Weekly Video/Photo

I am updating my Weekly Video/Photo portion of my blog, due to the devastating loss of our Shadow. 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. However, I will be concentrating future posts on Shadow, as we grieve his loss.

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. As you may know we were devastated to loose Shadow on April 3, 2020. He was 12, and thankfully living a long and pain free life! I will use this section as a therapeutic remembrance of our Shadow, sharing many spectacular Adventures and moments.

Today’s feature is an adorable video of Shadow at one of our favorite local park, Great Brook State Park. We have been to this park hundreds of times, and on the bridge you will see featured in this video. Although Shadow was a nervous puppy, but became quite confident over the years. However he has was not always a fan of bridges, really quite understandable as they have a tendency to be wobbly, and not consistently stable for his footing. On this day Shadow was completely thrown off by the snow, and had no interest in crossing the bridge that we had regularly traversed previously. I helped him get started and he slowly made it across, before being thrilled to arrive at the end. I love this video, it is just so sweet. Hope it brings a smile to your face as well.

Remembering Shadow

It has been just over a week since we lost our precious Shadow. (Please scroll down below this collage to see the dedication to Shadow, titled “Devastating News”). Shadow was my first love, my gentle giant, a sweet soul. I have found great therapy in reviewing photographs and videos. I loved seeing him swimming, posing in front of gorgeous landmarks, rolling in the grass, and appreciating the little moments in life. I have put together a gigantic collage below, which really is just a small number of our Adventures, and moments. I had slight anxiety while assembling this collage not wanting to miss a photograph or moment. However through the process I was reminded that we had so many Adventures, and special memories that I could not even attempt to capture them all below. Here is my photographic dedication to my precious Shadow, in just some of my favorite photographs of memories:

Throwback Adventure – Lonesome Lake – July 2017

In remembering our Shadow I decided to re-post some of our favorite Adventures on our “Throwback Adventure” Thursdays. Shadow had amazing solo Adventures, Adventures with Buster, and Adventures with Wilma. He was one lucky boy! The post today was our Adventure to Lonesome Lake, probably my favorite solo Adventure with Shadow. The hike was challenging, and arriving at the Lake was spectacular. I remember being so impressed how I could not keep up with my nine-year-old Shadow. We enjoyed walking around the Lake and appreciating the spectacular scenery. Upon completing this journey Shadow celebrated with a happy roll. Forever precious memories! Please see below for my original post and photographs (three photographs have been added on this re-posted blog):

In July 2017 me and Shadow journeyed to Lonesome Lake in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. (Wilma had not yet joined our world). Lonesome Lake had been on my “must explore” adventure list, and we found a perfect day to venture on this hike. Lonesome Lake is a body of water that is located in Franconia Notch in the White Mountains, just south of Cannon Mountain. You can only reach this Lake by a hike, which creates a magical journey. There was some reconstruction on the trail, so we were directed toward an alternative route. The trail was a tough trail for me, but it seemed to be quite effortless for Shadow. He was nine at the time (now ten) and did not miss a beat. Upon arrival we hiked around the Lake, and Shadow enjoyed cooling down with numerous dips in the Lake. It was very crowded at the Lake, but yet there was little traffic on the trail around the lake. There was an AMC hut located at the Lake which provided snacks, bathroom breaks, and even lodging. This hut was not dog friendly, but we were able to wander around and check out the area. Heading back from the Lake, was of course a breeze. My only disappointment in this hike was I imagined a more accessible beachfront where you could relax and enjoy sitting by the Lake. However, it was very crowded, no sandy shores, and hard to find little outlets to the Lake. Luckily this was not a barrier for Shadow who was able to sneak in many swims. I absolutely love a hike that leads to a landmark that cannot be reached otherwise. Definitely a memorable day of hiking, and adventures. (Rating: 5)

Relaxing and Rolling after an amazing day:

Weekly Video/Photo

Please see my last post (post below) for my dedication to our Shadow.

Today’s feature is a photograph that my brother captured. I love this pose of Shadow and I on a beach. It was taken at Lincoln Woods in Rhode Island, on a spectacular family day. This was one of the first times my little niece enjoyed a more in depth interaction with Shadow, wanting to walk with him, pet him, and indicating he was “happy doggy”. One of the many, many memories I will treasure, captured in this perfect photograph.

