Throwback Adventure – Honeymoon Island State Park – Florida

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 of Shadow and Buster’s Adventures at Honeymoon Island State Park in Florida. This was a beach we visited regularly during our years in Tampa, and brings back special memories. Please see below for my original post.

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!

Shadow, Buster, and I had regular Adventures to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida. As suggested Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida State Park located on Honeymoon Island. The Park is 385 acres and has four miles of beaches and many more acres submerged. There are trails to walk and a variety of beaches, one being dog friendly. The Island is popular for swimming, hiking, biking, and shelling.

We had just about weekly Adventures to Honeymoon Island State Park, which quickly became our favorite dog friendly beach, and really one of our favorite spots in general. I think every person that came to visit us in Florida had at least one visit to this gorgeous beach. We even took Christmas photographs there one year, our New England friends and family noting it looked like we were posing in the snow. Beautiful white sand, perfect water temperature, and of course warm and sunny Florida weather. Definitely a perfect tropical retreat! I termed one of the other beaches on the Island as the “shell” beach, which we quickly stopped visiting with Shadow and Buster joined our world. However, a wonderful stop for those in search of the perfect shell, or a scenic swinging bench.

Our typical visit to Honeymoon Island included walking along the beach, swimming, resting in the sand, digging, and of course energetic play sessions. Shadow and Buster used to playfully argue over the holes they dug both thrilled, and energized by this entertaining game. Such a fun memory of our lives in Florida. The only downside was an encounter with a rattlesnake one visit, and an occasional burr on the path to the beach, however even these moments come together to create a spectacular Adventure. If you are ever in the Tampa area, I encourage you to visit this magnificent Park. It will always be special in our hearts, and hope that some day we will be back.

April 13, 2019 – Cahoon Hollow Beach – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Cahoon Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. Cahoon Hollow Beach is a large and popular beach known for its large sand dunes, and steep sandy path to enter the Beach. The Wellfleet Beachcomber restaurant is located in the parking lot area and is open during the tourist seasons. The Beach was named after the Cahoon family who lived in Cape Cod for many years.

We had the perfect Adventure to the Cahoon Hollow Beach on a foggy spring afternoon. Upon arrival we parked and immediately were drawn to a stunning view. I was absolutely in awe of the beautiful and unique landscape of the beach area. Sand dunes on either side of us, and a long steep path down to the shore. We quickly jumped out of the car and were greeted by several caution signs including shark warnings, and rip current warnings. This is not at all how you expect to start a trip to the beach but thankful that it was not a day of summer heat when the water really would be a must to ALL.

We then began our journey to this spectacular beach down the steep pathway, with deep, soft sand caressing our feet (well really sneakers). Somewhat of a dramatic entrance, the perfect way to reach this scenic location. Surprisingly we saw very few visitors at the lovely Cahoon Hollow Beach, which made the experience even better, alone with nature. We walked and ran along the Beach for awhile, surrounded by tall sand dunes to one side and the stunning Atlantic ocean on the other. There were beautiful shells, rocks, and even a bright yellow buoy. Both Shadow and Wilma enjoyed some digging, while Shadow relaxed in the sand and even enjoyed some rolls, one of the few visitors noting sarcastically “he doesn’t like the beach, does he?” Wilma was often on the search for shells, sometimes carrying them around and digging them up eagerly, my energizer bunny! It is easy to see the joy of dogs in life, by just watching their zest for life. They enjoy every little part of life, providing great lessons to mankind.

At one point we were greeted by a group of young ladies who asked to say “Hi” to the dogs and next we knew it was about fifteen minutes of chatting and dog massages. Wilma and Shadow went from one to the next enjoying each moment of affection and kindness. They continually commented on how well behaved they were, creating a proud mom-moment. I am far from a social person and it always amazes me how people’s love of dogs builds conversations, and connects people to one another. Special creatures in our world.

The only aspect that was not perfect was the worries of the water. I was cautious of Shadow and Wilma going too far into the water due to the many danger signs, but we still did enjoy strolling along the shore, with just our toes (well sneakers) in the water. The water created lovely patterns in the sand, almost a song of its own. The waves were peaceful, and completed the sounds of this beach oasis.

We really could have stayed at the Cahoon Hollow Beach all day long, serene and absolutely beautiful. Every moment was amazing, and definitely one of those adventures that words, nor photos can capture this special Beach. I tried adding some videos to help capture the experience. Make sure you visit the spectacular Hollow Beach if you are ever in Cape Cod (Rating 5.)

April 13, 2019 – Holmes Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Holmes Reservation in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a property of the Trustees of Reservations. This conservation area is an open grassy area with no official trails or paths. It is known for views, the abandoned tracks of the Old Colony Railroad, and a beach. It was part of the “Muster Ground” for the Plymouth militia during the American Revolution.

