Dog friendly hikes and exploring, mostly around New England. Our Adventures includes: waterfalls, the beach, conservation land, lighthouses, state parks, the woods, the mountains, statues, and castles.
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I spent a very full day of Adventures in Maine. We went to many new locations, and some of our favorites including Fort Williams Park. I was on the search for lupines, and was thrilled to find endless color. We enjoyed the State House and Capital Park (also blogged about this separately), views in the Rangeley Lakes, a covered bridge, and various stops along the way. So glad we could fit in a nice, long day trip before the heat wave arrives. Below you will see a collage from the lovely day in Maine.
Yesterday, Wilma, Gus, and I went to the Maine State House and Capitol Park in Augusta, Maine. The Capital was built in 1832 from Maine granite after Maine separated from Massachusetts. Across the street you can find Capital Park, a green space, trails, and a memorial(s) that was originally developed in 1827.
We had a green Adventure to the Maine State House and Capitol Park. I was surprised to arrive at the State House to an empty parking lot, but I guess it was the weekend, and a small city compared to that of Boston or other more metropolitan locations. We first walked around the State House, the grass perfectly mowed, and the State house just lovely. I was not sure if we could enter on the gross inside the fence, so walked just outside it on the sidewalk. We walked, posed, checked on some small gardens, and of course Wilma enjoyed some grassy naps in any attempt she had!
After checking out the State House we crossed the street to Capitol Park. I was surprised to find very few people. The grass and trees were bright green in color, several trails around and through the park. We walked and Wilma made sure more shady resting occurred. It was quiet and peaceful, although one main road nearby. So glad we could check out the State House and Capitol Park yesterday (Rating: 4).
Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Acadia National Park in Maine. Acadia National Park is a Park in Northeastern Maine that encompasses half of Mount Desert Island, and also is situated on the Schoodic Peninsula and Isle au Haut. It is 47,000 acres and popular for fall foliage seekers, winter skiing, spring fishing and hiking.
We had a gorgeous Adventure to Acadia National Park, one of my favorite, if not my favorite, place to visit in New England. I was thrilled that the weather was wrong and it did not rain until later afternoon, and there were even moments of brightness. I was planning on heading there for sunrise but between the weather report and my newest cold I decided not to wake up at an extreme moment of the morning to head out, however we will still arrived early. We enjoyed walking, beautiful scenery, climbing on the rocks, strolls on the beach, and relaxing in a our own private rock location (see video one). Gus especially loved digging at the beach, while Wilma enjoyed hopping on the highest rocks. I did not end up going to all of my favorites due to the crowds, but found several new trails, and the less traveled of our favorites. It was just a spectacular day. One of these times we will have to spend more then just a day, but it really was just right. Look forward to returning again in the future (Rating: 5).
This weekend Wilma, Gus, My Mom, and I visited and stayed in the town of Eastport, Maine. Eastport, Maine is a coastal town that is the easternmost city in the United States. Eastport is popular for whale watching, shops and restaurants, and an annual Pirate Festival that occurs in September. It also has the deepest port on the East Coast.
We had a relaxing Adventure to Eastport, Maine. We stayed in an Airbnb which was just right for us, clean, and relaxing. We wandered the downtown area several times, enjoying a path along the shore, and various small landmarks on our walks. The town was very quiet, my type of place! Although we enjoyed our visit, it is unlikely that I will return as there were limited activities and activities. However, while we were there, we were able to explore other nearby locations, including: the town of Lubec, and Quoddy State Park. I decided not to blog about the town of Lubec but will include some photographs in future Weekly Photo/Video. Although simple, still glad we could visit Eastport with great company! (This blog will not be rated).
Today Wilma, Gus, My Mom, and I Adventured to Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, Maine. Quoddy Head State Park is the easternmost point of land in the United States. The Park has almost 550 acres of land, trails, and home of the West Quoddy Head Light House.
We had a gorgeous Adventure to Quoddy Head State Park. I have been wanting to visit Quoddy Head State Park for many years and finally today was the day. We arrived to find many other visitors, but as time went on we realized they were spread out, so it did not seem too busy. We began the West Quoddy Head Light House, a beautiful and unique structure, the brilliant blue sea framing the backdrop. The Light House definitely did not disappoint.
