June 8, 2025 – Rhododendron Path – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the Rhododendron Path at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, in the area of Boston, Massachusetts. The Arnold Arboretum was established in 1872, and encompasses 281 acres of land. The Arboretum maintains a record system of which all plants on the ground are tracked, while research is ongoing. The Arboretum is free and open to the public, offering outreach enrichment to people of all ages.

We had a colorful Adventure to the Rhododendron Path. Due to Wilma’s knee, we have not been walking often but I try to take one extra-long walk each week. Thankfully we spend endless time in our fenced yard, Gus enjoys two days at daycare, and I am always trying to think of fun ideas for home. So, although my guilty conscious kicks in a bit, Gus and I still had a lovely walk at the Rhododendron Path. I actually took photo over about a month’s time, as I wanted to make sure I captured the “Path” in full bloom, which going by weekends I would say it peaked last weekend. Although this was just part of our walk at the Arboretum, it is a specifically labeled section of the Arboretum, gorgeous, and unique, so a good excuse for a long overdue blog.

I have always loved this little area of the Arboretum drawn by the bubbly brook, and scenic wooden bridge. However, when in bloom it’s beyond magnificent with every color of Rhododendron you could imagine, many towering high into the sky. On our walks Gus loved following the trail and checking out what other furry friends had been exploring. He is always alert of those around us so was not as inspired to pose, but I did not spend too much effort on this task. He definitely prefers big sister Wilma by his side but has become much more comfortable, yet always vigilant. The “Path” is a small area, but we spent a good amount of time wandering back and forth through the little trails appreciating the beauty, serenity, and vibrant floral colors. Gus surprisingly enjoyed some sips from the brook and of course some jumps on some rocks. Such a lovely spot to explore! If you are looking for this “Path” at the Arboretum I would highly recommend it (Rating: 5 when in full bloom!)

August 29, 2023 – The F and F Sweet Bar – Massachusetts

I am happy to say Wilma is on the mend and seems to be back to herself. We will soon start taking her on walks again and making sure her leg holds up, as we expect it will. Definitely a relief with the pain she faced last weekend!

Yesterday Gus and I Adventured to the Sweet Bar in Lowell, Massachusetts after our local walk (with some take-out for Wilma – of course!) The Sweet Bar is a newer restaurant that carries ice cream and specializes in allergy friendly options, eco-friendly materials, and locally sourced food. Their menu includes ice cream products with options for various diets, and my favorite – pup cups! They also hold events at their location and can travel for ice cream socials.

We had a simple adventure to the Sweet Bar after walking locally. The Sweet Bar was very simple, some seating nearby, but limited decorations, or pizzazz. We found few other guests, and therefore received quick service. I ordered two pup cups, and a coffee ice cream with sprinkles for myself. After ordering I thought I would take Gus over to his own rock table (haha) to enjoy his treat, but he was very nervous, which sometimes happens with this sweet boy. I therefore decided to let him eat his pup cup in the car, where he felt much more comfortable. I choose to take mine with me, which ended up being a drippy mess in the car, but I was able to eat most of it, and it was just delicious. You really cannot go wrong with coffee ice cream, but my drippy mess did remind me why I often get a float or refreshing drink when on an ice cream adventure with the pups. Oh and Wilma loved her pup cup, as always!

I am sad to say that this might have been our last ice cream adventure of the summer, but you never know with us. However, I can just about guarantee that we will not be exploring any new ice cream locations this summer. So glad to check out the F and F Sweet Bar today (this blog will not be rated).

June 30, 2023 – Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to the Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop is a 2.5 mile Trail. It consists of several small inclines and passes through ponds and streams including Lower Hamant Pond. These trails are located in the Leadmine Trail system, an 880-acre conservation area.

We had a nice Adventure to the Arbutus Park and Raven Rookery Trail Loop. I felt horrible leaving Wilma home, but she really has come to despise the heat and does not want to come when she knows it is a hot day. She literally will lay on her back or will go into her favorite dog bed far from the front door. So being on vacation I felt it best to let her relax at home and give Gus an opportunity to build his confidence without her. However, I still left feeling guilty…

Upon arrival we parked at the Shattock Road Parking lot – #3, viewed the posted map and off we went. I would recommend if you plan to visit this trail, you note what number parking lot you start at, as it will be listed on signs directing you back, when needed. Gus was very nervous at first, without big sister Wilma but soon became more comfortable, walking, sniffing and exploring as we trotted along the trail. He generally is very attune to his name and often checks on me when we walk. It was quiet, and peaceful and we observed few others along the Trails.

