feature. Shadow quickly jogged to the River, heading in for an immediate swim. We met some other dogs enjoying romping off-leash. There were benches along the trail, and some colorful flowers. Although nothing fancy, I really loved this find, and I think Shadow too.
We were so happy to have a wonderful adventure, and find a dog friendly beach. So glad to be headed back to our life of Adventures. We missed the company of our little Wilma Mae but we still had a fabulous afternoon exploring Rexhhame Beach, and the nearby trails (Rating: Beach – 3, Experience – 5).
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 July 2016 Shadow, Buster and I visited the Old Scituate Lighthouse, while in November 2017 Shadow, Wilma and I returned to visit the Old Scituate Lighthouse in Scituate, Massachusetts. The Old Scituate Lighthouse is also referred to as Scituate Light. It is a historic lighthouse which was built in 1811, later being purchased by the town of Scituate. It is located at Cedar Point in Scituate Harbor, and as expected is a popular location for painters.
We have enjoyed our trips to the Old Scituate Lighthouse. It is a special location, which allows a close-up view of a coastal New England Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is located directly on the shore, enabling visitors to go down to the water’s edge. It is gorgeous, and picturesque, providing a genuine New England experience. I loved our first visit to the Lighthouse, so decided to take some holiday photographs for our most recent holiday card. Therefore you may have a giggle or two as you view some humorous photographs, of course along with a fabulous landmark. I highly recommend a visit to this spectacular lighthouse in Scituate (Rating: 5).
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 