April 22, 2020 – Battle Road Trail, Part III – Massachusetts

Today 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 gusty Adventure to the Battle Road Trail. This was the first time we have been to this section of the Battle Road Trail, so I am therefore titling it “Part III”. This is our third and final blog of this special Trail, as we have now officially traversed the entire Trail. It was sad to complete this journey without our Shadow but we were pleased that he was able to appreciate almost the entire Trail as today was the smallest portion of our three part Adventure. Today Wilma and I parked at the last lot at Meriam Corner. Apparently we did the Trail backwards as my research indicated this was actually the beginning of the Battle Road Trail..oops! After parking we headed toward Nathan Meriam’s home, the only historical building on this last section of the Trail. Wilma posed on a bench nearby, and at the home. We then walked around this historic building, quickly locating some bright colors in several flowers, including: Narcissus, Hyacinths, and Periwinkles. More and more signs of spring to brighten our day!

We then returned to the parking lot and continued on the Trail, heading in the direction of our previous Adventures. There were few other visitors exploring, and we did not even spot one dog friend. The sky was filled with perfect clouds, and the wind roaring. There were several benches along the way, kiosks, and several very short boardwalks. We sauntered through the fields, and woods, before entering the edge of farmland, and soon arrived at the farthest location of which we commenced “Part II” of our Battle Road Trail Adventures. (I believe that official location was “Carty Barn” per my best guess from the map).

Wilma seemed a bit apprehensive again today, but yet the wind was quite wild, possibly causing her some uncertainty. Yet she may still be building her confidence without chill Shadow trotting by her side, reassuring her that everything will be alright. However she still was quite energetic to be out and about. Wilma has had a sore leg on and off so we have been doing a little less walking, and backyard time, causing us both to be especially thrilled to be out and about. So we did our best to walk slowly, and I took time to cherish the precious moments from our first Adventures with our sweet Shadow. If you would like to see our previous two Adventures with Shadow to the Battle Road Trail you can type “Battle Road Trail” in the search box, and all three Adventures will be listed from your search. The Battle Road Trail is definitely an original place to explore in our New England (Rating: 3).

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”.)

November 16, 2019 – Battle Road Trail, Part I – Massachusetts

We had a well-needed Adventure to the Battle Road Trail on a brisk November day. Having been sick, and with a family member in the hospital we have not been on any new Adventures in the last week or two. And although we have enjoyed many local walks, I was thrilled to head off on a new Adventure, even though I am far from feeling well.

We spent about two and a half hours traversing the Battle Road Trail, and nearby paths, exploring over half of the East Section of the Trail. Some of the landmarks we visited included: the Paul Revere Capture Site, the Hartwell Tavern, the Jacob Whittemore House, the Samuel Hartwell House Site, and the Captain William House. The Trail was simple, but varied terrain, the anticipation of the next landmark added some elation to the journey. We often walked at a quick pace, but of course took some time to sniff out the new landscape. Due to the chilly weather I was surprised to see many others walking the Trail, including: families, furry friends, bikers, and runners. Shadow and Wilma even got to say hello to a happy toddler who was very enthused about meeting the pups.

Throughout the day Shadow loved many rolls in the hay-like grass, while Wilma was quite obsessed by the sheep, who were loudly vocalizing their “baaa”. I think my favorite part, besides a long walk with my two best buds, was the historic homes along the Trail. I loved their unique architecture, and the often scenic placement amidst the fields. And although I have not stopped coughing since this Adventure, I could not be more happier that we had a long walk on the Battle Trail. We will definitely be visiting the other half of the Battle Trail in the near future. A unique way to combine exercise, the outdoors, and history (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Fort Phoenix State Reservation – 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 January 2017 Shadow and I Adventured to Fort Phoenix State Reservation in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Fort Phoenix Reservation is one of the smallest State Parks in Massachusetts. It is a historic site and has opportunities for recreational activities including swimming. Fort Phoenix dates back to the American Revolutionary War. It was originally built in 1775 but later reconstructed after being destroyed by the British.

We had a historic Adventure to Fort Phoenix State Reservation back on a dark winter day. I remember Shadow rolling almost immediately, obviously thrilled to explore a historic Fort (haha). We walked around touring the Fort ruins, viewing the canons, and enjoying views across the Atlantic Ocean. We even spotted a lighthouse from afar. We appreciated the history and our Adventure to yet another New England Fort. And although I thought we may have been there on one other occasion, I have yet to locate those photographs. So glad we were able to Adventure to the Fort Pheonix State Reservation (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).