June 30, 2023 – Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop is a 2.5 mile Trail. It consists of several small inclines and passes through ponds and streams including Lower Hamant Pond. These trails are located in the Leadmine Trail system, an 880-acre conservation area.

We had a nice Adventure to the Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop. I felt horrible leaving Wilma home, but she really has come to despise the heat and does not want to come when she knows it is a hot day. She literally will lay on her back or will go into her favorite dog bed far from the front door. So being on vacation I felt it best to let her relax at home and give Gus an opportunity to build his confidence without her. However, I still left feeling guilty…

Upon arrival we parked at the Shattock Road Parking lot – #3, viewed the posted map and off we went. I would recommend if you plan to visit this trail, you note what number parking lot you start at, as it will be listed on signs directing you back, when needed. Gus was very nervous at first, without big sister Wilma but soon became more comfortable, walking, sniffing and exploring as we trotted along the trail. He generally is very attune to his name and often checks on me when we walk. It was quiet, and peaceful and we observed few others along the Trails.

We passed ponds, found several scenic bridges, small babbling streams, large rocks, bright green ferns, and mushrooms. There were endless Laurel flower bushes, although almost out of bloom, so unusual to see in the woods. The Trail was unique in that it had some of various features, the woods, water, field-like locations, and several educational kiosks. The more we walked the more things caught my attention, although simple, just right. Gus even waded in the stream, which just made my day. I debated continuing on additional trails but being humid and in the 80s I figured I did not want to push Gus, even though he overall did not seem too bothered by the heat. Although the Trail was a little buggier than I preferred the Adventure was just right. We will have to go back and explore the other trails another day (Rating: 4).

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 lose Shadow on April 3, 2020.These two precious 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 photo is one of Buster when he was just a wee puppy ❤️. It was his first trip to the beach with Shadow and my friends who had two dogs. He was trying to decide if he wanted to join them a little deeper. I wish I had more old videos but glad I am have this sweet photo of my boy. We sure do miss him!

June 24, 2023 – Little Z’s Ice Cream Shop – Massachusetts

Yesterday, Wilma, Gus, and I enjoyed some treats from Little Z’s Ice Cream Shop in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Little Z’s Ice Cream Shop is part of the Zesty’s Pizza chain. Zesty’s Pizza was opened in 1981 and has four locations including Little Z’s Ice Cream Shop. On this day we did not attend the Shop but had our desserts delivered.

Last night I had a weak moment (haha) and decided to order some tasty goodies from Little Z’s. I was thrilled to find out they had a “Pup Cup” created with ice cream, peanut butter, and a dog treat -and of course two were immediately in my cart! Unfortunately having it delivered it was a little melty, but no complaints from these happy two. So glad to have some special treats to celebrate a Saturday night! We are sure loving our vacation! (This blog will not be rated).

Weekly Video/Photo

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

Today’s photo is one from Wilma and Gus at the Mount in Lenox, Massachusetts this weekend. They were posing grandly in quite the scenic, garden “window”. It was actually not too easy to get Gus to pose, lots of more exciting people for Gus to look at besides me (haha!). However after endless shots, this one became my favorite. Here they are:

June 19, 2023 – Friendly’s Restaurant – Massachusetts

Today I decided not to blog about our main Adventure – The Mount, Edith Wharton’s House, as I have blogged about it previously, and did not feel I took enough photographs to represent the location. However, I thought I would share the link to below to my past blog when Wilma and I visited this gorgeous location. (Although I will share one of two of my favorites of Wilma and Gus in future sections of the Weekly Photo/Video section).

https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/?s=The+Mount

On to Adventure 3 of 3 from today:

Our last Adventure today was to Friendly’s restaurant in Greenfield, Massachusetts! Friendly’s is a chain restaurant that was opened in 1935. It is a popular location for ice cream products, and a variety of American food.

