Throwback Adventure – August 2015 – Cadillac Mountain

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 August 2015 Shadow, Buster, My Mom, and I visited Cadillac Mountain in Desert Island, located in Acadia National Park in Maine. Cadillac Mountain is at an elevation of 1530 feet, making it the highest point along the North Atlantic Seaboard.

We had had a mystical, magical, and quite an unexpected visit to Cadillac Mountain. Although Cadillac Mountain is known for sweeping, breathtaking views, our journey began on a fog filled day, leaving no view at all. The fog was mystical, and caused us to be drenched by the end of our visit. This did not cause a damper in our visit as it wonderful and unique visit, which left us with smiles, and precious memories. So as you see the photographs do not do this spot justice, they hold a special place in our hearts. The adventure was highly magical, and we do hope to visit on a sunny, and clear day in the future (Rating; 4)

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August 5, 2018 – Bump Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited the Bump Bridge in Campton, New Hampshire. The Bump Bridge was originally built in 1877, before being rebuilt in 1972. It crosses the Beebe River.

We had a short adventure to the Bump Bridge, after a busy weekend of adventures and fun. The Bridge provided one car traffic,and allowed minimal visibility to drivers. Therefore we took several jogs through the Bridge, but did not linger inside. We ambled down the road a bit, attempting to find a photograph from the River. Finally we were able to locate a trail to the River, which definitely was appreciated. Shadow sat in the water, while Wilma provided some good entertainment with a bark and growl at her adorable reflection. The Bridge was very simple, but yet we were excited to cross of yet another Bridge from our White Mountain adventures (Rating: 3).

August 4, 2018 – Honeymoon Bridge – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I journeyed to the Honeymoon Bridge in Jackson, New Hampshire. The Honeymoon Bridge is a wooden bridge that was built in 1876, (while the sidewalk was added at a later date). It spans the Ellis River. The Honeymoon Bridge obtained its’ name from the tradition of lovers kissing under the bridge, in hopes of bringing on good luck.

Shadow, Buster, My Mom, and I had visited this Bridge previously, but unfortunately I was not able to locate the photographs from that trip (if I find them at a later date I will edit my blog with those additional photographs.).

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I had a very soggy adventure to the Honeymoon Bridge. The rainy weather scared away most of the visitors which gave us the opportunity to explore without distractions. We parked at the nearby gift shop, and walked over to the bridge. Although I was glad to see the sidewalk on the Bridge, both Shadow and Wilma were a little thrown by the zooming of cars shaking the Bridge. However, with some encouraging we all made it through. After traversing the Bridge we posed on the opposite side, and attempted some additional photographs. Shadow enjoyed some rolling around in the grass, and a quick nap, which always brings a smile to my face. We enjoyed our visit to the Honeymoon Bridge, even on this dreary, rain filled day (Rating: 3).

August 3, 2018 – New Hampshire – Squam Bridge

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited the Squam Bridge in Ashland, New Hampshire. The Squam Bridge was built in 1990, funded mostly by individuals, companies, and benefit events, while just partly funded by the town of Ashland. The Bridge spans the Squam River as it flows from the Little Squam Lake.

We enjoyed our trip to the Squam Bridge on this hot and humid day. This was my second time visiting the bridge as Shadow, Buster, my Mom, and I had visited one time previously. The Bridge was located on a quiet road, allowing minimal traffic. Upon arrival we parked in the adjacent parking lot, and sauntered over to, and across the Bridge. We walked through the sidewalk on the side of the Bridge, always a picturesque feature. After crossing the bridge we found a boat launch, perfect for a dog friendly swim, and some unique side-angle photography. We spent some time relaxing in the area before heading back through the Bridge. After finishing at the Bridge we wandered around the area, including checking out a nearby marina. It was definitely a warm day, so we kept our visit short, before heading off to our next adventure (Rating: 3).

August 3, 2018

October 2016

July 28, 2018 – New Hampshire – Thorne Pond

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Thorne Pond in Bartlett, New Hampshire. Thorne Pond is a conservation trail, approximately one mile in the length. The trail circles the Pond, however, has side trails that lead to the Saco River.

We were excited to find Thorne Pond, as although I was not planning a visit on this particular day, we could not resist a new adventure. Thorne Pond is a simple trail, adorned with beautiful wild flowers, and mountain views. We began following the trail, locating paths down to the Pond along trail. I was ecstatic to find some hidden trails on the far side of the pond that led over to the Saco River. Although I guess not technically hidden, I did not realize that River views would also be included in this summer day adventure. We journeyed down the River edge for a bit before turning around and heading back to the Pond. We saw some other visitors, including some fishermen along the River’s edge, however did not find the location to be highly populated. We left feeling content, and relaxed from our time at Thorne Pond (Rating: 3).

April 7, 2018 – Massachusetts – Nantasket Beach

On April 7, 2018 Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts. Nantasket Beach is part of the Nantasket Beach Reservation, and is a popular location for summer beach-goers.

