Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

The weekly Video/Photo section highlights an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments. If you have followed my blog from the beginning you know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year after his passing we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious boys boys will be furever in our hearts! We were recently thrilled to add another amazing rescue, Gus, to our home on June 28, 2021! This Weekly Video/Photo section will allow me to share photos from all four of my rescues, whether it be a precious memory, or a current moment.

Today’s photograph is one of Shadow and Wilma at Sabbaday Falls in the White Mountains. Although somewhat touristy, this waterfall is just gorgeous! I have made many trips to this falls, and love it every time. Here they are, posing just right!

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to paragraph three….

Today’s video is one from Wilma at Wilton Falls back from May 2020. We had a wonderful Adventure to Welton Falls, including a balancing act across a log to make it over the rushing river. The Falls was in a gorgeous ravine, and although hard to capture on film, uniquely spectacular. If you want to read and see more about our adventure, you can click on the following site: https://wordpress.com/post/adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/15145

Here she is enjoying the scene:

September 11, 2021 – Tannery Falls – Massachusetts

Yesterday Wilma, Gus and I Adventured to Tannery Falls in Savoy, Massachusetts. Tannery Falls is an approximate 80 foot waterfall consisting of various cascades. It is sourced from the Ross and Parker Brooks and is located in Savoy Mountain State Forest.

We had a water-rushing Adventure to Tannery Falls. I was excited to visit a waterfall today as we really have not been to many in recent months. I did a lot of research on this one ahead of time, and had no problem finding it. We found a small brown sign indicating Tannery Falls was down Tannery Falls Road as expected. There was a large parking lot, and a trail sign indicating it was .4 miles down the trail, so we again confirmed our location. We arrived at about 6:45 and although the darkness seemed to have passed once we entered the trail the darkness of the forest came upon us. We heard the peaceful sounds of rushing water the moment we started, such a rush when you are on a waterfall adventure. We followed the blue blaze trail entering and I think the entire way, although the trail was so easy to follow I stopped watching specifically for the blue. The trail followed the brook much of the route, and descended downwards. There were several small cascades along the trail. There were many steps, and although I would say the trail to the Falls easy, it was interesting descending these steps at times with two eager dogs barreling downward. However we enjoyed our walk and eagerly anticipated the Falls.

Upon arrival at Tannery Falls I was very impressed! It seems like I always have a picture in my head of the locations we plan and Tannery Falls did not disappoint. It was very tall, roaring, and just lovely. You could not get too close, but still it was just beautiful. We stood at the Falls as I took photographs. Gus loved finding every and all sticks and roots to chew on while Wilma enjoyed some rock hopping and exploring. The singing sounds of the Falls and Brook were just right. We enjoyed the serenity of this location until we were ready to head back. We did not see anyone else on our adventure, and were pleased to have Tannery Falls all to ourselves. So glad we were able to visit Tannery Falls (Rating: 4).

August 11, 2021 – Royalston Falls – Massachusetts

Today Gus, myself, and a friend of ours Adventured to Royalston Falls in Royalston, Massachusetts. Royalston Falls is an approximate 50 foot waterfall that can be found on a 1.6 round trip trail. It is sourced from Falls Brook and is part of the Trustees of Reservations.

We had a mosquito-filled Adventure to Royalston Falls. I was excited to finally get to Royalston Falls, especially with great company! Wilma was enjoying her day at Grandma and Grandpa’s spa, which I am sure she especially appreciated on this warm and humid day. We arrived at the parking lot on route 32 finding the Trustees of Reservation sign marking the trailhead to the Falls. We began along the trail and quickly found we would be battling the mosquitos. The trails to the Falls was full of roots, rocks, and in some locations mud. We hustled along trying to avoid the inevitable bites. Heading to the waterfall much of the hike was downhill. As we got closer to the waterfall we crossed a little bridge, and the scenery became more scenic, finding small cascades, a lovely gorge, and the babbling brook.

