Throwback Adventure – Mystery Lake – Massachusetts

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.

In June 2014 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to this Mysterious Lake, not called “Mysterious Lake” but I actually am not sure what Lake we discovered. On this day I recall finding this location after some hiking, and there were no labels or signs around the location. We found several trails near the Lake, but mostly relaxed on the rocks. Both Buster and Shadow enjoyed swimming, while Buster was extra-relaxed laying out to enjoy this new location. I do not recall seeing many other visitors when we were there. And even thought this location may be unknown, I still decided share these special memories and moments with my boys (Rating: Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

July 8, 2020 – Hartwell Family Memorial Preserve – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Hartwell Family Memorial Preserve in Littleton, Massachusetts. The Hartwell property is 102 acres and has an almost two mile loop trail with various other trails throughout the property. The Preserve is part of Littleton conservation land.

We had a bug-filled Adventure to the Hartwell Family Memorial Preserve. Eager to explore a new local trail we headed out for an early morning walk. We began our journey on the yellow trail, quickly finding the bugs on attack. However we carried on to explore the land. My plan was to follow the loop trail but the trails were not clearly marked so although we concentrated on the loop we also traversed several different trails. Some of the paths were overgrown, and there were a couple muddy areas, one of which almost stole my shoe-twice! The trails weaved through the woods, opening up when near Beaver Brook. Often we found the sounds of the highway overtook the singing of birds.

Although I generally am not someone bothered by bugs they were definitely challenging today, continually swarming and biting! However I tried hard to ignore them and to enjoy our long walk. My favorite parts of this trail were the walk along the Brook and Marsh, the ferns lining the trails, and several short but steep hills which got the heart pumping! Oh and we even saw a hawk…how could I forget! Wilma loved the smells, and a vigorous walk. And although I am literally itching as I write this blog I am still glad that we Adventured to the Hartwell Family Memorial Preserve today (Rating: 2.5)

Weekly Video/Photo

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

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 feature is a video of Wilma, and although not what you might think of as an Adventure, it definitely captures one of the highlights of her days. We were out walking this week and she found a squirrel. I unfortunately missed most of the screaming, but you can get an idea of her antics when she sees one of these furry creatures. I always am entertained by her attempts to climb the tree. That is probably her favorite activity at home, although she does love ball chasing, and squeaky toys! Here is Wilma, in action!

July 6, 2020 – Historic Deerfield- Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Historic Deerfield is a Museum dedicated to the history of Deerfield and the Connecticut River Valley. There are approximately 11 historic homes from the 18th and 19th centruy. Historic Deerfield also has museums, a shop, and offers tours and educational programs.

We had a fun Adventure to Historic Deerfield. Due to COVID Historic Deerfield is officially closed however this did not change our visit as the indoors of this Village are not dog-friendly when open. We began our morning by viewing a large map posted outside the visitors center. This map gave me an idea of where all the historic buildings were located so we did not miss a piece of history. The street was very charming, the historic buildings scattered between private homes and other buildings but yet all restored to 18th and 19th century architecture.

We walked and walked, but also took time to sit in the shade to refresh. My favorite aspects of the village included: the Wells-Thorn House – unique blue in color, the various lanterns, the Moors House – framed with lattice, the numerous adorning fences, and the little architecture features throughout. Wilma loved her summer rolls, searching for squirrels, lounging in the shade and posing grandly. An Adventure filled with walking with a historic view! We really enjoyed exploring Historic Deerfield today (Rating: Historic Deerfield will not be rated as only the grounds could be explored).

Happy July 4th!

I wanted to post a little blog to wish everyone a Happy 4th!! I hope you were able to have a fun, and relaxing day!! Today Wilma and I went for a two hour walk at one of our favorite local parks, relaxed and played some ball in the backyard, and spent the evening with my amazing parents! I wanted to share some photographs of our celebrations over the years. Although July 4th hats have only been our tradition for the last three years I still wanted to include some older photographs of some of my favorite 4th memories with my boys!! Happy Fourth from Wilma and I, and great memories with our boys – Shadow and Buster!

July 3, 2020 – Carlton Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Carlton Covered Bridge in Swanzey, New Hampshire. The Carlton Covered bridge is a wooden bridge that crosses the Ashuelot River. The Carlton Bridge was built in 1789.

We had a hazy Adventure to the Carlton Covered Bridge. I was pleased to find this bridge away from homes, and in more of a country setting then many. We hopped out of the car and took some photographs, and the drove across to take photographs from the other side. Although it was a quiet area, it still seemed a little unsafe to walk through, especially with a little Wilma in tow! The bridge was surrounded by fields, creating a lovely scene. We were able to locate one spot to go under the bridge, and found a little sandy area. The water did not seem too clean so I decided to spend minimal time near the shore. It was so nice to find a peaceful bridge on our last Adventure of the day (Rating: 3.5)

July 3, 2020 – Ashuelot Rail Trail (Keene) – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Ashuelot Rail Trail in Keene, New Hampshire. The Asheulot Rail Trail is a 21 mile long Trail that starts in Keene and ends in Winchester. The Trail passes through several covered bridges, old mills, and scenic towns. The Ashuelot Rail Trail is popular for walking, biking, and snowmobiling.