I often plan my coastal beach adventures in the off-season, when many are dog friendly, and devoid from excessive visitors. This day of our adventure to Nantasket Beach was extra special, as Shadow had recently recovered from surgery. It was a gorgeous spring day, with a refreshing breeze. The Beach was beautiful, sand to perfection, while covered with perfectly rounded, and colorful rocks. We strolled around, while Shadow and Wilma stopped to smell, and inspect all objects in our path. They enjoyed some time playing together, which always melts my heart. My only disappointment in this beach was being located so close to the road, and parking lot. I guess that can be a common feature, but yet I prefer beaches that are completely away from the hustle of life. However, we had a wonderful time exploring Nantasket Beach (Rating: 4)

July 14, 2018 – New Hampshire – Ammonoosuc Lake Trail and the Red Bench Trail

Yesterday we went for a hike on the Ammonoosuc Lake Trail (officially referred to as the Around-The-Lake Trail) and the Red Bench trail in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. These trails begin behind the AMC Highland Center on Route 302. The Ammonoosuc Lake trail is a less then two mile hike that goes around the Ammonoosuc Lake, and at mid-point you can choose to branch onto the Red Bench Trail. The Ammonoosuc Lake is small, approximately two acres in size, and has views of the mountains from the shore.

It was a little dreary, and cool on this summer day, but we were quite pleased to not get caught in a downpour. This is a trail I attempted to find before, but never was able to locate it. However, I decided to email the AMC Highland Center, who quickly responded, allowing me to easily locate the trail. I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous trail. Although close to society with an occasional sound of traffic, it really provided a remote feel. There were several areas where Shadow could swim, and we were able to view picturesque views of the mountains. The trail ran slightly above the Lake in most sections. It was maintained well, and perfectly gorgeous. We traversed the loop twice, and on the second round decided to check out the Red Bench trail. We followed this trail uphill for a bit, crossing the railroad tracks, before finding an actual Red Bench at the little overlook. I was disappointed not to see a view (likely from the lush summer landscape), however was quite pleased and surprised to find a real Red Bench. Quite an amusing and exclusive aspect to this trail.

I am guessing this is not a well known trail as our first loop we had the entire Lake to ourselves. On the second lap we saw a young family, and also what appeared to be an AMC guided tour for families and their pre-school children. Definitely a hike that is perfect for young children, and of course others who enjoy a charming, and scenic walk. I expect to be back at this trail again in the future. (Rating: 4)

July 13, 2018 – New Hampshire – Frosty Scoops

Yesterday we made a stop at Frosty Scoops in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Frosty Scoops is an adorable little ice cream stand on Main Street that sells homemade ice cream. They are connected to the Common Man Inn and Spa, a well known Inn, Spa and restaurant in the area.

We were very happy to find an ice cream shop with a window to get a treat to cool down on a nice warm day. I was pleased, and surprised to see the dog ice cream was free, and although just a tiny little scoop, Shadow and Wilma sure did not complain. I myself decided to order a frappe. We then found a nice corner, shaded area to sit, sip, and devour. The set-up for this outdoor area was perfect, with fun music blasting, a sandbox for the kids to play, picnic tables, outdoor games, and benches for guests. There was even a retro truck on display. Definitely a fun atmosphere to enjoy some ice cream on a summer day (Rating: 4, Dog Ice Cream: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Stanley Park – August 2016

In August 2016 Shadow, Buster, and I visited Stanley Park in Westfield, 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. Stanley Park is a non-profit, privately owned park, that is approximately 300 acres in size. It includes: gardens, trails, playing fields, and a duck pond. The park was established in 1945 by philanthropist Frank Stanley Beveridge.

We stopped at Stanley Park after a wonderful visit with family. The park was beautifully landscaped, and highlights of our visit, included: a variety of bridges, an old working mill, the duck-filled pond, an old rustic church, and even a live swan! We enjoyed walking along the trails, and photographing the gorgeous scenery. This was as stop that I planned, but did not do any detailed research, so we wandered around without a map. However, I do think we found some of the highlights of this magnificent park (Rating: 4).

May 26, 2018 – Massachusetts – Ashland State Park

Today we visited Ashland State Park, located in Ashland, Massachusetts. Ashland State Park is a 470 Acre Park with a 157 Acre Reservoir. The Park has a dam, a spillway, and several beaches for guests. The Park was initially created when the Reservoir was built in 1895. Ashland State Park has several fun facts, with a movie partly partially being filmed there in August 2014 (“Sea of Trees”), and even a helicopter crash in August 2016.

We spent almost four hours at this amazingly beautiful park, mostly traversing the trail around the Reservoir. We arrived bright and early, leading us to meet many, many other dog friends. I choose Ashland State Park today, as I knew it would be a hot day, and thought it was a perfect way for the dogs to cool down. Although Wilma is not a swimmer, she waded and sipped some water along the way. Shadow continually swam, and often enjoyed just sitting in the Reservoir. We enjoyed many stops for these water moments, and also spent some time at the dam, where Wilma even found a little turtle! We saw a beaver dam along the trail, crossed some unique bridges, found some good sticks for chewing, and some round rocks for climbing. This was really a great find, and as usual I took plenty of photographs along the way. Definitely a perfect location for a hot New England day (Rating: 5)