I first realized we are at the Falls when spotting some fencing from afar. Royalston Falls was large and flowing rapidly. It was only viewable from afar, and was somewhat difficult to capture on camera. We took a variety of photographs before heading back on the trail. The trail back was much more challenging often heading uphill. Although the trail was not difficult it was far from a stroll, but definitely great exercise. Gus loved walking briskly, however definitely enjoyed checking out some smells, and finding sticks on the route. Glad to cross Royalston Falls off the list today (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure

I have decided to return to posting new “Throwback Adventures” after taking time to re-post some of my favorites with Shadow. This has been a therapeutic process for me to share. We are devastated that both Shadow and Buster have both passed, but find peace knowing we can continue to remember them through our “Throwback Adventures”. They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts.

I have decided to make some changes to my Throwback section. This is partly because I have had the blog for about two and a half year and each week I have posted an Adventure from before I started the blog. This has become more challenging between finding old photographs, and identifying the location. Although I will still be adding some here and and there I thought I would also use the Throwback Adventure to share past Adventures I have posted. I have new followers, and of course not every follower has been able to view all blogs.

Today’s Throwback Adventure is from Thundering Falls in Vermont, an Adventure I took with Shadow and Wilma in January 2019. There was a short but scenic walk to the Falls, a boardwalk with lovely mountain views. Upon arrival we found the waterfall to be flowing through pieces of ice, so scenic. Definitely one of my favorite winter waterfall scenes. Below is a video highlight, and you can see more by checking out my original blog at: January 5, 2019 – Thundering Falls – Vermont.

May 1, 2021 – Profile Falls – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Profile Falls in Bristol, New Hampshire. Profile Falls is a cascade falls of approximately 40 feet. It is sourced from the Smith River. The trail to the Falls is just .2 miles in length. The Falls is popular for swimming, and fishing, and is known as a popular summer location.

We had a roaring Adventure to Profile Falls. This was our main destination, and I decided to share this blog last as it was the highlight of todays Adventures. I had been wanting to visit Profile Falls, and today was finally the day! I pulled out my New England Waterfalls book to check on directions before heading out before the sun was up. I was thrilled to find ourselves the only ones on site, a perk of a 6am arrival. The parking lot to the Falls was closed but the adjacent parking was open. We began our journey crossing over a the rushing Smith River. The signs were clear and the trail was short. The trail down the Fall edge was steep, especially when with an exuberant dog in lead! Profile Falls was gorgeous, the rushing water leftover from days of rain, perfect timing for this Adventure. The water was high and the rocks slippery so there were not too many options to explore, but we enjoyed the grand view.

After taking in the beauty of Profile Falls I attempted to walk to the top, with no luck, a huge drop off below. However I am guessing if we continued to hike on the nearby trails we may have eventually have made it to this spot. We found some views from high above before heading back to the car. Unfortunately on the way out we were chased by a barking dog, no owner in sight. Luckily he did not seem aggressive, and we had no incident. Besides that little moment we had a wonderful Adventure to Profile Falls. A fun way to start our day (Rating: 3.5).

February 7, 2021 – Trapp Falls – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Trapp Falls in Willard Brook State Park, in Ashby, Massachusetts. Trapp Falls is a three tiered waterfall that plunges into a shallow pool filled with boulders. The waterfall is just over ten feet in height. The Falls are located in small section of the Park, and has picnic tables, a bridge crossing the brook, and bathrooms.

We had a magical Adventure to Trapp Falls as the snow storm was upon us. I have been to Trapp Falls numerous times with Shadow, Buster, but I believe this was Wilma’s first visit. Although I blogged about Willard Brook State Park once, I have never blogged specifically about Trapp Falls so today is the day.

I have always found the setting of Trapp Falls to be beautiful with a flowing babbling brook and a short, woodsy hike that leads to the Falls. Today was a winter wonderland adding splendor to the visit. We headed straight to the Falls, and I was surprised that we could get reasonably close. There was someone photographing the falls from underneath, so we would later return for our close-up views. I was shocked at how gorgeous the cascades were, as Trapp Falls is a waterfall I always found quite simple, maybe due to the endless waterfalls we have visited. However, I was pleased to be captivated today. Trapp Falls was iced over with just one side melting and water and icicles crashing through. It was just gorgeous, and even with the small amount of flow, was singing peacefully. We continually explored the area and returned to the Falls on and off. I could not get enough of this beautiful scene!

