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.
Last Saturday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Washington DC. Washington DC is the Capital of the United States, and the federal district.
We had a spectacular adventure to Washington DC. I was so excited to stop in the Capital and explore. I was surprised that parking was easily located, and there were few visitors in site. We spent about three hours walking around. The buildings were grand and quite regal. I absolutely loved wandering, and photographing this lovely location. My only disappointment was the sheer distance of the White House. A sad reminder of the recent turns in our country.
Wilma and Gus loved walking, while Wilma especially enjoyed some rolls. So glad we could visit Washington DC, just wish we could have stayed longer (This blog will not be rated).
Saturday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Cape Fear River Trail in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The Cape Fear River Trail is an approximately ten-mile-long paved trail that parallels the Cape Fear River, in some locations. It is popular for biking, running, and walking.
We had a leg-stretching adventure to the Cape Fear River Trail. We parked at Clark Park and found endless visitors and limited parking. However we did find a parking spot and began our adventure. We easily found the River Trail, immediately next to the playground. We walked and walked, enjoying the fresh air. It was a little cloudy but there were no signs of inclement weather. Gus was especially enthused by the pinecones and the walking, always quite eager and energetic. Wilma enjoyed walking calmly. There were many others walking dogs, all on leash, and many others out for a walk, run, or bike ride. It was nice to see many children out exercising and playing in the great outdoors. We probably only spent about one hour on this trail before continuing our drive back to Massachusetts. So glad we could find Cape River Trail along the route (This blog will not be rated).
Saturday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Old Sheldon Church Ruins in Yemassee, South Carolina. The Sheldon Church was built in the 1700s but later burnt down by the British during the Revolutionary War. It was later rebuilt in the 1800s but burnt down again. It is also known as Prince William’s Parish Church.
We had a spectacular visit to Old Sheldon Church Ruins. I easily found the site, and was immediately impressed by the huge height of the Ruins. The Ruins were located near the road, but we walked over and around several times. There were beautiful trees, and oaks, gravesites, and of course the impressive Ruins. It was a beautiful day and such a unique and lovely location to explore. Wilma and Gus seemed quite happy, enjoying some leash play-time, rolls, and stick chewing. It was a short visit, but definitely well worth the visit. So glad we could visit to the Old Sheldon Church Ruins (Rating: 4).
Saturday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia. Forsyth Park is a 30 acre urban park that includes: walking paths, sports fields, a children’s play area, and a water fountain. It is the oldest and largest park in the city of Savannah.
We had a simple adventure to Forsyth Park. It took me some time to find parking, but once I found a spot, I was quite pleased to find parking was free on Saturdays. I was drawn in by the flowers, and benches, and off we went. We checked out the fountain, statues, and saw a variety of vendors from afar. The squirrels were quite the highlight for Wilma and Gus, giving me a run for my money (haha!) The Park was very busy with lots of walkers, runners, and dog friends. I loved seeing the bright green grass and beautiful trees, spanish moss throughout. It was a nice way to stretch our legs as we continued our journey back home to Massachusetts (Rating: 3).
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 I will title “home sweet home”. We had an amazing road trip and vacation to Florida, and I already miss it. However we do love our house and Wilma and Gus had no problem getting comfy and relaxed. I love this sweet photograph of my amazing pair. Here they are:
Friday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Silver Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. Silver Springs State Par is located on the Silver River. Silver Springs is a 4,000 acre Park that encompasses the springs, the Silver River, a museum, and gardens. The Park is well known for camping, glass bottom boats, and paddling rentals. Dogs are allowed in the Park but not in the cabins, museum, or on the glass bottom boat.
We had a simple adventure to the Silver Springs State Park. We arrived on a warm day as we were heading back to home in Massachusetts. We arrived through the grand gates, paid our entrance fee, and headed into the Park. We walked the trails, checked out the gardens, and enjoyed the views of the springs. I found the park to be more amusement park-like then a nature setting. However we enjoyed the experience, the walk, and a new environment. So glad we could yet visit another State Park in Florida (Rating: 3).
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa, Florida. Hillsborough River State Park has trails, a pool, picnic tables, camping, and additional opportunities for outdoor recreation including: fishing, and kayaking.
