February 13, 2021 – Crowninshield/Brown Island – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Crowninshield Island in Marblehead, Massachusetts, also referred to as Brown Island. The Island is managed by the Trustees of Reservations. It has trails, a sandy beach, and rocky shores. It can only be reached by a walk at low tide or by boat.

We had a gorgeous sun-rising Adventure to Crowninshield Island. I was excited to plan our Adventure thoroughly studying the tide and hoping we would arrive accordingly. Upon arrival I found the parking situation very confusing. Shadow, Wilma, and I actually had tried once to visit but never found parking. I drove around for some time before finally guessing on what seemed like an appropriate and legal spot. We had finally arrived to begin our Adventure!

We locating some stairs down to the beach and off we headed to Crowninshield Island! Wilma appeared quite joyful darting back and forth as we trotted along, and of course sniffing the remnants of low tide. The view of the Island in sunrise was just spectacular, so thrilling to head toward it. I knew there was another Island nearby but upon arrival we located the Trustees of Reservation signage and map notifying us that we had officially arrived at Crowninshield Island. We began down the trail, stopping at every lookout to check out the lovely colors in the sky. The rocks surrounding the Island were snow covered creating quite the scene. We walked along the trail which was marked with footprints in the snow, actually so well that I did not even watch for any sign markers. Wilma loved the Island smells and was quite curious of her new surroundings. Although we did not rush through the Island I was careful not to be too leisurely, quite aware of the necessity of low tide to return to shore safely.

After finishing the trail portion we wandered over to the south side of the Island, which appeared to be the sandy beach location. There was a massive rock, lots of snow, beautiful trees, and the sun was now rising. We explored the area finding a frozen scene. From there we headed back, the water definitely rising, but not at a pace that was concerning. Wilma ran circles around me, tried digging in the ice and just was as fun and enthusiastic as ever. Maybe she knew my excitement and appreciation for this unique Adventure. We only saw one other person, and his dog, who kindly asked about unleashing his dog as he noticed Wilma on leash. That was a nice way to end our perfect morning, and off we headed to our next Adventures (Rating: 4.5 – Although the superb sunset may have inflated this rating).

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.

So today I am sharing my blog from Ashland State Park back in 2018 with Shadow and Wilma. I remember absolutely loving this Park. My favorite parts were the off-leash environment, endless swims for Shadow, a waterfall-like area and a turtle for Wilma. This was actually the only time we have visited Ashland State Park. So glad we have great memories of yet another Massachusetts State Park. Please enjoy this previous blog on Ashland State Park:

May 26, 2018 – Massachusetts – Ashland State Park

A quick snapshot of our Adventure to Ashland State Park…see our blog for more photos!

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to the last paragraph…

I have decided to return to the “normal” Weekly Video/Photo section of my blog. As you likely know we lost Shadow about two months ago and I have been focusing this section on Shadow. However, I have peace knowing I will continue to highlight favorite photographs including Shadow and Buster. The plan will still be to still display a video or photo, usually highlighting 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 will 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 later we welcomed little Wilma into our world. We were recently devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020. It is so painful to know Shadow and Buster are both gone, but they will be in our hearts forever!

Today’s video is of puppy Wilma and Shadow playing back in August 2017. It is just the cutest thing EVER! We had adopted Wilma about one month before and she was around four months, and Shadow age nine. Shadow was so gentle and sweet with her and this video totally melts my heart! I always thought it was ridiculous when people would say one dog keeps another young but over time I really wondered if there could be some truth to it as Wilma’s constant energy made Shadow wag. So glad I have moments like this to cherish forever!

PS – So glad Wilma outgrew her indoor training area quickly!

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:

February 7, 2021 – Bull Run Covered Bridge – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Bull Run Covered Bridge in Shirley, Massachusetts. The Bull Run Covered Bridge is a private bridge built in 1971. It traverses the Mighty Mulpus Brook. The Bridge is part of the Bull Run Restaurant and it used for private events and restaurant seating.

We had a snow-filled Adventure to the Bull Run Bridge. It was when we arrived at the Bull Run Bridge that the snow started steadily coming down, absolutely gorgeous. We trotted to the bridge, and through, the Bridge clearly a perfect location for seating, lined with lights, and just right. There was a pedestrian bridge along one side. We peaked out both sides checking out the ice covered Mighty Mulpus Brook, snow flakes streaming. Such a simple and picturesque scene. Although I am not sure if the Bull Covered Bridge is an official covered bridge, in my visual mind it fit the definition. We might just have to check out events at the Bull Run Bridge when the spring and summer months return (Rating: 3.5)

February 7, 2021 – Farandnear – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, and I Adventured to the Farandnear Reservation in Shirley, Massachusetts. The Farandnear was the former estate of Arthur Banks who was a well known professor and political scientist. It includes 2.7 miles of trails, and an Arboretum. The Park is owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations.

