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.
Today Gus has turned 1!! We celebrated at the beach, went for a trail hike, and also celebrated with some new toys!! I was surprised he was fine with some birthday hat photos so of course I had to share some here! I am a little behind on the blog so will be sharing the beach adventure later…likely tomorrow. We are so lucky to have this sweet boy in our world! Happy Birthday to our Gus!!!
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, Florida. Kanapaha is a 68 acre property with trails, flowers, and trees. It contains Florida’s largest collection of bamboo gardens. The garden’s peak season is from June through September.
We had a green-filled Adventure to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. I was excited to arrive at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens our last stop before arriving at our final destination. We entered the building to pay and then headed out to the gardens. I peaked at the map briefly but mostly followed our feet, and the paths throughout. The garden was very tropical, which I especially enjoyed being a current resident of Massachusetts. It was a bit warm for the pups so we took our time exploring, stopped for water breaks, and I ran through the sprinklers on several occasionally. I was actually surprised at how large, and crowded the Gardens were as for some reason I imagined a much smaller location. My favorite parts of the park were the palm trees, the bamboo, and the several bridges throughout. Gus loved chasing the lizards and whatever he could find, while Wilma enjoyed lounging in the green grass. I was a bit surprised to see few flowers, but definitely appreciated all we could find. So glad we could visit Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Rating: 3.5)
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 I took at Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Florida back in our Tampa days. Shadow, Buster, and I were relaxing on the beach after a fun time romping around and swimming. It was one of my favorite places to visit with my amazing boys. Great memories of these special boys!
Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Fort Frederica in St. Simons Island, Georgia. Fort Frederica National Monument contains the remnants of the Fort and Town of Frederica. The Fort was built in the 1700s and protected the Border of Georgia from Spanish raids.
We had a moss-filled adventure to Fort Frederica. It was such a nice feeling to arrive in Georgia to gorgeous tee-shirt weather…something my fellow New Englanders can relate too! We walked through the entrance and began our stroll through endless trees covered in Spanish moss, just lovely. We enjoyed the tropical scenery of palm trees as we headed to the shore. The remnants of the Fort were small, but yet scenic, surrounded by cannons. After checking out the Fort we continued to follow the shore before arriving at some trails. Throughout our adventure Wilma loved rolling in the warm sun, while Gus was enthused by finding sticks along the trail. I absolutely loved arriving at the tropical landscape, so different then the New England. I think I enjoyed the scenery more than the Fort itself. So glad we could adventure to Fort Frederica National Monument today (Rating: 4).
Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield, Virginia. Pocahontas State Park is almost 8,000 acres and is the largest state park in Virginia. The park is popular for hiking, bike riding, fishing and equestrian riding.
We had a refreshing Adventure to Pocahantas State Park. I had planned this location as one of our destinations on the way to our final destination. We hiked the Beaver Lake Trail a three-mile loop, through the woods, by the lake, and around numerous creeks. The trail was well groomed, and had many boardwalks, benches, and even a waterfall. It was a gorgeous day, and I was so happy not to have a coat on, the weather just perfect. Although there were still browns of the winter, the sky and water added the perfect blue to the day. I really enjoyed the trail, more and more as we walked. Wilma and Gus loved hiking and exploring. There were many dog walkers and people scattered throughout the trail on this gorgeous day. So glad we could visit Pocahantas State Park today (Rating: 4).
Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Fort Washington Park in Fort Washington, Maryland. Fort Washington Park is a National Park, that contains Fort Washington and the Fort Washington Lighthouse. The Park sits on the Potomac River. The original Fort was destroyed in 1812 but water later rebuilt. The Park is known for the Fort but also has biking and hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing and picnicking.
We had a historic Adventure to Fort Washington Park. I was quiet excited to check out this Park as I had read about it some time ago when planning our adventure. Unfortunately the Fort was closed for the day when we arrived, but we explored the rest of the property. Soon into the adventure I had a horrifying experience when Gus got spooked by the wind slamming the Fort door, somehow got away and began running. He was so terrified it took me awhile to get him back to me. It was a very traumatic experience, and I was so thankful it was resolved. Although Gus can be quite skittish this was definitely a first, and hopefully a last. I think my heart is still beating….
After this horrible moment we somehow were able to refocus and carry on. We explored the exterior of the Fort, the shore, and the Lighthouse. Gus loved chasing anything that was blowing, jumping into the weeds, and chewing sticks while Wilma loved endless rolls. It was a little chilly and quiet windy. I loved the bright blue sky, and watching the sun setting behind the Fort. It was hard to capture this Fort in photographs but I did my best. So glad we could check out Fort Washington today (this blog will not be rated).
Today Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Seaside Park contains 325, including: grassy areas, beachfront, sports fields, and three miles of coastlines. The park also contains Fayerweather island which can be reached by crossing a breakwater.
We had a sun-rising, wind-filled adventure to Seaside Park. We headed off on a big adventure today, and this was the first stop on our journey. We located the park easily and off we headed. The park overall was quiet, few visitors walking, and others sitting in their cars. We followed the paved trail along the shore, spent some time on the beach, and located a variety of statues. On this visit we decided not to visit Fayerweather island, but will have to return to check out this island. Glad we could adventure to Seaside Park today (This blog will not be rated).
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 photo is one of Wilma and Gus at the Palmer Island Lighthouse in New Bedford, Massachusetts this past weekend! We were lucky to time the tide correctly and onto the island we headed. The Palmer Island Lighthouse is a short walk to the opposite end of the island. Unfortunately not everyone was being responsible with their dogs, but besides that we had a marvelous visit. A beautiful day with my furry best buds!
Today Wilma Gus, and I Adventured to Fort Pheonix State Reservation in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Fort Pheonix State Reservation includes 28 acres next to the remnants of Fort Pheonix, dating back to the Revolutionary War. The Reservation also includes a hurricane barrier with a walking trail. The park is popular for swimming, walking, and history seekers.
We had a nice Adventure to For Pheonix State Reservation. I had been to this Reservation long ago with Shadow but only took several photos, so this was the first time visiting since I began the blog. I was surprised to find many cars upon arrival, but yet pleased to see little visitors. We first explored the park, walked the hurricane barrier, and spent some time on the beach. It was an unusually warm New England day but yet quite windy on the coast, however not windy enough to be chilly. We loved walking and taking our time exploring. Gus enjoyed some digging, and Wilma was quite happy to see some large rocks for climbing. The park was simple, but uniquely combined a Fort, and the beach. So glad we could visit Fort Pheonix today (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 is a selfie I took with Shadow, at one of his favorite spots…the Beach. Shadow was quite the perfect poser, and definitely my Shadow. Always so sweet, and one special travel partner. I sure do miss him! Here we are:
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 