Shadow and me

Devastating News

I am devastated to share that Wilma and I unexpectedly lost our precious Shadow on Friday. Shadow was 12 years old, my gentle giant, my sweet boy! I adopted him as a young puppy on 1/05/08, an expected lab/boxer mix. I later did a DNA test which indicated he was a half Bernese Mountain Dog with bits of English Coonhound, Giant Schnauzer and Italian Greyhound. He literally was my Shadow, always by my side. He regularly would hold out his paw, one way he showed his love and trust. He had the sweetest most endearing eyes, often gazing toward me. Shadow’s addition to my life made me a happier person, renewed my love of the outdoors, and started my spectacular journey as a dog Mom.

I have found great therapy in looking through my photographs and remembering the MANY Adventures we had together, with Buster, and with Wilma. We have explored places from the mountains to the beaches, from Florida to Maine, and cities including St Louis, Indianapolis, Savannah and Boston. Shadow loved many rolls in the grass, swimming in all bodies of water, and sunbathing in the backyard. He was officially a certified canine citizen and was gentle with all people and animals he met. And of course he was the perfect big brother to Buster and Wilma, two special pairs who loved one another’s company.

We are heartbroken to loose this amazing boy, my first love. I will be dedicating upcoming Weekly Video/Photo and Throwback Adventures to special memories with Shadow, and am also putting several collages together. Such a painful time, but yet wonderful treasured memories. I am grateful that he had a very long and pain free life!

He was lucky to be loved by many others including my amazing parents who have supported me through this heartbreaking time. He had his own day at their house once a week and we visited with one another regularly. We are all devastated!

Shadow changed my life in a way I cannot even explain. He is furever in our hearts❤️

Throwback Adventure – Mt. Orne Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

I will have sections of my blog that I will title “Throwback Adventure”, and will plan on posting them every Thursday. These are journeys we have taken before I started the blog, but are well worth sharing. Many of these Throwback Adventures will include our Buster, who was known for his crazy tail, his happy howl, and his zest for life. We miss him dearly…he is forever in our hearts!

In October 2017 Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Mt. Orne Covered Bridge in Lancaster, New Hampshire. The Mt. Orne Covered Bridge is listed as located in Lancaster, New Hampshire, but connects Lancaster with Lunenburg, Vermont. It was built in 1911 and crosses the Connecticut River.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Mt. Orne Covered Bridge. This was one of our Adventures on a Fall weekend getaway, the first Fall getaway for Wilma, yet what has become an annual tradition. We ventured far North to discover this lovely Bridge, making sure to photograph the Bridge from various angles. It was extremely long, and beautifully landscaped with natural features. We sauntered around the field-like area surrounding the Bridge. The Mt. Orne Bridge was definitely one of the more rural covered bridges we have discovered, away from the bustles of the word. So glad we could take the trip to visit the Mt. Orne Covered Bridge (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated)

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will 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.

So 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.

Today’s feature is a photograph of Buster at Dunn State Park, a small, but lovely local State Park in Gardner, Massachusetts. The photograph was taken in December 2012 when Shadow, Buster, and I went for one of our regular visits. I love this photograph of my boy Buster. We have enjoyed many trips to this Park, especially the trail around the Pond. You can read more about this Park by typing “Dunn State Park” in the search box. We sure do miss this boy!

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March 30, 2020 – Whitetail Woods – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, My Mother, and I Adventured to the Whitetail Woods property in Littleton, Massachusetts. Whitetail Woods is part of the Littleton Conservation Trust. It contains two trails throughout woodland areas, less then two miles in total. Whitetail Woods is popular for dog walkers, wildlife viewing, and cross country skiing.

We had an educational Adventure to the Whitetail Woods property. I was disappointed to find Wilma’s leg still a bit sore, so decided to let her stay home to rest. Feeling a bit guilty I headed off with Shadow, and we met My Mother at Whitetail Woods. This was the second time we have been to this property, as the first visit was with My parents, Shadow, and Buster back in 2014 (see photographs below the photographs from today).

We parked at a newly paved parking lot, viewed a kiosk with the Trail map and then headed off on the Trail. Shadow was quite thrilled to see his Grandmother was joining us on our hike. There were two loops, one guided by orange diamonds, and the other by white diamonds. We took our time exploring and walking. There were parts of the Trails where you could hear construction and see the surrounding properties and homes, but much of the Trail was quite serene. My Mother educated me on recognizing and determine the age of a White Pine, and on how to to identify Cinderella Pines and Winter Berry. In addition did you know that Lichen (flaky green plant) grows on the north side of an upright tree, and indicates healthy air? I am always so enlightened with My Mother’s knowledge of nature.

