November 2023 (Late Post) – Long Sand Beach (South) – Maine

This month Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Long Sand Beach (South) in York, Maine. Long Sand Beach is approximately one and a half miles long, located in between the villages of York Town and York Beach on route 1A.

We had a peaceful Adventure to Long Sands Beach (South). I am often hesitant to venture onto beaches due to the chaotic off leash scene, however we did not see anyone on the South end of Long Sands Beach, so decided to check it out. The parking area is above the beach, which provided us the ability to view the scene before heading down the stairs. Although a dark day the sky, and water was still quite lovely, the clouds quite scenic. Immediately upon landing on the sand Gus began some chaotic digging, and Wilma decided it was time to play. The beach makes these two happy, just like most of us.

We wandered to the water’s edge although neither Wilma nor Gus wanted to venture in, which generally does not surprise me. We walked along the water and around the sandy beach. It was so nice to have a quiet adventure to the beach. Another wonderful adventure with Wilma and Gus (this blog will not be rated).

November 2023 (Late Post) – Hartley Mason Reserve/Park – Maine

This month Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to the Hartley Mason Reserve/Park in York, Maine. The Hartley Mason Reserve/Park is a four-acre seaside Park set above York Harbor and the York Harbor Beach. The land was donated by Hartley Mason in 1993 and now provides a scenic location for visitors.

We had a simple Adventure to the Hartley Mason Reserve/Park. I debated blogging about it as it was a dark day, and small park, but decided to still share. Although I had read about this Park I found it accidentally on the way to a planned location. We stopped and walked through the park enjoying the views of the ocean, and crashing sounds of the waves. Some of my favorite parts of this park were bright yellow fallen leaves, little statues, and the singing of the ocean. As indicated it was a tiny park, so there was not much to explore, however I would guess it has beautiful gardens during the summer. Wilma however made sure to appreciate some rolls down the hill, which Gus joined in on (haha). I sadly could not get a photo or video in time, but Ipromise it was some good entertainment. Glad we could Adventure to the Hartley Mason Reserve/Park (Rating: 3),

October 9, 2022 – Quoddy Head State Park – Maine

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).

June 11, 2021 – Bath, Maine

Today Wilma and I Adventured to Bath, Maine. Bath is a town located along the Kennebec River. It is a coastal town located in south-central Maine. Bath is a popular tourist destination known for the 19th century architecture, shops, and waterfront location.

We had a simple Adventure to Bath, Maine, a stop on the way to our main destination. I have often driven past Bath, but this was the first time we decided to stop and explore. We began by exploring the waterfront park, walked around the downtown shopping area, and found little Library Park. The shops were mostly closed but the restaurants were quite busy. We did not see any furry friends, but Wilma found some dog water bowls for some sips. The town had many lovely flowers decorating the landscape. There was not much to see, but it was the perfect stop to stretch our legs. Glad we finally checked out the town of Bath (this blog will not be rated).

Throwback Adventure – Jordan Pond, Maine – August 2015

In remembering our Shadow I decided to re-post some of our favorite Adventures on our “Throwback Adventure” Thursdays. Shadow had amazing solo Adventures, Adventures with Buster, and Adventures with Wilma. He was one lucky boy! The post today was from a trip to Jordan Pond in Acadia Park that Shadow, Buster, and My Mom took back in August 2015. One of my favorite memories was the journey Shadow, Buster, and I took around the gorgeous Jordan Pond. There were boardwalks, rocks, bridges, and mountains, breathtaking beauty. Forever precious memories! Please see below for my original post including photographs and a video.

In August 2015 My Mom, Shadow, Buster, and I journeyed to Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, Maine. Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He had an amazing zest for life, led by his joyous howl, and happy tail. We made many memories on adventures, that we fondly treasure. He will always be missed!!

Jordan Pond was formed by the Wisconsin Ice Sheet during the last glacial period. It has mountains to the west and northeast. The loop trail around the pond is less than four miles long, and is mostly flat. On arrival I found the area to be quite touristy, but as we began to traverse the trail around the pond we were surrounded by nature, and stunning beauty. The perfect shaped rocks, gorgeous water, and the mountains, combined to provide a picturesque landscape. The day of this journey it was a bit foggy, which added a mystical feature to the photos. As per usual I took numerous photos of the boys on our adventure, and the stunning landscape. This was definitely a trip I will always treasure. It was one of the most gorgeous spots we have visited on our many years of adventures (Rating: 5)

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March 22, 2020 – Wolfe’s Neck Wood State Park – Maine

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Wolfe’s Neck Wood State Park in Freeport, Maine. Wolfe’s Neck Wood State Park is an approximately 250 acre state park on a peninsula between the Casco Bay and the Harraseeket River. It contains various ecosystems, and is known for the local ospreys who nest on Googins Island. Wolfe’s Neck Wood State Park is open year around, and has an entrance fee. As expected the park is popular for: bird watching, walking, educational programs, and picnicking.

