May 16, 2020 – Welton Falls – New Hampshire

Yesterday Wilma and I Adventured to Welton Falls in Alexandria, New Hampshire. Welton Falls is located in Welton Falls State Forest. It can be found after an almost three mile round trip hike. Welton Falls is in the middle of a gorge, and is approximately 30 feet in height. It is sourced from the Fowler River.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Welton Falls. We parked at the AMC Lodge and located a brown sign to the right for the Falls. We followed the trail in and soon merged onto the Manning Trail, a yellow blaze. The trail weaves through the woods and crossed the lower trail. It did not take long for us to hear the music of the Fowler River. We were parallel to the River high above until soon descending and becoming closer and closer to the River. The River was just beautiful, full of power. Much of the trail was muddy and water filled, covered with rocks and roots. We did not find it challenging but were careful to watch our step.

It did not take us long to arrive at the part of the trail that crosses the River. I thought this may be challenging but I soon realized it was much more complicated then I thought. I tried to encourage Wilma in, and although she followed she had no interest in getting too deep. My mind raced pondering a solution. We soon began following the Rivers edge, sometimes bushwalking through to find that perfect spot. The water was high and rushing creating a current and minimal exposed rocks to cross all the way. We did manage to cross over where the River split but could not find a way over the other side. This was very frustrating and discouraging. I felt disappointed in myself being so annoyed, so decided to find a rock to relax and appreciate the gorgeous River.

After taking a little rest we continued on and eventually found a spot to cross, a combination of a log and rocks. I was quite grateful that my balance skills appeared intact and of course lucky that Wilma is always quick on her feet! We finally made it!!

We continued on the Manning Trail on the other side of the River. It did not take long before we arrived at the top of the Falls and then headed down to the gorge. I worked hard to get photos but the Falls was challenging to capture and the footing was slippery and sometimes dangerous. The Falls was immense with rushing water through the gorge. It twisted through the rocks before ending in a pool, then continued down the gorge. Welton Falls was beautiful and well worth the effort!!

In addition to viewing the waterfall we loved the gorge. There was not a sole around as if we had a canyon of our own. Wilma enjoyed some chaotic digging, stick chewing and of course rock jumping. Our peaceful oasis! Eventually I decided it was time to head back.

We we’re lucky to find the same place to cross and blessed again with good balance! I was surprised to find myself quite tired, but the trail back ascended continually. In addition to my labor bushwalking I actually slipped and fell numerous times, adding too my exhaustion. However all put together the features of a true and rewarding hike. We spent over four hours hiking and enjoying the waterfall. So glad we were determined to complete our Adventure. Welton Falls was absolutely spectacular, a waterfall I would definitely recommend (Rating: Trail – 4, Falls 5).

Weekly Video/Photo

If you regularly follow my blog, and the weekly/video photo I would recommend skipping on to paragraph three, specific to this week’s video/photo. I have decided to add a weekly video/photo section to my blog. This blog will display a video or photo, usually highlighting an Adventure, while I might also sneak in some that are humorous, adorable, or just other fun dog moments.

So if you have followed my blog from the beginning you will know that I adopted Shadow as a puppy, and about a year later adopted Buster as a puppy. We had many wonderful years together before experiencing the devastating loss of Buster at just seven. It took a long time for our hearts to heal, but almost a year later we welcomed little Wilma into our world.

Today’s feature is a photograph of Ripley Falls near Bartlett in Crawford Notch of New Hampshire. Ripley Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen, very tall and just magnificent. Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Ripley Falls in the summer of 2018 when I worked at an Inn in the White Mountains. You can read more about this Adventure by typing “Ripley Falls” in the search box. Definitely a spectacular Adventure that I will remember forever. It is always hard to capture a waterfall with a photograph, but this one was a pretty good attempt, combined with my posing Adventurers!

Ripley Falls

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photograph of Shadow and Wilma at one of our favorite locations, Lincoln Woods. We had many Adventures over this recent Columbus Day weekend, including Lincoln Woods. I decided not to blog about these locations (as I have blogged about them previously) , but include several photographs in our Tuesday Video/Photo section. You can read more about the fabulous Lincoln Woods by typing in “Lincoln Woods” in the “search box”. It is definitely a special place in the White Mountains. Here are Shadow and Wilma, checking out the view:

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Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a photograph of Shadow at one of the smaller waterfalls on the hike that leads to Arethusa Falls. We were thrilled to find several smaller falls along our trek to the the main feature. Shadow was able to dip in the water, drinking from the cold, fresh Beavis Brook. This was definitely one of the most amazing Adventure I have gone on, and it is a day I will always cherish. You can read more about our hike by typing in “Arethusa Falls” in the “search box”. Enjoy this photo from one of the smaller highlights of the day.

Arethusa falls Shadow

Throwback Adventure – Miller State Park – New Hampshire

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 May of 2015 Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to Miller State Park in Petersborough, New Hampshire. Miller State is the oldest state run park in New Hampshire, and is situated on the summit and side of Pack Monadnock. It is popular for hiking and snow-shoeing.

Shadow, Buster, and I had an energizing Adventure to Miller State Park. There were pretty pink flowers along the path, lots of pine trees, and scenic mountains views. The boys were quite tired from our hike so we were pleased to find a nice little spot for a shady nap along the way. As New Englanders we are lucky to have such a vast variety of state parks to explore. So glad we were able to visit Miller State Park (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Heading Home After a wonderful day of hiking, my smiling boys:

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August 19, 2019 – Trails End Ice Cream Shop – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Trails End Ice Cream Shop in Intervale, New Hampshire. The Shop includes homemade ice cream, soft serve, shakes, sundaes and much more. They even provide free sprinkles to their customers!