The Brook also added to the lovely winter scene. It had icicles, and although mostly covered with snow had oddly shaped holes with flowing water. As you may expect I loved the wooden bridge, which had several adorable tiny snowman on the edge. Although I pushed it a little with the weather (oops!) so glad we could visit Trapp Falls on our Adventure today. Below you will see a mix of some of our past visits and today’s snow covered Adventure (unfortunately some of the photographs are fuzzy – still working with wordpress to resolve the problem). A beautiful and serene location (Rating: 4).

Videos from today:

December 27, 2020 – Gunn Brook Falls – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Gunn Brook Falls in Sunderland, Massachusetts. Gunn Brook Falls is located in the UMass Mt. Toby Forest. It consists of an upper and lower Falls.

We had a gorgeous Adventure to Gunn Brook Falls. We found Gunn Brook Falls on the side of the road, down a unnamed dirt road off of Falls Road. We parked and were quite pleased to have the location entirely to ourselves. I did not have high expectations but was thrilled to be mistaken. We began our trek at the top of the Falls and carefully made our way down the side. I was surprised that I managed to stay on my feet with all the leaves and the steep path, but I managed to stay upright. Wilma appeared quite eager to explore, and led the way enthusiastically.

We first explored the upper Falls. There were icicles on the side as well as in various spots along the stream. It was so pretty, and mystical. The Falls were roaring peacefully. I made sure we explored all angles before heading farther down the stream. I did not actually realize at the time that there was a lower falls, smaller, but still beautiful! It took some time to figure out how to get down to this Falls but we eventually found a route to get up close. The lower area was framed with large boulders, covered with moss. It was so scenic, and serene! I absolutely loved Gunn Brook Falls. The combination of a spectacular falls, the location being away from the world, and the experience exceeding my expectations added additional joy to the Adventure! Wilma loved hopping on the rocks, and appeared to be always looking around, making we curious of what wildlife might be nearby. She was a little unsure of the strong rushing water of the waterfalls, but that did not slow her down in exploring. Such a beautiful way to start our day trip today (Rating: 4.5).

Throwback Adventure – Devil’s Hopyard State Park – Connecticut

In August 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut. Devil’s Hopyard State Park is most well known for Chapman Falls, a waterfall that drops more than sixty feet. The Park contains at least five moderate trails, an un-named wooden bridge, and pothole stone formations. The Park is surrounded by many myths and stories including one of a man name Dibble, who had a garden to grow hops which were used in the production of beer. The Park is popular for: hiking, birding, camping, and fishing.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Devil’s Hopyard State Park. I remember this Adventure being on a day of moon significance with warnings not to look at it without special eye wear. Of course I cannot seem to recall the exact title, however I enjoyed some conversation with other visitors who were quite interested in the pups and let me peak through their special glasses. On this Adventure we loved the waterfall, and of course had to check out the stream and covered bridge. There were picnic tables to relax. We walked around but did not explore any of the official trails, however it was one of our Adventures on a full day. I especially love this photograph of Shadow and Wilma at the falls, I cannot believe Wilma was ever so small. Another cherished memory in a photograph. We look forward to visiting Devil’s Hopyard State Park again in the future (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

September 4, 2020 – The Waterfalls of Moultonborough- New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the seven waterfalls of Moultonborough, New Hampshire. We found them along the “Brook Walk” which starts to the right of the Cafe at Castle in the Clouds. In addition you can Park near the Fall of Song, when the access road is open. It was not open today so we actually walked all the way down it backwards before returning to Castle in the Clouds where we began on “Brook Way”. Not the “normal” way to do it but double the exercise. We visited Fall of Songs twice which is by far the best of the seven. These Falls are sourced from the Shannon Brook and range from 5-40 feet however the water was low due to recent drought like conditions.

“Brook Way” paralleled the brook so often you could hear the water singing. The trail was easy, and somewhat dull, however it was fun searching for the next falls, all labeled clearly. On the way back I was surprised to find the trail somewhat challenging, uphill with many rocks to climb. I am hoping this was because this was the last hike of our over four hours of hiking, versus that I am not the hiker I dreamed (haha!). Wilma loved hiking and waded in the water. As often is the case I found these falls were generally hard to photograph but I included a video or two of each. See these seven below, in no particular order.

Roaring Falls