May 9, 2020 – Gillette Castle State Park – Connecticut

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut. This was our third trip to the Gillette Castle as we have been there on two other occasions with Shadow. Gillette Castle was once the estate of William Gillette, a famous Actor in the early 1900’s. It was later bought by the state of Connecticut. The Park includes a visitor center, museum, hiking trails, and picnic area. There are even live theater events and walking tours available to visitors.

We had an extra-green Adventure to Gillette Castle State Park. I debated blogging about Gillette Castle as I have blogged about it before, however it has been well over a year, we have many new followers, and it really is an exceptional Park. I had three Adventures planned today but in realizing how close Gillette Castle State Park was I decided to add it to our day. Upon arrival I was shocked to find the parking lot almost empty, quite different then our past Adventures, as Gillette Castle State Park is a popular destination.

Today we decided to spend some time hiking, and exploring the trails, something we have done some in the past, but not too extensively. The Trails were labeled by color, however the online map had no color identification. I soon realized it was too cumbersome to follow the map so we just walked and walked. There were plenty of landmarks nearby, and the Park is not large so I knew we would not become lost. I absolutely loved seeing green in every direction, so vibrant! We trotted high above the Connecticut River, wandered through the woods, and later headed toward the River before heading back to the Castle. There were picturesque bridges throughout, and many choices for trails. The wind was strong, but refreshing. It was really pretty, and the hills ensured great exercise on this trail system. Quite an energizing experience.

After hiking for some time we went over to view every angle of the Gillette Castle. Unfortunately there has been continued construction over the years, and this time we were not even able to go on the porch or get too close. However we rested in the grass, Wilma watched and rolled, and I appreciated the views of the Castle, the River, and the soft texture of the bright green grass. Such a unique and scenic state park, even on the third time visiting. So, so glad we could visit again, and I am positive that we will be back in the future. I will include photographs at the bottom from today and our first two Adventures, glad to share our other visits with our sweet Shadow (Rating: 4).

May 2020

October 2018

August 2017

May 9, 2020 – Blackledge Falls Park – Connecticut

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Blackledge Falls Park in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Blackledge Falls Park is an 80 acre property that contacts trails, streams, and the Blackledge Falls. Blackledge Falls has 2-3 plunges of approximately 25 feet in height. The Park is popular for hiking, and mountain biking.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Blackledge Falls Park. We arrived bright and early to avoid the crowds, and were successful at this endeavor. We began our hike into the woods, a light coating beautifully framing the trails. We soon arrived at several small bridges, and streams. We could hear the birds chirping, streams running, and on occasion a car driving down the nearby road. I had read about the Blackridge Falls so knew we should veer toward the left, and eventually climb a hill, but was very unclear if we were heading the correct direction. Eventually we did and were just thrilled!!

The Blackredge Falls was gorgeous, and grand!! I had read some reviews stating there was little water flow, so was quite enthused to see two plunges of a reasonable size. It was just spectacular. We covered all areas of ground near the Falls taking photographs. One special thing about the Falls is that we were able to get up close, under, high to the left, and to the right and up and over the Falls. We spent a good amount of time at the Falls enjoying the up-close and person experience. Just stunning! Wilma love the rocks, and posed for photographs.

After enjoying the Falls we returned to the Trail and turned left on the blue blazed trail. I had read a map online and noticed the blue blaze did almost a loop through the property. The Trail was someone confusing, with lots of turns and options, but it appeared though following the blue blaze was the correct decision. I loved seeing the contrasting colors of the dirt, the snow, and the green grass, a unique variance in color. Throughout the Trail Wilma enjoyed many rock jumping, and showed no hesitation at crossing the small streams along the Trail. We did not see any other visitors until we were almost back at the parking lot. It is so hard to visualize what we might find on our Adventure and Blackredge Falls Park, and Falls, definitely did not disappoint. If we just had Shadow and Buster by our side… Such a wonderful visit to the Blackredge Falls Park (Rating: 4).

August 31, 2019 – Lyman Allyn Art Museum Sculpture Trail – Connecticut

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Lyman Allyn Art Museum Sculpture Walk in New London, Connecticut. The Sculpture Walk is part of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. The Sculptures include work from: Lyman Allyn, David Smalley, Judy Cotton, and Gilbert Boro. The Sculpture Trail is free, and maps are available in the museum and online.

