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 24, 2023 – World’s End Reservation – Massachusetts

I was planning on doing a daytrip today, but due to Wilma needing to rest her leg, I thought I would adventure to a somewhat local location. The Reservation you will read about I had been to once almost four years ago with Shadow and Wilma on a dark winter day. This was Gus’ first adventure to the Reservation. We are thankful that Wilma continues to improve and return to her happy self! We will continue to let her rest and look forward to her returning on our adventures.

Today Gus and I Adventured to the World’s End Reservation in Hingham, Massachusetts. World’s End is a 251 acre park and conservation area preserved by the Trustees of Reservations. It is a 3.8 mile loop (with additional side trails) containing tree-lined carriage paths, views of the Boston skyline, rocky shores, and marshlands. Currently admission is $10, or free if you are a member of the Trustees.

We had a lovely Adventure to World’s End Reservation. I was looking forward to re-visiting this Reservation and going on a long walk on this beautiful day. We arrived just as it opened, and had to stop at a booth to check-in on our way into the Reservation. This made Gus quite uneasy, but soon after this interaction was completed Gus was calm and ready to walk. He loved trotting along, and often would check back on me to make sure I was still there (haha). He enjoyed sniffing all of the new smells, walking through the tall grass, and chasing moths and grasshoppers, one of his favorite past times! He even was extra adventurous and entered in the water, at some points searching for goodies on the bottom. I was shocked at this activity and so happy to see him so comfortable with the water, a great way to cool down on a summer day. Of course, no waves at the “beaches” definitely helped.

We spent a little over three hours walking – there was lots of green color in all directions, fields, coastal views, wildflowers, mushrooms, little “beach” areas, and endless trails. There were even some distant skyline views of Boston. We spent a little over three hours exploring – it was great exercise, and perfect for the soul! It appeared all dogs were on leash, and overall, it was quiet, well until we ran into cross country practice, which put Gus into a brief panic, poor guy! Luckily this did not last long, and we were back on track. So glad we could adventure to World’s End Reservation. We look forward to returning in the future (Rating: 4).

Video of Gus searching the water with some nice surrounding scenery

Video heading down the hill with water views on each side

Video of trail with water views on each side

Video of trail headed down to one of the “beach” areas

August 9-11, 2023 – White Mountain getaway in the tiny house!

This week Wilma, Gus, my Mom and I adventured to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The White Mountains are a mountain range that cover a large part of New Hampshire, and also a portion of western Maine. The White Mountains include 48 peaks at over 4,000 feet. The White Mountains are popular for skiing, hiking, and ATVing. Specifically, we stayed in Bethlehem and the areas we visited besides Bethlehem included: Bretton Woods, Hart’s Location, and Littleton.

We had a gorgeous vacation in the White Mountains, one of my favorite places in New England. We stayed in an adorable tiny house, quite a fun and unique experience. We spent a good amount of our time on Forest Lake, in Bethlehem, relaxing and enjoying the lake life! The pups made themselves right at home and were super-chill! They lounged on the deck, chairs, and even were comfortable wandering on and off the wobbling dock. They especially loved extra cuddle time with their grandma! One highlight was that Gus learned to stand-up-paddle board! He had great balance and seemed to love the experience which was a fun little adventure in the midst of our trip. Forest Lake was more then we could have asked for – peaceful, serene, loons singing, and framed by mountains and evergreens.

In addition to our time at the tiny house, we explored other locations including Littleton, Bretton Woods, Hart’s Location and some gorgeous roadside scenery! My Mom, like me, loves photography, so we were quite pleased, loving the endless wildflowers, water, mountains, and every inch of the scenery. The clouds and sky were brilliant, and although there were some sprinkles here and there it was just right. Both Wilma and Gus loved some rolls, walking around and exploring, and being in the great outdoors. It was just what we all needed – one spectacular vacation. We look forward to our next Adventure to the White Mountains (this blog will not be rated but I can assure you our vacation was a 5!).

July 31, 2023 – Little Boar’s Head Scenic Walk – New Hampshire

Today, Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Little Boar’s Head Scenic Walk located in a little village in New Hampton, New Hampshire. Little Boar’s Head Scenic Walk is an almost three mile in and out paved coastal trail. It has views of the Atlantic on one side and is lined by mansions on the opposite side of Ocean Boulevard. As expected, it is popular for walking, running, and biking.

We had a scenic Adventure to the Boar’s Head Scenic Walk. We parked at nearby Bass Beach and off we went. We have been there one previous time, but on that day, it was too foggy for photos, so I was thrilled to have a clear and beautiful day today. The views of the ocean were spectacular, the rocky shores framing the blues of the sea. We trotted along the pathway and spent some time on the beach below. The beach was full of lovely rocks, a little hard for footing and as expected neither Wilma nor Gus wanted anything to do with the water. Oh well!

Along the way we stopped to make sure Wilma could rest, and both Wilma and Gus enjoyed some rolls to celebrate today’s adventure! There were endless flowers, although unfortunately the coastal roses were past their prime. We observed many out walking, running, and biking although I would say far from crowded. An absolutely gorgeous spot for a walk! So glad we could enjoy the Boar’s Head Scenic Walk today (Rating: 4).

May 22, 2021 – Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park – Vermont

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park in Woodstock, Vermont. This National Park was named for George Perkins Marsh, and Frederick Billings. George Perkins Marsh was one of the nation’s first global thinkers, while Frederick Billings, was an early conservationist. The park includes: trails, horseback carriage rides, a victorian mansion, and a museum. It is also a popular location for cross-country skiing in the winter.

We had a flower-filled Adventure to Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Park. We have been to the Park numerous times, but have not blogged about it except for locating old photographs for our Throwback Adventure, so today was the day to share. I was excited to visit this Park, especially to explore the gardens in the spring season. I was looking forward to endless hiking however Wilma appeared quite warm from the heat so spent alot of time lounging in the perfect grass, and only enjoyed the trail system for a short time. The gardens were beautiful, the buildings lovely, and the trails quite energizing. I have always enjoyed Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Park and look forward to our next Adventure to this beautiful location (Rating: 4).

January 9, 2020 – Scituate, Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Scituate, Massachusetts. Scituate is a coastal town in Southern Massachusetts. It is a small town known for the beaches, history, restaurants, shops, and the fishing community.

We had a walking-filled Adventure to Scituate on a beautiful winter day. Although we have been to many of the locations we visited today, I have only blogged about the Scituate Lighthouse, so decided to do a blog about the town. Today we explored: Scituate Harbor, the Harborwalk, the shopping district, Lawson Tower, Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, and the Scituate Lighthouse. We walked and walked, and enjoyed the spectacular sun on this winter day.

The most beautiful stop in Scituate today was definitely the Scituate Lighthouse. It is one of the most gorgeous Lighthouses in New England with several breakwaters, and rocky beaches surrounding. One of the special features about the Scituate Lighthouse is you can get up-close to view this spectacular structure. While at the Lighthouse Wilma especially loved exploring the beach, covered with rounded beautifully colored rocks, and hoping along the breakwater rocks. We have been to the Scituate Lighthouse numerous times, and it never disappoints.

We also stopped at Lawson Tower, which we had not been to before. This was a grandly tall structure, surrounded by gating, but yet a unique and unusual Tower. I initially was planning on just blogging about this Tower but decided to share the summary of our time in Scituate due to our numerous other stops, and time spent exploring.

Throughout the day Wilma enjoyed charming those around us, rolling in the grass, walking, and exploring the coastal smells. I was planning on a half day trip today but between Scituate and our previous stop we walked the day away! So glad we could visit Scituate today (Rating: 4)

November 27, 2020 – Rockport, Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Rockport, Massachusetts. Rockport is an oceanside town in Northern Massachusetts. It is known for the beaches, art community, restaurants, shopping, and Motif #1, one of the most painted buildings in the country.

We had an ocean-filled Adventure to Rockport. Today our stops included: Motif #1, downtown Rockport, Bear Skin Neck, Old First Parish Burying Ground, the Breakwater, Halibut Point State Park, and Front Beach. Out Adventure started on a sunny morning, although it soon became dark and cloudy. Although we have been to almost all of these locations before we really enjoyed walking, exploring, and endless photos. I loved all the little aspects of the town, including the holiday decorations, the colorful buoys and lobster traps, and of course the gorgeous scenery. I especially loved hearing the crashing waves at Halibut Point State Park. Wilma especially enjoyed inhaling the smells of the lobster traps, watching the birds, and hoping along the Breakwater. Wilma seemed a little tired today, which is hopefully it is just me over analyzing. However she still appeared to enjoy the day, just appeared extra calm. So glad we could have an outing to Rockport today Rating: 4).

July 15, 2020 – Deer Island – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Deer Island in Boston, Massachusetts. Deer Island is a Peninsula in Boston that is part of the Boston Harbor Islands. You can drive to the Island after crossing the town of Winthrop. The Island has a long history, including: serving as a prison camp for Native Americans during King Philip’s War, and a home to immigrants and refuges during the Irish Potato famine. The Island has five miles of trails including an almost three mile loop. It currently is the location for the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, which both treats and recycles waste. The Island is popular for walking, jogging, biking, and fishing.

We had a misty Adventure to Deer Island. We arrived at about 8am and I was quite thrilled to find a parking spot as the Island reviews indicated they are often limited. We began our walk around the main loop an almost three mile paved path. It was sprinkling, and somewhat misty as we began. I was surprised to find myself quite impressed with the beauty of the “trail”. There were many colorful wildflowers, and the waves were quite grand, loud and raging. Wilma often preferred to walk along the stone/cement wall, my rock loving girl. There were parts of the path where the waves actually crashed so high they spurted water over us and the path. I found this little natural feature so fun, although Wilma was not a huge fan of these unexpected showers.

I would guess we were about halfway around the Island when we found a little beach, centered by a breakwater, featuring purple tinted rocks. We normally would have wandered down the breakwater but there was a fisherman at the end so we decided to give him his space and explore the beach. I was disappointed to find a lot of litter on the shore, but sadly to be expected on a city beach. However we did our best to ignore this and appreciate the sand, shells, seaweed, lobster traps, and the water. Wilma loved sniffing around, and digging and running chaotically. She sometimes waded into the water, but dramatically bounded back when any type of wave appeared. A fun little diversion from the “trail”.

We then continued on the path along Boston Harbor. We soon found a spectacular view of Boston, so impressive. As we walked further the sky began to slightly clear, with dashes of blue between the clouds. I could not get enough of this view, and guess it must be one of the best skyline view of Boston. I took numerous photos of this scene, and dreamed about the zoom lens I wish I owned. Definitely one of my favorite parts of this walk as I love seeing the Boston skyline.

Throughout our walk the “trail” varied from a small path to opening up, to providing opportunities to walk on the rocks, to scenic vistas – paths off the trail. There were benches along the way to sit, relax, and enjoy the ocean views. An interesting aspect to Deer Island was the Treatment Plant which added various structures parallel to the “trail”. There was only one small part of the path where I noticed an odor, but thankfully that was a short part of our journey. We were able to view kiosks throughout to learn more about the location and history. Near the end of our walk we found several memorials, including the Irish Memorial, and the Judge A. David Mazzone Memorial.

I was very happy to be surprisingly impressed with Deer Island. The large waves made my mind think of movies where there is an ocean storm – just something I cannot describe in words but the sounds and the scene were majestic. The colorful wildflowers, combined with the unique structures of the Plant made for a distinctive experience. I loved the path too, quite pristine and quiet, I guess a perk of minimal parking. Although several things made me debate the rating I overall was very pleased with Deer Island, and look forward to returning in the future (Rating: 4).

May 9, 2020 – Fitzgerald Road/Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge – Connecticut

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to the Blackwell Brook/Fitzgerald Covered Bridge in Brooklyn, Connecticut. This covered bridge was just built in 2010 repairing the original bridge which was was constructed in 1986. The Bridge crosses the Blackwell Brook, and is said to be the only one in Northeastern Connecticut.

We had a scenic Adventure to the Fitgerald Road/Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge. We found the Bridge in a gorgeous residential area, the Brook rushing below. The Bridge was in a quiet location, providing the ability to walk under and check out the views from the windows. We did see numerous trespassing signs so were not able to take a photograph from the Brook. However we enjoyed the peaceful oasis and snapped some photographs from the ends, and under the Bridge. So glad we could visit the Fitzgerald Road/Blackwell Brook Covered Bridge today (Rating: 4).

December 26, 2019 – Long Sand Beach – Maine

Yesterday Shadow and I took an Adventure to Long Sand Beach in York, Maine. Long Sand Beach is a less then two mile sandy shoreline that includes some rocky areas and tidal pools. The beach is located along Route 1A. It is a popular tourist spot in the summer months.

We had a refreshing Adventure to Long Sand Beach in York, Maine. I decided to take a solo Adventure with Shadow. Wilma sometime struggles with off-leash locations as she does not appreciate being charged by off-leash dogs, while on leash. I often am disappointed to find that the majority of the off-leash dogs we encounter are not under voice control, and as you might guess this can be unpredictable. And although I might be an overprotective dog Mom, I do not feel Wilma is quite ready to be off-leash, still young and quite driven by her adorable hound nose. So…having some extra days off I felt this would be a good opportunity to take Shadow on a journey of his own, my beach-loving, extra-well behaved boy. Although feeling a bit guilty I decided to head off to Long Sand Beach with Shadow.

We arrived at Long Sand Beach finding it just below the main road. There were other visitors scattered throughout the beach, many dogs in tow. Shadow was absolutely thrilled to be at the beach. We headed straight to the water and began walking along the shore, appreciating the sun, and the sounds of the surf. I spotted Nubble Lighthouse off in the distance, although a bit too far off to photograph with my cell phone. Shadow was excited to meet all dogs in sight, quickly making best buds with an adorable Vizsla. I often heard comments about how “big” Shadow was but fellow walkers quickly noted his calm and friendly demeanor. It was so fun to see him in this environment as we have not recently encountered new friends. Shadow enjoyed smelling, finding some lobster traps, shells, and numerous smells unknown to my eyes. Shadow loved wading in the water often trotting enthusiastically. It was clear that the tide was going out the beach growing quickly as we strolled along. It was a gorgeous afternoon filled with many smiles. And although the beach was simple, and somewhat unappealing the memories and moments were absolutely perfect. So glad we could enjoy a relaxing beach Adventure today (Rating: Beach: 3, Adventure: Priceless)