We had a peaceful Adventure to Farandnear. I blogged about Farandear almost two years ago but since we have never been in the snow I figured it was a good opportunity to blog again. I was thrilled to arrive at Farandear to an empty parking lot. We headed off on to the trails. As many of my New England followers know we are heading into our next storm, so it was a dark morning for our Adventure. As typical of a Trustee’s property, the trails at Farandnear are well marked. In addition the snow was well groomed by previous visitors so we followed the paths easily. Wilma often seemed to be hearing something, maybe wildlife in the woods?? I often found her with her leg up in the air as she was thinking, smelling, or pondering whatever was in her mind. It almost gave me an eerie feeling….what was I missing? It was fun seeing the prints in the snow which Wilma followed closely, my hunting girl. We walked and walked, enjoying the exercise as we trudged through the snow and got a great workout as we went up and down the short hills. We trekked through the bogs and past the ravine, such a different terrain then our other visits. After our hike we wandered over to the Arboretum and checked out some of the trees adding color to the limited winter colors. It started snowing just as we were headed to the car…the perfect way to end our Adventure (Rating: 4).

Below you will see a collage of photos from today and two of our other visits, and two videos of the same area in different seasons (unfortunately some of the photographs are fuzzy – still working with wordpress to resolve the problem):

Paradise Ravine in Winter and Spring

Old Cranberry Bog/Old Reservoir (I believe I got the title correct, however I know it was the same spot in Winter and in Spring)

Throwback Adventure

So today I am sharing my blog from Beede Falls and West Rattlesnake Mountain with Shadow and Wilma back in May 2018. Beede Falls is a unique waterfall in the woods with trails surrounding. West Rattlesnake Mountain is a short hike with amazing views of the Squam Lakes. One of those few times I can say I climbed a “mountain” which really was just a big hill (haha).

If you would like to read our blog on these Adventures please click below. I also will share a photo from each of these locations to give you a quick snapshot. Lastly, I will return to my recent “Throwback Adventures” of which I shared former Adventures and add a video or a favorite photo or two from those locations.

May 5, 2018 – New Hampshire – Beede Falls and West Rattlesnake Mountain

Weekly Video/Photo

If you follow my blog regularly please skip down to the last paragraph…

Today’s video is a video from Beaver Brook Reservation in Hollis, Massachusetts with Shadow and Buster. This has been one of my favorite parks over the year, although we have not been there in some time. It is a gorgeous reservation filled with ponds, bridges, boardwalks, and beautiful trails. In this video we are walking on a boardwalk trail, running through scenic wetlands . So nice to find a video of Shadow and Buster together on a wonderful Adventure. I just added it to my original post, which you can see at:

March 9, 2019 – Beaver Brook Association – New Hampshire

https://videopress.com/v/QadWEPmr?controls=false&preloadContent=metadata

January 31, 2021 – Charlestown Harborwalk – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Charlestown Harborwalk in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Charlestown Harborwalk is part of a forty three mile park connecting the waterfront neighborhoods to Boston.

We had a fun Adventure to the Charlestown Harborwalk. I had noticed signs for the Charlestown Harborwalk on our last visit to the area and decided today was the day to come back and explore. I was able to find little information specific to the Charlestown Harborwalk, so thought we would start where I located the sign and hope to find a long and scenic walk. We began at the Constitution Marina and off we went. We first started at the loop finding a spectacular view of the USS constitution, an amazing navy boat floating by, and magnificent views of the Boston skyline. We then walked through the Charlestown Navy Yard and then headed to the remainder of the Charlestown Harborwalk. We followed along the water exploring the different Piers and boats, locating the Wind Sculpture Art Exhibit, passing luxury residences, and the world known Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. We walked and walked until we arrived at the Tobin Bridge. There I found a sign saying “0” miles indicating we had arrived at the official beginning of the walk, well the end for us (haha).

The Charlestown Harborwalk was not always clear, but as soon as I thought we had taken a wrong turn we saw another sign indicating we were right on track. Along the Harborwalk we did take one little detour as Pier 6 was closed for construction but were able to head over to the main road and loop around to continue on Harborwalk. My favorite parts of the walk were the beautiful views of the city, the gorgeous Tobin Bridge, and the boats throughout. Wilma loved exploring, walking and watching other dogs from afar. The Harborwalk was a lovely spot to explore, and I can just imagine it is quite full of fun during the warmer months. So glad we could explore Charlestown Harborwalk today (Rating: 3.5).

Throwback Adventure – Two Bridges and Chapel Falls Trail – Massachusetts

In August 2016 Shadow, Buster, My Aunt, My Uncle and I Adventured to the Two Bridges and Chapel Falls Trail in Ashfield, Massachusetts. This Trail is a four mile out and back trail that includes several bridges and a waterfall. Chapel Falls is a series of three cascades totaling approximately 45 feet. The hike to Chapel Falls is less the one mile round trip (part of the Two Bridge and Fall Trail). Chapel Falls is sourced from the Chapel Brook which winds throughout various parts of the trail.

We had a family-filled Adventure to the Two Bridges and Chapel Falls Trail. I do not remember if we walked the entire trail as we did have several Adventure on this day. However I remember loving the unique triangle shaped bridge, Chapel Falls, and of course the boys enjoying some Shadow dips in the Brook. Chapel Falls has been a place I have been interested in returning for some time. It was fun to find these photographs and see such wonderful memories. A fun Adventure in the woods with my favorite boys and some very special company (This blog will not be rated).