September 12, 2020 – Drummer Boy Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Drummer Boy Park in Brewster, Massachusetts. Drummer Boy Park includes “Windmill Village”, Higgins Farm Windmill, several short trails, and a playground. “Windmill Village” is part of the Brewster Historical Society. Tours of the Windmill are available, however the Brewster Historical Society’s 2020 season has been cancelled.

We had a fun Adventure to Drummer Boy Park. I was drawn to this Park by the Higgins Farm Windmill, and decided to explore the entire area. We spent the majority of our Adventure checking out the Windmill, and made sure to traverse every trail we could find. Wilma found a gigantic rock to hop on and check out the view from above. We found the Park to be popular for families with young children, and visitors photographing the Windmill. A simple Adventure, but we loved the Higgins Farm Windmill. So glad we could Adventure to Drummer Boy Park today (Rating: 3.5).

September 12, 2020 – Sandwich Marina – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Sandwich Marina in Sandwich, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. The Sandwich Marina is a popular Marina in Cape Cod which opened in 1989 and is operated by the town of Sandwich Massachusetts.

We had a boat-filled Adventure to the Sandwich Marina, neighbor to the Sandwich Recreation Area. I debated posting a blog about a Marina but it is a lovely coastal spot, and often dog owners are looking for unusual locations to explore. I therefore thought I would share.

There was a paved sidewalk along the Marina and we also found a path along the shore. There were endless boats of all shapes and sizes, and several items of interest along the walk. We actually did two runs of this area making sure not to miss one thing. Wilma often wanted to go on the docks, and was curious of the sounds and voices throughout. It was quite picturesque and a nice place to stroll and capture a coastal scene. So glad we were able to Adventure to the Sandwich Marina today (This Adventure will not be rated).

September 12, 2020 – Sandwich Recreation Area – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Sandwich Recreation Area in Sandwich, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. The Sandwich Recreation Area is part of the Cape Cod Canal providing one of the access points on the canal. The Area is popular for walking, fishing, and picnicking. It also contains the official Visitor Center for the Cape Cod Canal.

We had a sun-rising Adventure to the Sandwich Recreation Area, our first Adventure of many today. I often wonder why I arise at a ridiculous hour for a sunrise but instantly upon arrival I am reminded the reason for this decision. We arrived to brilliant clouds and a gorgeous scene. We began walking down the path along the Canal finding numerous fisherman lining the rocks. It was a nice cool morning but not too cold, really just perfect. We followed the sun and eventually arrived at a long jetty and a beach. I was thrilled as I did not know there was an official beach at this location, and shocked to find no other beach guests. We walked back and forth along the shore, discovered several trails nearby, and of course took some time to explore the jetty. Wilma was quite enthused by the scene, new smells, and the happiness the coast sends to all. We spent our time exploring and I took endless photographs of the lovely sky. Such a tranquil morning. We then returned down the trail and explored the other section of this Area, again lined with fishermen. A perfect way to start our day (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge – Massachusetts

I believe today is the first week in just over two years of the blog that I forgot to post by Thursday Throwback blog! I was so disappointed in myself but after a busy week with lots on my mind that is the truth. So cheers to my first Throwback Friday blog (haha!) Here it is…

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.

The Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge, also referred to as the Old Covered Bridge is located in Sheffield, Massachusetts. It was originally built between 1832-1854 but later reconstructed in 1999 after a fire destroyed it in 1994. The Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge for pedestrians only and traverses the Housatonic River.

In May 2017 Shadow and I Adventured to the Upper Sheffield Covered Bridge on a full day of memorable Adventures. I loved the unusual blue color of the bridge, and it was fun to explore it while walking slowly through. It is amazing to see how many photos I used to take versus now as I was only able to locate two these photographs. Shadow looks so unenthusiastic in this snapshot but I can promise you he had a wonderful day! I look forward to returning in the future and taking endless photographs of this lovely bridge (Rating: Throwback Ratings will not always be rated)

Weekly Video/Photo

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!

My feature today is an adorable photograph of Buster in my backyard in Florida. He was about seven months when this one was snapped. This is definitely one of my favorite photographs of Buster as a puppy. The puppy years seem so long ago (hence the scanned non-digital photograph (haha)! Lots of fun, and wonderful memories to cherish. Here he is…

September 4, 2020 – Castle In the Clouds – New Hampshire

Wilma and I Adventured to The Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Castle in the Clouds is a mountaintop estate that overlooks the Lakes Region. The estate’s mansion, often referred to as Lucknow, was previously owned by Thomas and Olive Plant. The mansion was foreclosed on, and had several different owners after the Plants passed away. Castle in the Clouds is now operated by the Castle Preservation Society. In addition to mansion tours, Castle in the Clouds includes: a restaurant, gardens, an art gallery, a trout filed Pond, and numerous hiking trails. Castle in the Clouds is open seasonally.

We had an exercise filled Adventure to Castle in the Clouds. I have only been there once and it was five years ago with Shadow and Buster. I recall loving the Fall of Song waterfall and the scenery, although did not realize the diversity of trails. It was a beautiful spot and a fun memory with my boys. (See our initial blog at: https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/?s=castle+in+the+clouds ) Our visit today included: Cafe in the Clouds, The Pond Trail, Pebble Rock, Brook Way, hiking around the driving route, endless waterfalls, and lots of other small hikes on other trails. We absolutely loved all the exercise, hiking for over four hours. The views were spectacular, and although unfortunately the estate was closed to those not having paid for a tour, we found other locations to see some spectacular scenery. Wilma loved meeting other guests, exploring, and of course hiking. We ended the day with some ice cream and a sherbet frappe, while relaxing in the shade. It was nice to see Wilma laying out, something she does not often do when we are out and about – a sign of a perfect day. So pleased to enjoy a fun day of Adventures (Rating: 3.5).

