Throwback Adventure – Glen Ellis Falls – 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 October 2016 Shadow, Buster, My Mom and I Adventured to Glen Ellis Falls in Jackson, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Glen Ellis Falls is approximately sixty feet in height and is located on the Ellis River. It is one of the more popular waterfalls of the White Mountains.

We had a magnificent Adventure to Glen Ellis Falls on a gorgeous Fall day. The beginning of the walk started under a tunnel and then followed the River before arriving at a lovely scenic spot with beautiful Fall foliage. We were quite pleased to have a visitor take a photo of the four of us at this formal lookout. From there we followed many stairs down to the base of the Glen Ellis Falls. The waterfall was tall and powerful, and just perfect! It was difficult to photograph the Falls as there were many visitors, however we waited our turn to get up close and personal. We sat for a bit near the falls, enjoying the mist on our skin, and handsome fur!

After spending some time under the falls we decided to explore the upper level. My Mom first hiked up to the top stairs to check out the views, while Buster and I then took a turn while Shadow hung out with Mom. It was fun to see the waterfall from a different angle, but nothing compared to the main view below. As you may know if you are a follower October 2016 was the last month we would have our dear Buster, creating extra special memories of each and every Adventure on this weekend.

Glen Ellis Falls is definitely a place we look forward to exploring again in the future. Really just perfect! I definitely recommend that you visit on your own to see this special Falls.

March 30, 2019 – Nobska Beach – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Nobska Beach in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Nobska Beach is a small, white-sanded, narrow beach that offers views of Martha’s Vineyard and the Nobska Lighthouse.

We had a therapeutic Adventure to the Nobska Beach, probably my favorite stop of the day. Peaceful and quiet we found the beach almost exclusively to ourselves. Shadow hustled to the water and immediately waded in for a dip. I decided to take my sneakers off so Wilma could explore a bit more, but found the water quite frigid, something you would never guess by watching the water loving Shadow continually in the water. The ocean was a lovely color, clear in some areas allowing the spectacular view of seaweed flowing under water. There were rocks along the shore for some Wilma jumps and posing, along with a view of the Nobska Lightouse in the distance. Shadow and Wilma enjoyed some playing and digging, while Shadow was quick to roll around in the sand. This beach was simple but yet gorgeous, and calm. So glad my Mom could join us in this relaxing oasis. We definitely will be back (Rating: 4).

March 30, 2019 – Nobska Point Lighthouse – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom and I Adventured to the Nobska Lighthouse in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. This was our second trip to this Lighthouse as Shadow, My Mom and I had visited back in April 2017. The Nobska Lighthouse is located on the Southwestern tip of Cape Cod. It was established in 1826 but later rebuilt in 1876. The lighthouse tower is 42 feet in height, and is made of cast iron with brick lining.

We had a scenic Adventure to the Nobska Point Lighthouse on a gorgeous spring day. It was one of the first warm days of the season, causing us to take a little trip down to Cape Cod. Upon arrival were pleased to find parking, a feat that can be difficult during the summer months. We took some photographs and wandered around taking in the beautiful structure. Lovely views of the ocean and the sounds of the shore filled our senses. We decided to find a spot to sit and lounge, as my Mom, quite an amazing artist, captured the beautiful location in sketches. It was nice to relax in the sun, although a bit of a challenging experience for our little Wilma, always on the go! However Wilma did well and found some sticks to chew as we enjoyed some coastal therapy. Shadow seemed to enjoy the sun and checking out the view of the shore. Both pups had a moment of unease as the drone was launched, but recovered quickly and carried on.

After finishing at the Lighthouse we crossed the street to check out the view and snap some more photographs. The walk down to the rocks was a little steep so we decided to not venture down to the shore, but of course enjoyed some more photographs before heading back to the car. A memorable Adventure to the Nobska Lighthouse with perfect company (Rating: 4).

Yesterday, March 30, 2019

April 2017

March 30, 2019 – Bourne Scenic Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Bourne Scenic Park in Bourne, Massachusetts. Bourne Scenic Park is a family camping area located on the Cape Cod Canal. The well known Bourne Bridge (which connects Cape Cod to the rest of the state) towers above this Park. The Bourne Scenic Park has miles of paved biking and walking paths along the Canal.

We had a simple Adventure to the Bourne Scenic Park. Bourne Scenic Park was our stop to stretch our legs on our day in Cape Cod. I did not research this destination, however just found this Park on a map when searching for a mid-drive stop. We were disappointed to find a $6 fee to enter, however, on a day of outdoor Adventures a very cheap price for our “entertainment”. We found an area along the biking and walking trail to park and decided to take a stroll along the paved path packed with walkers, bikers, and of course many. of our furry friends Today was one of those beautiful Spring days where you really do appreciate the changes in the New England seasons. I was quite unimpressed with this Park, however enjoyed taking a little stroll along the canal with great company! (Rating: 2).

Throwback Adventure – Honeymoon Island State Park – Florida

Shadow, Buster, and I had regular Adventures to Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin, Florida. As suggested Honeymoon Island State Park is a Florida State Park located on Honeymoon Island. The Park is 385 acres and has four miles of beaches and many more acres submerged. There are trails to walk and a variety of beaches, one being dog friendly. The Island is popular for swimming, hiking, biking, and shelling.