We had a spectacular Adventure to Wolfe’s Neck Wood State Park on a sunny winter day. I had read about this Park for some time and finally decided to make the trip. So off we headed with high expectations. I had researched the trails and printed a map so had a general idea of a plan, as I wanted to make sure we explored both the River and Bay sides of this peninsula Park.

We began our hike at the Harraseeket Trail, a 1.8 mile trail that begins at the parking lot. I was quite excited to begin our hike. The pathway was very clear, although I did not notice markers along the path, only when the trail intersected others. The colors were dull, and the air crisp. The more we walked the more inspired I became, finding various bridges, and soon spotting the bright blue River. We stopped to gaze out, the River quiet expanse. The trail was high above the River and pareled it for some time before veering away. The trail had some hills, lots of roots, rocks, and of course lovely River views. We almost had this Trail to ourselves, a peaceful oasis in the great outdoors.

After completing the Harraseeket Trail the Trail merged into the Casco Bay Trail, what I soon would learn to be quite popular. Just immediate to this merging we found the rocky shores of the Casco Bay, just gorgeous. There were wooden stairways and stone stairways at various locations leading to the water’s edge. We enjoyed relaxing on the rocks, Shadow enjoying the water, while Wilma balanced eloquently on the unusually shaped rocks, some formed in circular formation. The view of the Bay was beautiful. The farther we walked the more people we saw, but there still was enough space to find your own spot, in almost all areas. There were kiosks along this trail, and seating, even located across the Osprey nesting Island. The water was quite clear, and varied in tones, sometimes appearing aqua, and tropic.

The Casco Bay Trail soon led to the White Pines Trail, continuing the scenery as we had seen on the Casco Bay Trail. I believe it was on the White Pines Trail that we found a sandy beach to relax for a few, Wilma enjoying a quick dig, while Shadow wading in the water and dreaming of a longer leash. From there we then turned onto the North Trail, which looped around before returning to the end of the Casco Bay Trail. The North Trail was somewhat dull but had one look-out over the Casco Bay. I actually heard another visitor describing the North Trail as perfect for snow shoeing but overall a “boring” Trail.

We spent about two and a half hours exploring this magnificent park, mainly on the above trails, however, traversing parts of others along our walk. The farther we hiked the more impressed I became. The scenery was beautiful and diverse. In addition it was so nice to see the dogs almost all on leash, and owners being respectful of one another. We had a special day that I will always treasure. Wolfe’s Neck Park did not disappoint, and we definitely will be back again (Rating: 4.5).

March 22, 2020 – Babb’s Bridge – Maine

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Babb’s Bridge which divides the towns of Gorham and Windham, Maine. The Babb’s covered Bridge was originally built in 1840, making it the oldest covered bridge in Maine. It later had to be rebuilt and also has undergone numerous repairs. The Babb’s Bridge traverses the Presumpscot River.

We had a brief visit to the Babb’s Bridge on a beautiful winter day. Although on a public road we arrived to find numerous private property signs making it unclear as to where we could wander. I decided to first drive through the bridge to take some photographs. The far side, which I believe to be the Gorham side, provided no public River across. Upon peering down the River I noted at least three rope swings, signs of a great summer day. I debated walking through but the bridge was dark underneath and the traffic speedy so I chose to drive back across.

On what I suspect was the Windham side, there was a beach-like area filled with a group of people fishing and enjoying the fresh air. We tranced around a bit and snapped some quick photographs. Fearing an accidental trespassing incident I decided to make it a short stop, although I guess often the case on a covered bridge Adventures. So glad we could visit the Babb’s Bridge today (Rating: 3.5).

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 Shadow and Wilma at the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, taken last March, in Bristol, Maine. This is definitely one of my favorite lighthouse poses of Shadow and Wilma, their ears blowing adorably in the wind. We were quite pleased to enjoy this gorgeous location in the off-season, few other visitors in sight. You can read more about our visit to the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse by typing it in the search box. It is also located under the Maine tab, as well as the Lighthouse tab.

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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)

Throwback Adventure – Northeast Harbor – Maine

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 April 2015 Shadow, Buster, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Northeast Harbor, a municipality in the southern portion of Mount Desert Island, Maine. Northeast Harbor is known to be an affluent and less traveled location in Acadia. The Harbor’s main feature is the marina, while there are also restaurants and boutiques.

We had a scenic Adventure to Northeast Harbor back on a foggy April day. In preparing this blog I came to the conclusion that we visited the marina section of the Harbor as we did not recall spotting any shops, nor did we eat at an restaurants in the Harbor town. The marina was gorgeous, filled with boats of all shapes and sizes. The shores were lined with Solidago flowers framing the perfect coastal photographs. If my memory is correct we mostly spent our time in the Harbor as we awaited our journey to Cranberry Island (a blog you can search for in the “search box” to read more about). Quite a picturesque marina. We will definitely have to be back to Northeast Harbor to explore every inch of this quaint little town (Throwback blogs will not always be rated).