We passed ponds, found several scenic bridges, small babbling streams, large rocks, bright green ferns, and mushrooms. There were endless Laurel flower bushes, although almost out of bloom, so unusual to see in the woods. The Trail was unique in that it had some of various features, the woods, water, field-like locations, and several educational kiosks. The more we walked the more things caught my attention, although simple, just right. Gus even waded in the stream, which just made my day. I debated continuing on additional trails but being humid and in the 80s I figured I did not want to push Gus, even though he overall did not seem too bothered by the heat. Although the Trail was a little buggier than I preferred the Adventure was just right. We will have to go back and explore the other trails another day (Rating: 4).

January 22, 2023 – High Rock Park, Tower and Observatory – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the High Rock Park, Tower and Observatory in Lynn, Massachusetts. I had been curious about this Tower for some time, so today was the day. The Tower is approximately 85 feet tall and provides views of Boston, Nahant, Swampscott, and the Atlantic Ocean. It is found in a seven-acre city park. On occasion the Tower is open to the public, and visitors can view the Tower’s telescope.

We had a quick Adventure to High Rock Park, Tower and Observatory. I decided to take a familiar walk nearby before heading to the Tower. Today was another dark and dreary New England day, no sun to be seen. Upon driving up the hill to the Tower, I was impressed, quite lovely. We walked around this small Park checking out various views of the Tower and out over the nearby cities. The Park was quiet, with just several visitors nearby. There were a couple large rocks, but really not much to see besides the outdoor view of the Tower. I actually had checked with the town about the Tower being open, and they reported it would resume when the weather was a little warmer…although I neglected to ask about dog visitors – oops. So glad we could check out this unique Tower today (This blog will not be rated).

December 4, 2022 – Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail is a 3.5 paved path that passes through the South Peninsula of New Bedford, provides views of Clark Cove, New Bedford Harbor, and Buzzards Bay, and passes landmarks including: Fort Taber Park, West Beach, East Beach, and Fort Taber Park.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Saulnier Memorial Bike Trail. Although not the cleanest city, I have grown to love the walking opportunities and landmarks in this unique town. I was planning on beginning in Hazelwood Park but after seeing signs indicating “no dogs” we decided to park at Fort Taber Park. The map I located online was a little confusing but we traversed the majority of this Trail.

Throughout our walk I especially enjoyed the gorgeous Fort Rodman, coastal views, and lots of little details including colorful benches, endless shells, and endless breakwaters. The sun was shining brightly, just right for this early winter day. Both Wilma and Gus enjoyed exploring and walking high above the path. It was a lovely day for an outing with my two best buds (Rating: 4).

November 26, 2022 – The Scallop Shells of Plymouth, MA

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the beautiful town of Plymouth, Massachusetts. We spent three hours walking this lovely coastal town. Plymouth is a coastal town in southern Massachusetts. It is famous for the history of being the first Pilgrim settlement in 1620. Since I have blogged about Plymouth before, yet still was inspired to share I thought I would blog about the Public Art Display of the Scallop Shells. These works of art are displayed throughout the waterfront and downtown Plymouth. They have been created from fiberglass and crafted from local artists.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Plymouth. It has been soo long since we had a “normal” Adventure, or even a local walk as I was fighting Bronchitis and some additional symptoms for over a month. I finally feel better with just a cough here and there so off we went. I absolutely love walking in Plymouth, including: the coastal scenery, a river walk with tunnel art, the grist mill, a pond with a bridge and ducks, shops and restaurants decorated for the season, and many historical landmarks. We spent three hours walking, posing, and working on our favorite holiday Christmas card. It was a beautiful New England day, the sun shining brightly. My plan was to print a map of the shells, but I forgot! Although I could have pulled it up on my phone that can be a little cumbersome to view while walking two energetic dogs. So, I photographed the shells we located, and just enjoyed the day. Wilma and Gus loved walking, savoring endless sea smells, and of course some Wilma rolls. Really just what we needed! So glad we can share the Scallop Shells of Plymouth today (this blog will not be rated).