We had a delicious Adventure to the Trails End Ice Cream Shop, on a day of numerous Adventures. We had just spent several hours hiking, so it was especially the perfect treat. The Trails End Ice Cream Shop was located on a busy road, and did not provide any shady seating, however did provide lovely mountain views from afar. I ordered a creamsicle shake, and the pups had a dog ice cream, soft serve adorned with treats. After ordering I decided to drive across the street to a “scenic” area where we could enjoy these refreshments. Shadow and Wilma very quickly ate their ice cream with mountain views framing each lick. Shadow finished his ice cream with a celebration roll, while Wilma barked hello to a distant dog friend. I sat for a couple minutes before we headed out on our next Adventure. You really cannot go wrong with any kind of ice cream on a warm summer day (Rating: 4).

August 19, 2019 – Durgin Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Durgin Covered Bridge in Sandwich, New Hampshire. The Durgin Covered Bridge traverses the Cold River. It was built in 1869 and is one of the few surviving 19th century covered bridges in New Hampshire.

We had a short Adventure to the Durgin Covered Bridge, on a day of numerous Adventures. Upon arrival to the Durgin Bridge we spotted a not so friendly dog down the street, and although on leash, the owner appeared to be struggling to maintain control. I therefore felt a bit uneasy about this location, and we did not stay as long as I would have otherwise.

My initial plan was to head to the River to see the Bridge from below. It was not incredibly easy to arrive at the water’s edge but we managed to stumble down an overgrown path to reach this goal. As per my usual, unusual (haha), I decided to wade through the water with the pups, a nice cool down on this warm day. The rocks were round and colorful, adding lovely shades to the clear flowing River. Shadow took a minute to lay down, while Wilma quickly found a rock to pose on. The Bridge was beautiful and scenic. It was challenging to get a full panoramic view, a little cloudy, and in addition to my worries of the unfriendly, furry neighbor my photos were far from representative of this lovely spot. However it really was a pretty Bridge. So glad we could Adventure to the Durgin Covered Bridge today (Rating: 4).

Weekly Video/Photo

Today’s feature is a video from a walk earlier this month at Mine Falls Park in Nashua, New Hampshire. This is a park we visit on occasion that I have blogged about before. It’s a lovely, city park through forests, and along the Nashua River and canal system. It really is a park I enjoy, quite unique and not a location you would expect to find in Nashua.

If you want to read more about Mine Falls Park please search for Mine Falls Park in the “search box” for more information on this Adventure. (On a mobile phone you can find this at the very bottom of the page, and on the computer you can find it to the right of the blog.)

So although my video taking skills are for from extra-ordinary, I thought this would give you a good feel from an Adventure of Mine Falls Park.

October 5, 2018 – Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins – New Hampshire

Today we went to Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. The Madame Sherri Castle Ruins are located in the Madame Sherri Forest. This Castle was built by Madame Sherri. Madame Sherri and her husband Andre were involved in show business, including: dancing, musicals, and costume designing. They were originally from France, but moved to New York. They started their own business and were very successful. After Andre passed away Madame Sherri bought some land in Chesterfield, where she built her Castle. This was her party house, as she actually lived across the street in a smaller bode. The Castle burnt to the ground in 1962. Madame Sherri later passed away in 1965.

We had a mystical Adventure to the Madame Sherri’s Castle ruins. Another Adventure I was thankful for researching ahead of time, as there were no clear signs to the location. However upon arrival we did see the sign for Madame Sherri Forest. I decided to dress Shadow and Wilma in bright orange, as I read that hunters were free to roam the Forest. They did not seem to mind, and we then headed on our journey. We crossed the bridge across a little brook, and headed to the ruins. A little more spectators then I preferred, however, we took turns with the many visitors taking photographs. We wandered around and through the ruins, especially enjoying the stairs up into the sky. There were arches, columns and beautiful stones framing which clearly was a fascinating castle. We spent our time in the area, trying not to miss a piece of the ruin.

After enjoying the ruins we spent some time wandering the trails. The trails were not well marked, but we made sure to get some exercise while in the Forest. The beginning of Fall was clear, with beautiful yellow leaves along the trail. This was Shadow’s first Adventure since surgery, making it an even more joyous Adventure (Rating: 3).

September 2, 2018 – Dimitri’s Pizza – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I visited Dimitri’s Pizza in Contoocook, New Hampshire. Dimitri’s is a family owned restaurant with a casual dining experience, and outdoor seating along the Contoocook River. They have a variety of menu items, including: pizza and home made ice cream.

We were not planning on ice cream today, but why not eat some ice cream at a beautiful riverfront location. We found Dimitri’s after our Adventure to the Contoocook Railroad Bridge, located directly next door to the Bridge. The place was bopping, with many pizza pick-ups coming and out. There was an outdoor window and quick service for ordering. I am always humored at how Shadow and Wilma anticipate the ice cream from the counter. I of course ordered them each a dog ice creams, and mint chocolate chip for myself. We then headed to the riverfront seating to enjoy our tasty ice cream. Other guests to Dimitri’s were quite entertained viewing Shadow and enjoy their ice cream, lick by lick. It the perfect opportunity to celebrate the end of our weekend of Adventures (Rating: 3, Dog Ice Cream: 4)