After checking out the Lighthouse we headed down the trail along the shore, providing spectacular views. There were gigantic rocks, water views, and a well-manicured trails. It was so pretty, and peaceful, full of the fragrant smell of evergreens. We walked, took photos and enjoyed every moment of this magnificent park. The pups were wild and energetic, and overjoyed to find new smells throughout. I did not want to leave this magnificent park. A gorgeous day at Quoddy Head State Park and long overdue adventure finding the best of the best. I highly recommend this lovely oasis (Rating: 5).
Yesterday Wilma and I hiked Gorham Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine. Gorham is a 1.6 mile mountain trail that features many boulders, and views of the sea. The trailhead can be found in a parking lot in Park Loop Road, not far from the Ocean Path. It is listed by Alltrails as being “moderate” in difficulty.
We had a boulder filled Adventure to Gorham Mountain. I have wanted to hike Gorham Mountain for some time, so today was the day. If you read my previous blog you are aware that my camera did not charge as expected so unfortunately I relied on my camera for this blog. We took a detour off our hike at Ocean Path to climb Gorham Mountain, arriving to find just one car in the parking lot. Thrilled to be early birds we headed up to the Mountain.
The trail to Gorham Mountain was highlighted by rocks of all shapes and sizes, even some adventurous tunnels through huge boulders. In some locations, including the beginning of the trail there was some water flowing through leaving puddles for some Wilma sipping (haha). As we hiked I notice the trail was not well marked, and once or twice we slightly detoured from the trail. On occasion views of the water would sneak through the trees, but I had difficulty capturing this on my cell phone. We have only climbed several mountains, and although it was a short trail I was impressed with myself that I did not find it challenging, and of course I knew Wilma would not find anything tiring (haha)! The strange thing is that I never found a peak with a view, and although I backtracked several time in what appeared to be the highest area, I was able to confirm that we were on the trail but never saw a formal top. And although I did read some reviews saying the top was nothing spectacular maybe I did actually see it. Wilma is quite skilled at maneuvering rocks and really seems to appreciate rocks yet there was one area of which I had to take some time to figure how to get her through. If your dog is not very agile, and skilled with rocks I definitely would not recommend this trail. So glad we could finally check Gorham Mountain off our list (Rating 3.5).
Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Ocean Path in Acadia National Park, Maine. The Ocean Path is a scenic trail that runs from Sandy Beach to Otter Cover. It stops by several additional destinations including: Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, and the trailhead to Gorham Mountain. The Path runs in between the ocean and the Park Loop Road, and provides numerous opportunities to walk out onto the rocks and view the coastal scenery. It is approximately four miles round trip.
We had a spectacular Adventure to the Ocean Path. We have been on parts of this Path, and most of the hot spots along the way but today was the first time we decided to explore the entire Path. I was quite disappointed to find my camera did not charge properly, so most of the photographs I attempted to capture on my phone, which is far from superior.
We started our journey on the Ocean Path at 5am, and were so happy to find the beginning of the trail, Sandy Beach, just about vacant. We first walked on Sandy Beach, one of the most gorgeous beaches in New New England. From there we headed to the Ocean Path trail. The views are beyond spectacular in Acadia, and the Ocean Path really highlights the beauty! Since we started so early there were very few cars, making it especially serene. We took time to stop at various spots, and enjoyed several trots out on the rocks. Really every part of this walk was just magnificent. As you walk you can hear the buoy bells, the crashing of the water, and smell flowers, pine, and scents of nature. It really is a must if you are visiting Acadia, but I definitely recommend you go early, or off-season, unless you are someone who does not mind the crowds of the tourists.
After finishing this hike we headed back to Sandy Beach and spent about an hour relaxing, and exploring. I waded in the cold water but it was just perfect for my hiking feet. I attempted to convince Wilma into the water and she definitely was brave, even sticking her face in one time. She absolutely love digging, running circle around me, and running from the waves. As usually her enthusiasm made me smile. So glad we walked the entire Ocean Path today, on a lovely spring day (Rating: 5).
The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma 