November 14, 2020 – Boston Common – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston Common is located in downtown Boston. It was established back in 1654 making it the oldest urban park in the country. Boston Common is rich in history, and is a popular location for gathering with friends, walking, and ice skating in the winter months.

We had a squirrel-filled Adventure to the Boston Common (haha). Surprisingly I was able to locate meter parking nearby and off we went. Today was a dark New England day with remnants of color still scattered about and leaves blowing poetically in the breeze. We walked and explored venturing to all corners of the Common. There were memorials, endless belly heavy squirrels, lots of paths, and of course the empty frog pond. We also located the Central Burial Ground on our walk, however no dogs allowed so we just peered in the gate.

Throughout our Adventure Wilma was somewhat out of control loosing her mind with the squirrels. Likely due to their lack of fear and overly friendly personalities causing her to get dangerously close to these brave creatures. I can just imagine what the other canine friends thought about the screaming suburban girl who kept trying to climb the trees. I do not even think Wilma realized I joined her on this Adventure (haha). Wilma did stop to greet several visitors but mostly was hyped with the city squirrels. The Common was busy with culture and companionship creating quite the family feel. There were endless dog visitors many off leash. So glad we could visit the Boston Common today (Rating: 3.5).

Throwback Adventure – Castle Island – 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 2018 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Castle Island in Boston, Massachusetts.  Castle Island is located on the shores of Boston Harbor.  Castle Island was formerly an Island, but was connected in 1982 by land, therefore creating a peninsula.  At the top of the land is Fort Independence, the oldest fortified military site in British North America.  Castle Island is the home to the Popular Sullivan’s restaurant, and is a favorite summer spot for Boston locals.

We had a windy Adventure to Castle Island.  I was quite pleased to visit Castle Island as it is a location I had heard about often.  As on many occasions we decided to explore Castle Island in off-season.  There were paths along the Fort, and airplanes flying throughout.  We enjoyed walking next to the Fort, the walls towering high above us, and checking out the views.  Castle Island was not the cleanest spot, but I guess that is to be expected in a more urban setting.  We were glad to visit a new location and enjoy a long walk.  As per my usual Throwback blogs I had some difficulty locating photographs, but I did find some to represent our Adventure as well as a video along our stroll (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Castle Island 1Castle Island 2Castle Island 3Castle Island 4Castle Island 5

July 10, 2019 – Boston Public Garden – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Boston Public Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.  The Boston Public Garden is a large park in Boston, Massachusetts.  It was the first public botanical garden in the United States.  The Friends of the Public Garden and Common works to preserve the Garden, and also various other locations in the city.

We had a metropolitan Adventure to the Boston Public Garden.  Today was a unique Adventure for Wilma as she was solo, without big brother Shadow.  Wilma had an early morning appointment, while Shadow was relaxing at the Grandma and Grandpa spa we figured it was a good opportunity for some training, and an energetic walk.  I also did not feel Shadow would have enjoyed this Adventure due to the heat so we felt it would be a good day for both.

We began our Adventure to the Boston Public Gardens with some challenges with parking, however eventually decided to go for the Charles Avenue parking garage.  Valet parking seemed a bit affluent for me, however it appeared to be the best option, and really the only possibility.  The walk to the Garden followed a small side walk lined with many shops, restaurants, and businesses.  I found this to be a great urban training experience for Wilma as she took in all the new smells, sounds, and sites.

It did not take a long to arrive at the entrance to the Garden.  I was excited to visit the Garden, a place I had been thinking about visiting for a couple of weeks.  Although I have been to the nearby Boston Commons, I do not remember ever having visited the Garden.  The Garden was well manicure, with flowers, historic statues, and was centered by the scenic Lagoon. We made sure to walk around the entire Garden, not wanting to miss a thing.  We often took breaks, sitting in the shade, and hydrating on this extra-warm early afternoon.

Wilma’s highlights of the Adventure included:  chasing pigeons, relaxing in the shade, and the hunt of the overly-friendly city squirrels. She also appeared keen on walking on the cement around the Lagoon, peering at the swan boats, and watching the ducks.  Wilma was very curious about her new environment, however appeared quite content. My favorite parts included:  the Make Way for Ducklings Statue, the gorgeous flowers, the Lagoon and surrounding scenery, and watching Wilma experience a new environment.  We were grateful for a new Adventure, natural shade, and time to train.  The Boston Public Garden is definitely a fun place to explore (Rating:  3.5).