We had an innovative Adventure to the Lyman Allyn Art Museum Sculpture Trail. We arrived right before the Museum closed so were able to acquire a map. We studied the map and began wandering on the side of the property, heading around the building and down the entrances. I think my favorite sculptures on this end were the “Foo Dog”, a sculpture from the early Qing Dynasty, and one that appeared an abstract heart, which of course I posed with my two best buds!

After checking out the entrance side for sculptures we walked over to the Deshon Allyn House, a historic home. The amble started down a slope leading to a simple, but scenic wooden bridge. The bridge was surrounded with gigantic, beautiful pink hibiscus, definitely some of the largest ones I have ever seen! It was the perfect entrance leading to the Home, a gorgeous architectural structure. The surrounding landscape was fantastic, highlighted by beautiful features, including elegant benches, and fencing. We snapped many photographs, and appreciated the experience. Shadow relished some cheerful rolls and resting in the grass, while Wilma enjoyed some rock hopping, while monitoring my Mom’s every move. Although you could see and hear the nearby highway, is still managed to be a peaceful oasis.

Our last part of exploring involved finding the rest of the sculptures in the front, and far side of the Museum building. There were several that made me think of hands, while one that I quickly labeled “Noah’s Arc”. We took some selfies, including a family photograph. By this point the Museum was closed leaving the grounds solely to ourselves. We really enjoyed our time exploring the Lyman Allyn Art Museum Trail. I love an Adventure with a map where you are searching for landmarks, in this case creative art sculptures. It is always nice to see art, literally in nature, quite the enriching experience. The Visitor Center was very kind and helpful, which added the perfect touch to our Adventure. A fun day at the Lyman Allyn Museum Sculpture Walk (Rating: 4).

August 31, 2019 – Fort Trumbull State Park – Connecticut

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I Adventured to Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, Connecticut. Fort Trumbull was built in 1977, but was re-constructed several times, including the final rebuilding between 1839 and 1852. Fort Trumbull was attacked and captured by British Forces during the Revolutionary War. The Fort also was utilized as defense during future wars including the Civil War. It is located on the Thames River. Fort Trumbull was opened as a State Park in the year 2000. The Fort has a Visitor Center, offers tours, and hosts special events including concerts.

We had a historic Adventure to Fort Trumbull State Park. We were excited to have my Mom join us for our Connecticut Adventures today. Upon arrival I was quite impressed by the grand, and scenic Fort. Over to the side you could see the beautiful, bright blue River, just a spectacular entrance. The grounds of the Fort were perfectly groomed. There were paved trails around the Fort, and a larger loop closer to the shore. We sauntered around the Fort, taking photos, and appreciating the sites. We spotted the Pier which was filled with hopeful fisherman. Near the Pier there was a large Coast Guard Boat, adding the perfect touch to the Park. We sat for a bit and relaxed in the shade. There were many boats floating by peacefully, quite picturesque.

As we completed our loop around the Fort we peaked inside the Fort to view the internal sites. The front desk had stated they preferred the dogs not enter the inside of the Fort, so we did not explore, or traverse to the top of the Fort. However, we engaged in our own personal tour of the rest of the highlights of the Park, covering everything we could locate.

Throughout our visit Shadow and Wilma enjoyed many rolls, and lapped up lots of water. I was a bit disappointed at the unexpected heat of the day, but had luckily prepared well with lots of water, and breaks as needed. The Fort really was gorgeous, towering high above therefore providing vast views of the River. We had a wonderful visit to the Fort Trumbull State Park (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Avery Point Light – Connecticut

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 of 2017 Shadow and I Adventured to Avery Point Light in Groton, Connecticut. The Avery Point Lighthouse is located on the campus of the University of Connecticut. It was established in 1944, and is the last Lighthouse that was built in the Connecticut. The Avery Point Lighthouse was later restored in 2006 due to disrepair. It is currently is managed by the American Lighthouse Foundation.

We had a lovely Adventure to the Avery Point Lighthouse back on a sunny winter afternoon. There was limited parking, and I remember being a little unclear if I had parked in an appropriate spot. However, we stationed and headed off to the Lighthouse. The grass was surprisingly bright green, and the sky blue, masking the “normal” landscape of a winter afternoon. We were able to stroll directly up to the lighthouse, and of course we walked around to view each angle. Shadow was quite photogenic, although the bright sun was not too cooperative in capturing these moments. The Avery Point Lighthouse was definitely unique in location, and style. It was great that we could get an up-close and personal view. So glad we were able to Adventure to the Avery Point Lighthouse (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated.)