We had a tasty Adventure to Friendly’s. I was initially planning on visiting another ice cream stand but since Friendly’s was right on our route, Friendly’s it was! I had read about this location and knew there was a drive thru option, the best bet on a warm day. They did not have dog ice cream specifically but provided the pups their own cup of whip cream – yum yum – for free! I ordered my recent favorite a root beer float, a delicious option, especially to devour on the road. However, I got the pups out of the car to lick up their treats before heading out. There was little to this location, but a couple tables with umbrellas and some flowers, but being a chain restaurant to be expected. Although I was disappointed that my float was far from cold and had minimal ice cream, Wilma and Gus had not one complaint (haha)! So glad we could enjoy three adventures to start the first week of summer vacation (Rating: 3).

June 19, 2023 – Arthur A. Smith Bridge – Massachusetts

https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/?s=The+Mount

On to Adventure 2 of 3 from today:

Today we Adventured to the Arthur A. Smith Bridge in Colrain, Massachusetts. The Arthur A. Smith Bridge traverses the North River. It was built in 1869 and is the only Burr Truss bridge in Massachusetts.

We had a simple Adventure to the Arthur A. Smith Bridge. I was thrilled to find a new covered bridge, and even better, located in a quiet rural location. The water was singing slowly down the river, adding a lovely song. I took photographs from both sides of the bridge and took the pups out on one side to sniff, explore, and pose. The bridge was plain but had lovely mountain views. So glad we could visit the Arthur A. Smith Bridge today (Rating: 3.5)

Weekly Video/Photo

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

Today’s photo is one of Shadow and Buster at the Cranberry Bog trail in Carlisle, Massachusetts back in 2013. They loved running, swimming, and posing at this unique location. They were quite the pair and will be furever missed! Here they are:

June 10, 2023 – Wickham Park – Connecticut

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Wickham Park located in Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut. Wickford Park is a private, non-profit foundation. It is 280 acres in size and has a vast amount of opportunities including: gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities, and ponds. It is also a popular location for community events and private weddings.

We had a garden filled Adventure to Wickham Park. Wilma, and I had visited with my mom three years, ago but this was Gus’ first trip. Since it was so long ago, I decided to blog again about this location again today. We explored the trails, gardens, hills, and everything we could find, spending about three and a half hours exploring. Wilma was a little hot so in between walks and gardens we drove around to make sure she got some air and water…well of course both of them but Gus did not seem to mind the weather. My favorite parts of the park were the gorgeous flowers, the boardwalks, and the Asian gardens. Wilma loved her rolls, and meeting people while Gus appreciated all the smells and trotting along the trails. I am so glad I decided to return to Wickham Park, it is quite pretty and a wonderful place to appreciate the colors of the great outdoors. We definitely will return (Rating: 4).

Weekly Video/Photo

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

Today’s photo is one of Gus from this weekend at the Arnold Arboretum. The Rhododendron area of the Arboretum is almost fully in bloom, a perfect location for an adorable Gus pose. There is a path that runs along these lovely bushes, and a singing little brook. He posed on a very high rock, but unfortunately, I did not capture all of it, but still got a lovely snapshot of this handsome guy. My boy Gus, here he is:

June 4, 2023 – Dairy Queen – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Dairy Queen in Natick, Massachusetts. Dairy Queen is an international franchise that serves items, including: ice cream, burgers, and shakes. The Dairy Queen in Ghent also had a drive through.

We had a tasty Adventure to Dairy Queen. I had plans for a new active Adventure but due to this weekend’s gloomy forecast we decided to enjoy local walks, trotting for about five hours (over two days) at our favorite Arboretum. After today’s walk we decided to stop for a treat at Dairy Queen. We arrived to find a very quiet and simple location. They seemed surprised when I requested dog ice cream but said they could get them a small vanilla, so of course I said yes! I ordered a Butterfinger Blizzard but was disappointed that there was little candy in it. However, the pups loved their ice cream, licking up every bite. So glad we could appreciate some goodies at Dairy Queen today (Rating: 3).