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 from the Wiley Pond area in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  This location is absolutely beautiful and a place I always stop when nearby.  This photograph was taken in the summer of 2017 when Wilma was still a little puppy!  If you would like to read more about this location you can type in “Wiley Pond” in the search box.  Many wonderful memories at this gorgeous spot.

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January 5, 2019 – Thundering Falls – Vermont

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Thundering Falls in Killington, Vermont.  Thundering Falls is approximately 125 feet in length, and is estimated to be the sixth tallest waterfall in Vermont.  As expected this waterfall is sourced from the Thundering Brook.  The waterfall is located on the Appalachian Trail and is a less then a mile walk, most of which occurs on a boardwalk.

We had a spectacular Adventure to Thundering Falls.  The waterfall was located on River Road, a kiosk marking the parking lot.  Quite pleased to be the only visitors we parked and began our journey.  I was instantly exciting seeing the snow covered boardwalk heading into the marsh, surrounded by mountain views.  It was distinctly gorgeous.  The boardwalk trail weaved back and forth and we could soon hear the roaring waterfall, increasing our anticipation.

After the boardwalk ended we veered to the right and quickly located a sign for the Falls. The trail led us to a viewing deck providing a magnificent view of Thundering Falls.  The Falls was scattered with snow and ice creating a unique and picturesque scene.  I enjoyed standing in front of the falls taking in the full sensory experience.  Of course many photographs and several videos were snapped to capture the encounter.  I was initially thinking of walking up above the Falls but was a bit unclear if there was a trail (due to the snow) and even with my ice cleats the slope with snow was very icy.  I therefore found it a bit dangerous and after scratching my hand on a brief slide down, I decided otherwise.  We then began our walk back to the car, appreciating each and every part of the Trail.

Thundering Falls was absolutely lovely, and definitely one of the nicest waterfalls that we have viewed.  We might just have to return to see the waterfall in different seasons (Rating:  4.5).

PS-I decided to organize my photographs in a larger format so let me know what you think.  Not sure yet if I find it better, or too many to scroll through (as I often have them in a collage).

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January 5, 2019 – Northern Rail Trail – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Northern Rail Trail in Lebanon, New Hampshire.  The Northern Rail Trail is a 58 mile multi-use trail popular for dog walking, running, skiing, biking, and snowmobiling.  It runs from Lebanon to Boscawen and is the longest Rail Trail in New Hampshire

We had a simple Adventure to the Northern Rail Trail.  I planned this stop to break up our trip which involved various Adventures throughout Vermont.  I was quite curious to explore this Trail as I had read that it often parallels the river and has bridges along the route.  There was a brief jaunt where we were able to see the River, which I believe was the Connecticut River.  We were able too locate a little trail that went directly to the River’s edge although too far above the River for Shadow and Wilma to drink or swim.  (The video below is from the River as we walked back to the Trail).

Throughout our walk I was glad to see that the trail was not just behind backyards, but also traversed the woods, paralleled the river, and went through field-type landscape.  I was disappointed to only spot one bridge, concrete, and dull, but yet had realized we might not see any bridges due to the sheer length of the Trail.

Along our walk we saw many dog walkers, and were quite glad to not run into any snowmobiles.  So overall I would say this was typical to my other visits to Rail Trails, a simple, and long walk with no memorable landmarks.  However, likely a much different experience for those on a bicycle.  Nevertheless still glad we could walk on the Northern Rail Trail today (Rating:  3).

 

 

Throwback Adventure – Willard Brook State Park – Massachusetts

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!

Willard Brook State Park is a publicly owned Park between the towns of Ashby and Townsend, Massachusetts.  It is 2,597 acres and includes a fast-running brook, and Trapp Falls.  It has a swimming pond, numerous trails, and opportunities for camping and picnicking.