We had a gorgeous adventure to Hillsborough River State Park. Hillsborough River State Park is one I frequented often with Shadow and Buster…in my Tampa days…so I was quite excited to return. I parked with the plan to check out the suspension bridge, and the reminiscing began. We walked the Baynard trail, checked out the boardwalk, the suspension bridge, and other parts of the Park that looked familiar. I was a big sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for ten years, and their annual picnics occurred mostly at Hillsborough River State Park. I did not remember where exactly in the Park where this event had taken place but was quite happy to find I happened to Park in that same parking lot, leading to many wonderful memories. I loved visiting this Park again. The tropical greenery is gorgeous, the suspension bridge is spectacular and there are endless trails, boardwalks, and waterfront views. Gus loved his new hobby – lizard hunting (haha), while Wilma enjoyed her old hobby – rolling (haha). It was a warm day but we took our time walking slowly. It was just a perfect visit to a gorgeous Park. So glad we could visit Hillsborough State Park (Rating: 4).
Today Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, Florida. Lettuce Lake is a 240 acre county Park. The amenities include a 1.25 walking loop, boardwalk, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Park contains the Hillsborough River and offers canoe and kayak rentals. There is a $2 fee to enter the Park.
We had a gorgeous adventure to Lettuce Lake Park. I was thrilled to return to Lettuce Lake Park as it was one of my favorite local parks to walk at with Shadow and Buster when I resided in Tampa. Today it was Wilma and Gus’ turn to visit this beautiful park. We entered the park, paid the $2 fee, and found a parking spot. We headed off to the paved trail and the reminiscing began. The park was just as gorgeous and spectacular as I remembered, with greenery everywhere. We enjoyed the trail, went to the river edge, checked out the nature trail, and walked and walked. Wilma enjoyed some rolls, while Gus loved diving into the ferns chasing lizards. It was just wonderful being there and enjoying the moments, scene, and memories. My photos definitely do not do it justice, but it was just right. So glad we could adventure to Lettuce Lake Park today (Rating: 5).
Today Wilma, Gus, and our friend Kathy adventured to Alderman Ford’s Park in Lithia, Florida. The Park is especially popular for use of the almost two-mile loop trail, which attracts walkers, and bicyclists. The trail contains boardwalks and bridges and is lined by oak, cypress, and palm trees. The Park is also popular for fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and has remote camp sites.
We had a wonderful adventure to Alderman Ford’s Park. I was so excited to be reunited with my friend Kathy, and for her to meet the pups. She stopped by our AIRBNB before we headed to the park for our walk. Upon arrival to the park, we followed the paved trail, taking time to sit, chat, and give the pups a water break along the route. Some parts of the trail were a bit bland while others were absolutely spectacular. I loved the boardwalk trail going over the river, so modern and unique (see a quick video below). The landscape was great, lots of tropical foliage. However the best part of this walk was the wonderful company, and that Wilma and Gus could meet one of my friends who resides in Florida. Kathy was nice to let me use some of the amazing photographs she took in our blog today – Check out her business on Facebook – Little Violet Photography- by Kathy Hostetler. Definitely a memorable day at Alderman Ford’s Park (Rating: 4).
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida State Park located on Honeymoon Island. The Park is 385 acres and has four miles of beaches and many more acres submerged. There are trails to walk and a variety of beaches, one being dog friendly. The Island is popular for swimming, hiking, biking, and shelling.
We had a lovely adventure to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida. I was so excited to take Wilma and Gus to Honeymoon Island State Park as it was a location I went to weekly with Shadow and Buster….back when I resided in Tampa. We parked at the “pet beach” and off we went. The sun was shining brightly, and it was a beautiful day. We walked down the sandy path until we arrived at the beach. The beach looked a bit different then I remembered, including being covered with sea grass washed onto the shore. We walked and explored, Gus eating everything he could find, while both enjoyed some digging. I attempted to bring them into the water but they were a little spooked by the sounds of the very small waves, so not a chance of that. We walked and walked enjoying the spectacular day. I was pleased to find a little inlet, and with bribery, enthusiasm, and no waves, I was able to get the pups in the water a bit…so glad that they could cool down on the refreshing water.
After enjoying the beach we headed over to the Osprey Trail to check out the scenery, and get our walk on. Wilma was not too pleased by the warmer day so we did not complete the entire loop yet just walked a bit to stretch our legs and take some photographs.
Such a beautiful day in a beautiful place, and a dream come true that I could bring Wilma and Gus to one of my favorite Florida spots – definitely a crazy dog mama here (haha!) (Rating: 4).
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 