As you may know I did a blog specific to the waterfalls, although did include some of my favorite waterfall photographs in the collage here. If you missed that you can go to this link: https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/?s=waterfalls+of+moultonborough

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

Fall of Song

Bridle Veil Falls

Twin Falls

The Cascades

Whittier Falls

Emerald Pool Falls

Rating of the Waterfalls of Moultonborough – 3.5

Throwback Adventure – Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa

Shadow, Buster, and I had numerous trips to Bayshore Boulevard back in our days residing in Tampa. These particular photographs were taken in August 2012. Bayshore Boulvard is a waterfront road just south of the downtown section of Tampa. Bayshore Boulevard has an almost five mile side walk that is popular for biking, runners, and walkers.

We had scenic Adventures to Bayshore Boulevard back in our days living in Tampa. Bayshore Boulevard is framed by a white concrete fence on one side, and gigantic, landscaped mansions on the opposite. It is a pretty location that provides beautiful views across the bay. We loved our walks along the coast, it was gorgeous and the perfect location for a long walk. There was grassy areas in between the side walk and road enabling moments for resting in the Florida heat. I believe this particular visit was our last time visiting the area as we were preparing for relocating back to Massachusetts. Definitely a special place to get some exercise in the Bay area. I sure do miss those Palm Trees. Hopefully I can someday bring Wilma on this gorgeous walk (Rating: 4).

Weekly Video/Photo

My feature today is a snoozing photograph of Shadow and Buster back in September 2015. I am sure we had a day full of Adventures before this nap. Although I love photographs along our Adventures I also appreciated those quiet and relaxed days at home. I often say that a tired dog is a happy dog. I sure do miss this perfect pair ❤️💔

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August 30, 2020 – New Bedford, Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to New Bedford, Massachusetts. New Bedford is a city located in Southern Massachusetts. It is one of the bigger cities in the state. It if often referred to as “The Whaling City” as in the 19th Century it was one of the most important whaling ports in the world.

We had an exercise filled Adventure to New Bedford walking approximately five hours during our day trip. Our Adventures today included: Clarks Point Lighthouse, Butler Flats Lighthouse, Fort Taber Park, Palmer Island, Palmer Island Lighthouse, Harborwalk, Covewalk, East Beach, Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail, and downtown New Bedford. I have been to almost all of these locations before but I was eager to return and especially excited to see Palmer Lighthouse. Although unfortunately New Bedford is far from the cleanest place, it is less crowded then many others, and it houses a variety of attractions.

I was quite pleased to start a full day of Adventures, as having returned to work last Monday we were ready for a long day of Adventures. The sky was spectacular, and the weather was reasonable, even finding a strong breeze in some locations. Our Adventures centered around the bike trail and walkways, with the majority of our stops along these routes. The walkways were wonderful, unique in their own way, and provided consistent views over the water, including views of Clarks Cove, New Bedford Harbor, and Buzzards Bay. It is always energizing going on a long walk when you have coastal views. We stopped at several beaches along the route, including East Beach and other sandy areas with no name. We walked along the breakwaters and I encouraged Wilma to “swim” although was pleased when she decided to wade. Wilma briefly enjoyed some digging and we sat in the sand for a short time, savoring the atmosphere. The beaches were packed with shells, actually deep in some areas. There were no sign indicating that dogs were not allowed so we assumed they were permitted.

We of course loved Fort Taber Park, definitely one of our favorite Forts in New England. Due to COVID only New Bedford residents are allowed to park at the Fort, but we were lucky to find parking, although some distance away. The Fort is grand, and has paved trails weaving around it. There are other historic ruins nearby that you can climb and view the Fort from other angles. I think I have been there three times and it never gets old.

As you may be aware, New Bedford is home to three lighthouses. Butler Flats Lighthouse is far off the shore, so was not easy to capture as I do not have a complex zoom. However it does not seem as far as you are walking. An unusual lighthouse is the Clarks Point Lighthouse which is found on top of the Fort. The first time I went there I do not even think I realized that was the case. Again hard to capture being so high above. The last lighthouse we visited was the Palmer Lighthouse, my favorite one in New Bedford. Visiting Palmer Lighthouse is also an Adventure as you must time it with the low tide so you can walk to Palmer Island. And we did!! We walked over to the Island and explored the entire Island, including the spectacular Palmer Island Lighthouse. I still was a little worried about the tide so I did not spend quite as much time as preferred, however I still tried to be relaxed and allow Wilma to take in the smells, and enjoy some wading.

Our last stop was the downtown area and the fisher’s coast. Much of the downtown area has cobblestone, adding quite the charm. One thing I appreciate about New Bedford is the arts and culture, highlighted by many murals throughout the city. And of course who does not like boats, scenic, and colorful. These last stops were definitely a good way to end our day. Below you will find a photograph collage summarizing our day. So glad to have a long day filled of walking (Rating: 4).