Shadow, Buster and I had many, many Adventures to Willard Brook State Park, a lovely local State Park.  We have been in every season and with many others throughout the years.  I even visited as a kid, went on a date, and took our 2014 Christmas photographs at this fabulous location.  Willard Brook Park is a special place with lots of memories.  The Park has many trails, a fresh brook for dips and sips, sticks for lots of dog chewing, and many places to relax and play.  We have also enjoyed spending time near the tiny Trapp Falls, definitely a seasonal waterfall.  One of our preferred hikes has been the trail along the Brook as it is quite scenic and also has provided many opportunities to cool down.  The park has several simple, but scenic bridge which as you may guess I have enjoyed photographing.  I have put together too many photographs below from many different visits over the last eight years.  We will have to get there again as I do not believe Wilma has been there yet.  A beautiful local Park to explore! (Rating:  4).

 

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January 1, 2020 – Minuteman Bikeway – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway in Lexington, Massachusetts.  The Minuteman Bikeway was built between 1992-1993 along an inactive railroad corridor and runs from Cambridge to Bedford.  The Bikeway is a paved trail and is 10 miles in length.

We had a blue-sky Adventure to the Minuteman Commuter Bikeway on our first Adventure of the New Year.  My plan initially was to take a day-trip to Connecticut but after injuring my back yesterday, I thought a local, and predictable walk would be best.  I am grateful that Shadow and Wilma are great walkers and I could still take them out with shooting back pain.  So off we went on our Adventure….

I located the Minuteman Bikeway on route to a different location, and thought it would be a good path to explore.  We walked and walked, of course taking some time to sniff all the new smells.    We were careful to stay on the right side as we walked, bicycles often flying by dangerously.  There were runners, dog walkers, and families out enjoying this gorgeous New Years day.  The pathway ran adjacent to the Center of Lexington, at one point opening up so we could see Buckman Tavern, a scenic historic building.  The pathway passed behind backyards, at some time closer then others.  The bikeway was simple and unappealing, but obviously built as a commuter route for bicyclists, therefore quite a convenient for those traveling by bike.  So although the Minuteman Bikeway is nothing exciting for those on a walk, still a great place to get some exercise.  Hope everyone had a wonderful New Years (Rating:  The Minuteman Bikeway will not be rated as it is a location created for bicycle commuters)

Weekly Video/Photo

SIf 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 my favorite Christmas photograph of Shadow and Wilma together this year, one of the photographs from our Christmas card.  My plan was to put together a photo collage from this year’s (and past years’) holiday shoot(s) but I never got to it.  So, I thought I would share this in my Weekly Photo section, keeping it simple, and ending the year of Adventures.  This will definitely go down as one of my favorites of my “double dog” Christmas photographs.  My hope is that it make you smile as it did me.  Happy late Christmas and New Year’s Eve from Shadow and Wilma.

PS – And yes super-focused Shadow has the Christmas tree BALANCED on his head 😀

 

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December 27, 2019 – Lynch Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts.  Lynch Park is a sixteen acre park that includes a rose garden, playground, and a small sandy beach.  It provides views of the Atlantic Ocean and Woodbury Cove.  There are fees to enter the park seasonally.

We had a windy Adventure to Lynch Park on a cloudy December day.  Upon arrival we found that we were one of the few visitors.  We headed to the beach, noting colorful kayaks framing the shore.  This “beach” appeared more of a shoreline near the water then an actual “beach” for swimming, but I believe visitors may swim in-season.  After exploring the beach we headed over to the amphitheater, imagining quite the summer concerts.  However we soon noted the grass was full of goose poop, and quickly headed away from the area toward the paved driveway.  We continued up the hill and circled around the end of the park.  We found one spot to head over to the water, the surf quite rough, creating a dramatic scene.  It appeared there was a small boat not too far from the shore, which seemed a bit harrowing.  We continued up the hill and enjoyed the views over the ocean.  There were benches lining the paved path, and trees scattered throughout the park.  The path wound around and brought us to the playground.  From there we headed over to what appeared to be the rose garden.  I can just imagine how gorgeous this garden must be in-season, but we will not be returning as dogs are not allowed in the garden, when in bloom.

