east haddam – The Adventures of Shadow and Wilma

I have decided to return to posting new “Throwback Adventures” after taking time to re-post some of my favorites with Shadow. This has been a therapeutic process for me to share. We are devastated that both Shadow and Buster have both passed, but find peace knowing we can continue to remember them through our “Throwback Adventures”. They were amazing boys and are forever in our hearts.

In August 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut. Devil’s Hopyard State Park is most well known for Chapman Falls, a waterfall that drops more than sixty feet. The Park contains at least five moderate trails, an un-named wooden bridge, and pothole stone formations. The Park is surrounded by many myths and stories including one of a man name Dibble, who had a garden to grow hops which were used in the production of beer. The Park is popular for: hiking, birding, camping, and fishing.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Devil’s Hopyard State Park. I remember this Adventure being on a day of moon significance with warnings not to look at it without special eye wear. Of course I cannot seem to recall the exact title, however I enjoyed some conversation with other visitors who were quite interested in the pups and let me peak through their special glasses. On this Adventure we loved the waterfall, and of course had to check out the stream and covered bridge. There were picnic tables to relax. We walked around but did not explore any of the official trails, however it was one of our Adventures on a full day. I especially love this photograph of Shadow and Wilma at the falls, I cannot believe Wilma was ever so small. Another cherished memory in a photograph. We look forward to visiting Devil’s Hopyard State Park again in the future (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).

Today we Adventured to Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Connecticut. This was our second trip to the Gillette Castle. Gillette Castle was once the estate of William Gillette, a famous Actor in the early 1900’s. It was later bought by the state of Connecticut. The Park includes a visitor center, museum, hiking trails, and picnic area. There are even live theater events and walking tours available to visitors.

We had an intriguing Adventure to Gillette Castle State Park. Our first visit was in August 2018, on a warm day, while today was a overcast, almost chilly Fall day. Gillette Castle State Park is a magical experience, transforming visitors back into medieval time, or sensing an escape on a journey abroad. We greatly enjoyed our visit to the Castle, circling the grand structure many times so as not to miss an inch. Shadow enjoyed some rolls in the grass, while Wilma jumped up high to climb along the rock-like fence, posing for photos. Not only is the Castle itself just breathtaking, it is located on the beautiful Connecticut River vast with Fall foliage. Just gorgeous from every direction! Today the Castle was mobbed with visitors, dulling the experience a bit, but really that cannot take away from the brilliant beauty of the Castle.

After visiting the Castle we wandered the trails on the side of the Park, and headed down to the water. Shadow and I were a bit tired from our earlier Adventure so we decided not to engage in any strenuous or lengthy hiking. The trails were not labeled, so we just sauntered around for a bit. We were thrilled to locate three adorable walking bridges along the way, adding some charm to the trails. From the trails we walked around some spots along the main road, finding a gorgeous stone bridge, a leaf filled pond, and several other small features along the way. We of course had to have one last visit to the Castle before finishing up our day. Although I wish we could have had this spot all to ourselves (haha), we still cannot say enough about the spectacular Gillette Castle State Park. I expect we will be back again in the future (Rating: 5).

October 2018