July 22, 2022 – Mary Cummings Park – Massachusetts

Today Gus and I Adventured to Mary Cummings Park in Burlington and Woburn, Massachusetts. Mary Cummings Park is a 200 acre park of the Trustees, formerly a farm and estate.

We had a warm adventure to Mary Cummings Park. I felt guilty leaving Wilma but I knew she would not appreciate a warm day, creating a good opportunity for Gus to practice an independent walk. We parked on Blanchard Road at the main parking lot and off we went. We checked out the red, blue, and yellow trail along with portions of other trails throughout the route. These trails were all short but due to the warm day we took a cool car break about halfway through and took several breaks for Gus to rest and drink some water. My favorite part of this Park was the varying terrain from the woods, fields, boardwalk to the paths through the archway of vines. I also loved the gorgeous wildflowers scattered throughout. Due to the park being Trustees the trails were reasonably marked which I appreciated. I was proud of Gus as he did not seem stressed, which surprised me as he relies on Wilma for comfort…he has matured much since last summer! We saw few other visitors, and no other dogs on our walk today. So glad we could visit Mary Cummings Park today. (Rating: 4).

PS – We made sure to buy Wilma some ice cream on the way home!

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).

June 11 & 12, 2022 – Hopkington State Park – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus and I adventured to Hopkington State Park, while last night Gus and I visited for a kayak ride. Hopkington State Park is a Park located in Hopkington, Massachusetts. It is located on the Hopkington Reservoir, no longer a water source. The Park encompasses 1500 acres of forest and is a popular area for boating, swimming, and hiking. There is a fee to enter the Park in-season but Massachusetts State Park passes are also accepted.

We had a lovely Adventure to Hopkington State Park. I was surprised to realize I had only blogged about Hopkington State Park as a “Throwback Adventure” (https://adventuresofshadowandwilma.com/2019/10/10/throwback-adventure-hopkington-state-park-massachusetts) so thought this weekend was the perfect time for this blog. The first part of our Adventures occurred last night when Gus and I headed out for a kayak ride on the Reservoir. I was thrilled to recently learn about a launch area outside of the park, so we headed there to begin our journey. Although Gus gets a little nervous boarding the kayak he is beyond relaxed once on board. We paddled around the Reservoir, so peaceful. The Reservoir was three islands, two of which are especially scenic and walkable. However on this journey I decided not to get off on the islands. Gus actually enjoyed a nap much of the ride, just a wonderful adventure. Hopkington State Park is probably my favorite place to kayak.

We continued our Adventure to Hopkington State Park today, both Wilma and Gus enjoying the trails, sips of the Reservoir, and a scenic walk across the dam. The Park is filled with rocks, trails, and endless locations to take a swim, some of everything for those nature lovers. Such a lovely time at Hopkington State Park this weekend (Rating: 4).

May 26, 2022 – Nut Island – Massachusetts

Today Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Nut Island in Quincy, Massachusetts. Nut Island is a former island, now connected by a causeway. It has a less then one mile loop with various side trails throughout. Nut Island is popular for walking and fishing, and offers scenic views of Boston.

We had a coastal Adventure to Nut Island. I was excited to visit Nut Island, a place I have been curious about for some time. We arrived to find the street closed off for construction, so after some circling around I decided to park in the nearby neighborhood. I was pleased to find this plan worked, and after a short walk we arrived at Nut Island. We were immediately greeted by a refreshing ocean breeze, gorgeous Rugosa’s, and lovely water views. I was surprised to find few other visitors, with the majority of those we saw were walking their dogs on leash. We explored every spot and trail we could find, enjoying a change of pace from the “normal” week. Wilma and Gus loved the new smells, and Wilma did not miss a moment for a roll. There was a moment or two of a swamp-like smell, but overall it was a refreshing and peaceful Adventure. So glad we could visit Nut Island today (Rating: 3.5)