I was quite unimpressed with the Lynch Park as there was not much to see, or places to walk.  The spectacular views were somewhat skewed by a hideous fence, although I am sure it was necessary for safety.  The Park rules required dogs “on leash” but most of the dogs we saw were off leash.  Even with these thoughts my goal is always to enjoy a walk and to appreciate little details, moments, and a the thrill of a new Adventure.  My favorite parts of our Adventure were:  the features of the rose garden and observing the rough sea, almost as if a storm was looming.  I tried to focus on the little details, while Shadow and Wilma enjoyed their rolls and exploring.  It appeared that Lynch Park is best as a relaxing summer afternoon in the grass.  So glad we could Adventure to Lynch Park (Rating:  2 – although probably not fair to rate this park in the winter months).

 

December 26, 2019 – Long Sand Beach – Maine

Yesterday Shadow and I took an Adventure to Long Sand Beach in York, Maine.  Long Sand Beach is a less then two mile sandy shoreline that includes some rocky areas and tidal pools. The beach is located along Route 1A.  It is a popular tourist spot in the summer months.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Long Sand Beach in York, Maine.  I decided to take a solo Adventure with Shadow.  Wilma sometime struggles with off-leash locations as she does not appreciate being  charged by off-leash dogs, while on leash.   I often am disappointed to find that the majority of the off-leash dogs we encounter are not under voice control, and as you might guess this can be unpredictable.  And although I might be an overprotective dog Mom, I do not feel Wilma is quite ready to be off-leash, still young and quite driven by her adorable hound nose.  So…having some extra days off I felt this would be a good opportunity to take Shadow on a journey of his own, my beach-loving, extra-well behaved boy.  Although feeling a bit guilty I decided to head off to Long Sand Beach with Shadow.

We arrived at Long Sand Beach finding it just below the main road.  There were other visitors scattered throughout the beach, many dogs in tow.  Shadow was absolutely thrilled to be at the beach.  We headed straight to the water and began walking along the shore, appreciating the sun, and the sounds of the surf.  I spotted Nubble Lighthouse off in the distance, although a bit too far off to photograph with my cell phone.  Shadow was excited to meet all dogs in sight, quickly making best buds with an adorable Vizsla.  I often heard comments about how “big” Shadow was but fellow walkers quickly noted his calm and friendly demeanor.  It was so fun to see him in this environment as we have not recently encountered new friends.  Shadow enjoyed smelling, finding some lobster traps, shells, and numerous smells unknown to my eyes.  Shadow loved wading in the water often trotting enthusiastically.  It was clear that the tide was going out the beach growing quickly as we strolled along.  It was a gorgeous afternoon filled with many smiles.  And although the beach was simple, and somewhat unappealing the memories and moments were absolutely perfect.  So glad we could enjoy a relaxing beach Adventure today (Rating:  Beach:  3, Adventure:  Priceless)

Throwback Adventure – Nauset Lighthouse/Nauset Beach Lighthouse – Massachusetts

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 April of 2017 Shadow, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Nauset Lighthouse (also referred to as the Nauset Beach Lighthouse) in Eastham, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod.  The Nauset Lighthouse was restored and relocated back in 1923.  The Nauset Light Preservation Society currently maintains the Lighthouse and through private donations funded the restoration and relocation of the lighthouse.  The Lighthouse has benches nearby and is located adjacent to the Nauset Light Beach.

We had a dark spring-day Adventure to the Nauset Lighthouse, one of the many stops on a getaway to Cape Cod.  I always am pleased to find a Lighthouse with unique features, and the Nauset Lighthouse definitely did not disappoint.  We wandered up to the Lighthouse and around, glad to find the spot all to ourselves.  It was a brown spring day but the bright red on the Lighthouse added the perfect touch.  We located a photo frame nearby of which you could pose with the Lighthouse, a fun little feature for tourists and Adventurists like ourselves.  A delightful visit to the Nauset Lighthouse (Rating:  4).

 

 

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 blooper video of Wilma who is quite entertained with a Santa hat.  This was taken last year, her first Christmas!  We were attempting to take photos for our Christmas card but she was more interested in keep away with her new “toy”.   Oh, and a quick cameo from my sweet Shadow.  Definitely a fun memory to have on tape!  Merry Christmas Eve to all!