Throughout the walk Shadow enjoyed the smells, and even posed on a rock. I was quite entertained by watching him navigate several logs over the Trails. I fondly treasure every moment this previous boy makes me smile! Today was dark and dreary, but thankfully not too cold. We made sure to walk on every part of each Trail before heading back to the car. Very slowly I am noticing more green as I count down to spring a refreshing sight.

I am so grateful that with these worrisome times we can still enjoy the great outdoors with family. Hoping Wilma will be feeling better soon and can join us on our next Adventure (Rating 3.5).

Today, March 30, 2020

February 2014 – Throwback Adventure

March 28, 2020 – Battle Road Trail, Part II – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Battle Road Trail in Concord, Massachusetts. The Battle Road Trail is an almost ten mile round trip Trail, connecting historic sites from Concord to Lexington Massachusetts. The Trail focuses on the Battle of 1775 which began the American Revolution. It crosses wetlands, forests, and farmlands, and contains various landmarks and kiosks along the way. The Trail is part of the Minute Man National Historic Park.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Battle Trail. This was the first time we have been to this section of the Battle Trail, so I am therefore titling it “Part II”. We parked at the Hartwell Tavern Parking Lot as on our first Adventure (Part I), the Hartwell Tavern was where we concluded our hike. Today we began our walk down the Trail locating a picnic area, and a weeded patch scattered with crocuses, a gorgeous sign of spring. This side-trail from the parking lot soon dropped us right to the Hartwell Tavern where we turned left and began our Part II Adventure on the Battle Trail.

The Battle Trail was the busiest I have ever seen it. I have been quite humored by the fact that a Pandemic has caused so many discover the magnificent outdoors, leading the trails to be over-crowded with guests. This sadly has caused many places to close but we were relieved that although the facilities were closed the physical Battle Trail was still open. And of course when I say “humored” I do acknowledge that it is a very worrisome time, however, I never would have expected everyone to flood to the quiet oasis of the outdoors.

As expected, the Battle Trail was end of winter brown, however there were small aspects of color in various buds. In many parts the trails were edged by perfectly shaped rock fences, adding a lovely frame. We passed historical buildings, remnants of battle, and were educated by kiosks along the trail. I was surprised to find two boardwalks along the Trail, in my mind an unexpected feature of a historic landmark. The boardwalks appeared to transform us into a new environment, a wonderful aspect of the Trail.

We spent about three hours walking the Battle Trail, including exploring several side-trails. I had planned to hike the entire second half of the Trail, often thinking we were close to the finish, although no way to know. However Shadow seemed quite tired and Wilma appeared to be re-aggravated a sore leg, so I regretfully headed back, feeling this was best for my furry best buds. So there will be a “Part III” in the future. no matter how short it may be! Such a wonderful day to enjoy a walk on the Battle Trail (Rating: 3.5).

(If you are interested in reading Part I of the Battle Trail, you can type “Battle Road Trail” into the search box. I will be updating it immediately after posting this blog to indicate “Part I”.)

Throwback Adventure – Fort Revere Park – Massachusetts

In April 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fort Revere Park in Hull, Massachusetts. Fort Revere Park is less then 10 acres in size. It is located on Telegraph Hill, and is famous for its’ role in the American Revolution. The Property includes a Water Tower, remnants of the Fort, and picnic tables. Fort Revere Park is owned by the Town of Hull and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

We had a historic Adventure to Fort Revere Park on a day full of Adventures. The Park was very small, and had minimal property to explore. However, we still enjoyed the experience. We pranced around the Water Tower taking photographs, and then headed over to the Fort which was scattered with graffiti. I was disappointed to see the Fort in this condition but we still wandered around checked out the ledges, doors, and various aspects of the Fort. I especially remember walking around on a ledge high above the Fort. We appreciated the views of the Harbor, and even noticing a lighthouse far in the distance. There were no other visitors at the Park, which appeared to be hidden away in the quiet Town of Hull. Glad we were able to visit the Fort Revere Park (Throwback Blogs will not always be rated).