We had just about weekly Adventures to Honeymoon Island State Park, which quickly became our favorite dog friendly beach, and really one of our favorite spots in general. I think every person that came to visit us in Florida had at least one visit to this gorgeous beach. We even took Christmas photographs there one year, our New England friends and family noting it looked like we were posing in the snow. Beautiful white sand, perfect water temperature, and of course warm and sunny Florida weather. Definitely a perfect tropical retreat! I termed one of the other beaches on the Island as the “shell” beach, which we quickly stopped visiting with Shadow and Buster joined our world. However, a wonderful stop for those in search of the perfect shell, or a scenic swinging bench.

Our typical visit to Honeymoon Island included walking along the beach, swimming, resting in the sand, digging, and of course energetic play sessions. Shadow and Buster used to playfully argue over the holes they dug both thrilled, and energized by this entertaining game. Such a fun memory of our lives in Florida. The only downside was an encounter with a rattlesnake one visit, and an occasional burr on the path to the beach, however even these moments come together to create a spectacular Adventure. If you are ever in the Tampa area, I encourage you to visit this magnificent Park. It will always be special in our hearts, and hope that some day we will be back.

March 23, 2019 – Dunn State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Dunn State Park in Gardner, Massachusetts. Dunn State Park is a 132 acre park that surrounds a 20 acre pond. It is popular for swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating. There is a 1.3 loop trail around the pond, and other trails throughout.

We had a short Adventure to Dunn State Park on our way to a family day out in Western Massachusetts. We have been to Dunn State Park numerous times in the past, although I believe this was Wilma’s first trip to the Park. Dunn State Park is simple, but lovely, and often vacant in the off seasons. Today we enjoyed part of the trail around the Pond, our favorite activity, while on past trips we have often enjoyed the beach and some swimming. The wind was blowing the snow that covered the ice on the pond, creating a mystical scene, while the snow gorgeously covered the trees. In some spots the water was flowing, while others it was still frozen. The trail included beautiful steps, bridges, benches along the way, and many scenic spots to stop and view the pond. A lovely Park to walk, and relax, not a visitor in site on this snowy morning. I have attached a collage from our past visits that started back in 2012, so glad to also have memories with our Buster as well (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Packard Hill Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

In October 2016 Buster, Shadow, and I Adventured to the Packard Hill Bridge in Lebanon, New Hampshire. The Packard Hill Covered Bridge was built in 1991 and spans the Mascoma River.

We had a lovely Fall Adventure to the Packard Hill Covered Bridge on a day full of Adventures. One of my many favorite photographs of Buster and Shadow came on this day, both regally posing while surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage, and a scenic New England Bridge. We wandered down to the water below to explore, and weee pleased to see leaves in the water, one of my favorite autumn scenes. So glad we could visit the Packard Hill Covered Bridge.

Lebanon Buster and Shadow

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.

My feature today is one of my favorite photographs of Wilma and Shadow in October 2017. It was snapped in our favorite season – Fall, and in our favorite place – the White Mountains. This particular photograph was taken on the trail around Echo Lake on a beautiful Adventure. It was Wilma’s first Fall getaway, one of our family traditions. I will always treasure this amazing photograph, capturing a cherished memory.

If you would like to read more about our past visits to Echo Lake (Fraconia Notch State Park) type it 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.)

March 17, 2019 – Bailey Island Bridge/Cribstone Bridge – Maine

Yesterday we Adventured to the Bailey Island Bridge, also referred to as the Cribstone Bridge. The Bridge connects Harpswell and Orr Island. It is made of granite slabs, and is the only cribstone bridge in the world.

We had a scenic Adventure to the Bailey Island Bridge on a windy Winter morning. The bridge was unique, with granite slabs being held up by gravity alone! The landscape surrounding the Bridge was absolutely gorgeous, sparkling rocks, colorful shells, seaweed covered rocks, and a bright blue sea. We wandered around, Shadow making a bed, and relaxing in the sand, while Wilma reached into the water trying to pull out her favorite shell. It was peaceful, and quiet, except for the sound of an occasion car flying over the bridge. Simple, but gorgeous, just perfect for one of our last Adventures on our Maine getaway (Rating: 4).

March 17, 2019 -Lobstermans Statue – Maine

Yesterday we Adventured to the Lobstermans Statue in Bailey Island, Maine. It is located at the tip of the Island known as Land’s End. The Lobsterman’s Statue was built by sculptor Victor Kahill as a Memorial to Maine fisherman. The model was made from lobsterman H Elroy Johnson in 1939, a fisherman from Harpswell Maine. Replicas can also be found in various locations on the East Coast.

We had a chilly Adventure to the Lobsterman’s Statue on a chilly Maine day. I was excited to check out this statue, the perfect landmark for a Maine getaway. Upon arrival we were again greeted by a scenic Maine shoreline. We quickly located the statue to the left and headed straight over for viewing, Wilma was not pleased to meet this frozen man, adding a good laugh to our day. I attempted a video below of the growling, and barking but was unable to capture the most humorous moments. However, she did soon warm up to the Lobsterman’s Statue, jumping up close to check the mysterious man. The surroundings of the statue were quite dull and brown, one of the expected features of the New England Winter.

After taking in the Memorial we headed over to the rocky shore and down to the beach for some Shadow relaxing, a bit of rock and shell searching, and some Wilma rock jumping. The area had steady visitors, but was not overly crowded. The water was gorgeous in color, while the seaweed covered rocks, the shells, and rocks adding some variation in colors and textures. We were pleased we could visit the Lobsterman’s Statue today (Rating: 3).