July 6, 2020 – Historic Deerfield- Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Historic Deerfield is a Museum dedicated to the history of Deerfield and the Connecticut River Valley. There are approximately 11 historic homes from the 18th and 19th centruy. Historic Deerfield also has museums, a shop, and offers tours and educational programs.

We had a fun Adventure to Historic Deerfield. Due to COVID Historic Deerfield is officially closed however this did not change our visit as the indoors of this Village are not dog-friendly when open. We began our morning by viewing a large map posted outside the visitors center. This map gave me an idea of where all the historic buildings were located so we did not miss a piece of history. The street was very charming, the historic buildings scattered between private homes and other buildings but yet all restored to 18th and 19th century architecture.

We walked and walked, but also took time to sit in the shade to refresh. My favorite aspects of the village included: the Wells-Thorn House – unique blue in color, the various lanterns, the Moors House – framed with lattice, the numerous adorning fences, and the little architecture features throughout. Wilma loved her summer rolls, searching for squirrels, lounging in the shade and posing grandly. An Adventure filled with walking with a historic view! We really enjoyed exploring Historic Deerfield today (Rating: Historic Deerfield will not be rated as only the grounds could be explored).

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”.)

Throwback Adventure – Fort Revere Park – 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 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fort Revere Park in Hull, Massachusetts. Fort Revere Park is less then 10 acres in size. It is located on Telegraph Hill, and is famous for its’ role in the American Revolution. The Property includes a Water Tower, remnants of the Fort, and picnic tables. Fort Revere Park is owned by the Town of Hull and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

We had a historic Adventure to Fort Revere Park on a day full of Adventures. The Park was very small, and had minimal property to explore. However, we still enjoyed the experience. We pranced around the Water Tower taking photographs, and then headed over to the Fort which was scattered with graffiti. I was disappointed to see the Fort in this condition but we still wandered around checked out the ledges, doors, and various aspects of the Fort. I especially remember walking around on a ledge high above the Fort. We appreciated the views of the Harbor, and even noticing a lighthouse far in the distance. There were no other visitors at the Park, which appeared to be hidden away in the quiet Town of Hull. Glad we were able to visit the Fort Revere Park (Throwback Blogs will not always be rated).