We had a rainy, and short Adventure to Holmes Reservation, a stop on the way to our main destination. Our visit began with a stroll along the along the railroad trail, a paved trail perfect for a bike ride or a run. We quickly became waterlogged, but carried on determined to explore this new destination. We quickly located a trail to the beach and veered off in that direction. The beach was beautiful, covered with rocks, and providing lovely views. There was even a lighthouse off in the distance. We walked around the beach for a bit, the scenery helping to mask the dreary weather.

After spending some time on the beach we headed back over to the open field and wandered around the property. The grass was bright green, and scattered with various birds including seagulls and Canada geese. Wilma had a couple head turns with the sites and sounds, creating a humorous moment. We walked around a bit making sure we could stretch our legs before heading on our journey.

Glad to visit Holmes Reservation, and although a short visit we seemed to cover the entire property. If you may be wondering, I located the Old Town Hill through the Trustees of Reservations which I have been learning about in the last several months. I would encourage you to check out the Trustees of Reservations, as you can search for properties in your area. Many of the land, trails, and properties are absolutely lovely, and the Trustees of Reservations does wonderful work to preserve the land and history throughout Massachusetts. It is unlikely we will be back, but gad we visited Holmes Reservation today (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Honeymoon Island State Park – Florida

February 23, 2019 – Duxbury Beach – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I journeyed on three separate Adventures. Our last Adventure for today was to Duxbury Beach. Duxbury Beach is six miles long, and is considered a barrier beach.

We had a gorgeous Adventure to the Duxbury Beach. I was immediately impressed with the exquisite view of the shore, and the scenic Powder Point Bridge. The sun was glittering in the hazy sky, while the water was lovely in color. We drove around, a bit confused by the parking but eventually found a spot that seemed to be available for those non-resident visitors. Our journey started along the long Bridge. Both Shadow and Wilma spent some time peering out the frame as we trotted along this spectacular bridge. The water was glittering, and the beach flawless from afar. Just this walk added cheer to our steps as we were headed to the BEACH!

Upon arrival we peaked at the different signs and information, lots of directions to choose from. I was unclear about the rules for dogs, however saw numerous dogs enjoying the day. We headed along one road for a bit before scooting over to the beach. The beach was covered with flawlessly shaped rocks, vibrant in color and often round in shape. There were shells scattered throughout, colorful grass, and soft sand. We ventured into the water a bit, but since leashes were required it was not a full swim. Shadow was a bit disappointed, but soon savored some sandy rolls, while Wilma partook in some chaotic digging in the sand. A wonderful leisurely stroll quite satisfying for the spirit. We eventually headed back and journeyed across the Bridge. Definitely a place I hope to return in the future. A special find on our Adventures today (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Crescent Beach – February 2018

In February 2018 Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Crescent Beach. Crescent Beach is a beach on the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. It is one mile long beach with a gentle surf, popular for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I had a tranquil visit to Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Our luck was great with bearable temperatures, deep into the New England Winter. We stayed in the area so spent sunset, sunrise, and may times during the day on this pristine beach. We walked, walked, and walked up and down the beach. The colors of the water, and sunset were absolutely magnificent. Shells covered the beach, patterns of ice shaped the tidal pools, while clouds perfectly filled the sky. Shadow enjoyed his freedom off leash, while Wilma found herself obsessed with shells, and digging in the sand. Wilma and Shadow played often, melting my heart. It was so lovely and so invigorating, I really could not get enough. We were extra pleased to almost always have the beach to ourselves. This was without a doubt one of the Adventures that will have special place in my heart forever. Definitely a Beach we plan to return to in the future(Rating: 5)

April 7, 2018 – Massachusetts – Nantasket Beach

On April 7, 2018 Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts. Nantasket Beach is part of the Nantasket Beach Reservation, and is a popular location for summer beach-goers.

I often plan my coastal beach adventures in the off-season, when many are dog friendly, and devoid from excessive visitors. This day of our adventure to Nantasket Beach was extra special, as Shadow had recently recovered from surgery. It was a gorgeous spring day, with a refreshing breeze. The Beach was beautiful, sand to perfection, while covered with perfectly rounded, and colorful rocks. We strolled around, while Shadow and Wilma stopped to smell, and inspect all objects in our path. They enjoyed some time playing together, which always melts my heart. My only disappointment in this beach was being located so close to the road, and parking lot. I guess that can be a common feature, but yet I prefer beaches that are completely away from the hustle of life. However, we had a wonderful time exploring Nantasket Beach (Rating: 4)