July 16, 2022 – Bruce Freeman Trail (West Concord) – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus and I Adventured to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in West Concord, Massachusetts. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a twenty five mile Trail that includes the towns of Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Framingham, and Sudbury. The Trail is 10 feet in width and is popular for: biking, skiing, walking, jogging, and rollerblading.

We had an early morning Adventure to the West Concord section of the Bruce Freeman Trail. I was eager to explore yet another section of this local rail trail. Although I never found the formal parking for this section, we found a location to park and off we went. We began this section of the trail at a lovely garden and spent about an hour and a half walking. Along the trail we found wildflowers, marsh views, and lots of birds a chirping. The trail was near the road in some locations but overall quiet. We saw a couple dog walkers, bikers, and some walkers, but there were not too many on this trail. I appreciated that this location of the trail did not near too many homes. The pups loved eating grass (haha) and chasing squirrels and chipmunks along the way. A nice simple, local walk to start our day today (Rating: This blog will not be rated).

July 22, 2020 – New Hampshire State House – New Hampshire

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the New Hampshire State House in Concord, New Hampshire. The New Hampshire State House is the state capital building of New Hampshire. It was built in 1819 and is made out of granite. The state house encompasses the Executive Counsel, the Governor, and the Court.

We had a stately Adventure to the New Hampshire State House. This may not seem as a place someone would visit with a dog, however, I love architecture, photography, and have always been curious about this structure as I drove down the highway. So today was the day I chose to explore. There was parking in front of the State House, and after a quick trip to the paystation we were on our way. The State House was introduced by a spectacular archway, which we entered through with awe. As expected we did not enter the building, however appreciated the grounds, the structure, simple gardens, statues, and anything we could locate. We probably took two laps around, savoring the grand beauty! I really loved the State House, it was gorgeous, and the gold top just added to the grandeur. Although a dull sky day, I still enjoyed snapping numerous photographs. The only negative I found was the construction around several sides of the state house, but often a norm in the city.

After we finished our Adventure to the State House we spent about an hour walking around the area finding unique shops, restaurants, fountains, and more. Today’s photographs will include the State House and grounds only (not the surrounding neighborhood). So glad we could have this unusual Adventure today (This Adventure will not be rated).

July 18, 2020 – Wright’s Tavern – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Wright’s Tavern in Concord, Massachusetts. Wright’s Tavern is a historic tavern that had significance in the American Revolution. Unlike most other historic landmarks in Concord, there are no tours, or museums, however Wright’s Tavern continues to be memorialized as a National Historic Landmark.

We had a historic Adventure to Wright’s Tavern. Due to another hot day we decided to again just take a local walk, relax in the backyard, and visit a nearby community landmark. We arrived at the Tavern and found parking at the neighboring church. We sauntered over to Wright’s Tavern to take photographs and check out this Historic Landmark. The building was in perfect condition, and immaculate in structure. We viewed Wright’s Tavern from each angle. There was really not much to see, except a nice looking building, with great history. Although the Adventure was quite uneventful, still glad to see another historic landmark in Concord. (Rating: This Adventure will not be rated).

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”.)

August 25, 2019 -Bay Circuit Trail – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I took a walk on the Bay Circuit Trail. The Bay Circuit Trail is a recreation trail of over 200 miles, crossing 37 towns and linking many parks and landmarks. It is popular for activities including: biking, paddling, horseback riding, and running.

We had a simple Adventure on the Bay Circuit Trail. The Trail was a dirt path surrounded by greenery. There was no change in scenery, no color, and little variety, creating quite a monotonous and dull scene. The Trail often paralleled private homes, however remained quiet from voices, and activity. We saw several bikers throughout the afternoon. Shadow and Wilma appreciated the new smells along the way, always so eager to explore!

On the way back I decided to take a side trail that led us over to the Minuteman National Park. This path was extremely overgrown and often I was pushing plants and prickers aside leading the way for my best buds. It was great to see a bit of change in landscape with some logs on part of the path, an unusual metal structure on the side, and bright pink flowers from afar. However I was quite pleased when we arrived at the scenic Minuteman National Park, ending our journey on the Bay Circuit Trail. I was quite unimpressed with the Trail, yet wonder as a walker if I can really give this Trail justice, as we traversed far less then the 200 plus miles. The idea of biking to landmarks is quite extraordinarily but on foot one can only go so far. Therefore I will not rate this The Bay Circuit Trail as I was still grateful to find a new place for a walk. A beautiful day for an Adventure!

PS – If you would like to read more on my blog about Minuteman National Park you can search for this in the search box.