We had a humid Adventure to the Ashuelot Rail Trail. We began at the very beginning of this Trail in Keene, New Hampshire. It took us a little time to locate it but eventually found it across from the Center at Keene parking lot on Emerald Street. We began our walk, eager to explore another Rail Trail.

As expected, I found the Rail Trail somewhat dull and appealing. It ran past some industrial buildings, parts of Keene College and then became a little farther away from the town. The trail varied from paved to dirt, and had guests including: bikers, walkers, and dog runners. Along the way we found several bridges, lots of beautiful wildflowers, and plenty of squirrels and chipmunks to chase. We spent about an hour walking, and searching for little details to appreciate. We will have to come back another time to explore a different portion of the Ashuelot Rail Trail (Rating: Trail will not be rated as only a small portion of the 21 miles was covered on this walk).

July 3, 2020 – Porcupine Falls – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Porcupine Falls in Gilsum, New Hampshire. Porcupine Falls is located in the John and Rosemarie Calhoun Family Forest, part of the Monadnock Conservancy. The Falls is approximately fifteen feet in height and is sourced from the White Brook. The Trail to the Falls is less then one mile round trip.

We had a simple Adventure to Porcupine Falls. We arrived after following White Brook Road to the end, first seeing the sign to John and Rosemarie Calhoun Forest and then landing directly into the parking lot. Upon exiting we heard the chirping birds and singing Brook. We began over a bridge crossing the Brook and headed out on our trek.

The Trail to Porcupine Falls followed the blue diamond trail. Along the trail there were two bridges, many ferns, and a boardwalk-like bridge. The trail was very buggy but the continual sounds of water and nature helped distract us from the bombing bugs. Immediately preceding the Falls there were some rock stairs, and the second bridge. Porcupine Falls was locatesdto the left of this bridge. I could not believe how short the trail was to the Falls. We hopped over the rocks to arrive right next to the Falls. Honestly I was slightly disappointed as I had imagined a much more impressive Falls. However we made sure to explore the area surrounding the Falls and appreciate the moments. I was quite pleased not to see any porcupines but yet oddly I saw one from the car later in the day. Always glad to visit yet another New England waterfall (Rating: 3).

PS – It is recommended that you view the videos to see the best perspective of the waterfall – video three is captured in closest proximity.

Video 1: Bridge near Porcupine Falls

Video 2: Trail to Porcupine Falls

Video 3: Porcupine Falls

Video 4: First Bridge over White Brook on the way to Porcupine Falls

Throwback Adventure – Nantasket Beach – Massachusetts

In April 2018 Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts. This Beach is part of the Nantasket Beach Reservation and is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Nantasket Beach is a very popular beach in summer months.

We had a playful Adventure to Nantasket Beach. It was a dark day, often typical in the early spring months in Massachusetts. Shadow and Wilma explored, played, and bounced around excited to be on yet another beach Adventure. The Beach was mostly sandy, but had beautiful round, and colorful rocks on parts of the shore. It was very quiet, which of course we appreciated. Nantasket Beach was far from a fancy Beach, but yet being on the sand, and knowing spring was on the way made for quite the perfect day. So glad we were able to Adventure to Nantasket Beach (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

July 1, 2020 – Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (Acton) – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Acton, Massachusetts. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a twenty five mile Trail that includes the towns of Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Framingham, and Sudbury. The Trail is 10 feet in width and is popular for: biking, skiing, walking, jogging, and rollerblading.

We had a surprisingly lovely Adventure to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. I was eager to take a walk on this Trail but did not have high expectations specific to scenery. We parked in a designated parking area on Route 27. Upon arrival we were greeted by the loud songs of cheerful frogs, perking up the ears of my curious Wilma. The Trail entrance was quite formal lined by black fencing and scattered with flowers. From there we turned right and began our walk. The Trail was framed by a scenic wooden fence. I was pleased to find the Trail quite wide, perfect for a mixture of those walking, running, and biking, and of course a safe distance in these days of COVID. We could hear the traffic on Route 27 but overall it was a peaceful setting.

The Trail was continually framed with rustic fencing, a simple feature that I appreciated. It did not take us long to arrive at a wetlands area filled with pussy willows, frogs, and birds. I was quite elated to find this knowing we were only exploring a small portion of this Trail. There were several more of these wetlands areas along the way, we even located some benches for visitors to sit and relax.

It is always nice when an Adventure exceeds my expectations. Wilma seemed hot today, even laying down for a quick nap, so we only walked about an hour. We definitely will be back to visit the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (Rating: Adventure will not be rated as only a small section of this 25 mile Trail was explored).