March 8, 2020 – Franklin Sculpture Park – Massachusetts

On March 8, 2020 Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Franklin Sculpture Park in Franklin, Massachusetts. The Franklin Sculpture Park is a small sculpture Park. The project to create this sculpture park was driven by the community, the land donated by the town, while the Franklin Art Center organized the artwork. The Franklin Sculpture Park is free for visitors.

We had a refreshing Adventure to the Franklin Sculpture Park. I was excited to find this Park as it had not popped up in my searches before. Even better I was thrilled to have my Mom join us to explore this new location. We arrived at the Park to find few other visitors. We began the cement loop around the Park, scattered with sculptures throughout. The sculptures were labeled, and many quite unique. I think my favorite sculptures were: two faces, a photograph sculpture, a path of rainbows, and fish artwork framing the water. In thinking back I guess I should have payed a bit more attention to their titles, but likely you can locate them below.

We enjoyed strolling slowly, and appreciating great company. There were ducks in the water adding a nature feel to what appeared to be a man-made pond, and energizing Wilma in anticipation. The landscape was winter brown, but yet pretty in its own way. We enjoyed a quite humorous moment when Wilma did not appear thrilled to find a monster-appearing structure in her view. I took a quick video as this moment occurred and she soon warmed up to this mysterious creature. We posed with several of the sculptures and enjoyed the moments. Poor Shadow was quite disappointed not to take a dip, but yet the water did not look too clean for a sip. Simple, but really a lovely Park. So glad we discovered the Franklin Park Sculpture Park today (Rating: 3.5)

March 3, 2020 – Crocker Park -Massachusetts

Yesterday, Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Crocker Park in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Crocker Park is a less then three acre park with views of the Marblehead Harbor. The Park has benches, a pavilion, restrooms, and several commemorative plaques.

We had a sun-filled Adventure to Crocker Park, one of yesterday’s several Marblehead Adventures. Due to voting day it was challenging to drive to the Park, but I eventually found parking down the street. Little did I know that Crocker Park did not have official parking so I was grateful to locate this lot. From there we walked down from street, quickly passing by the Park before realizing we had missed the overgrown sign.

Upon arrival we headed up a small hill to the Park, which was quiet, peaceful, and provided lovely coastal views. Still quite brown from the winter, but the bright blue Harbor and unusual rocks helped to distract. Wilma was thrilled to see numerous rocks of which she bounded about, while Shadow preferred his cheerful grassy rolls. The Park was tiny, ensuring we would not miss an inch. We walked along the sidewalk and appreciated the sounds of the seas. We then sat for a bit in the grass appreciating the views and the serenity around us. Quite the therapy for the senses.

My favorite parts of this Park were the gigantic rocks, and Harbor Views. Due to the parking situation I am sure this Park must mostly be visited by locals. I had a slight deja view of a previous visit where I was running up the hill while My Mom sat in the car with Shadow, as we had been unable to locate parking. So I believe this was our first official Adventure to Crocker Park, definitely a recommended site for a picnic. So glad we had an Adventure to Crocker Park (Rating: 3.5).

February 19, 2020 -Holyoke Heritage State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Holyoke Heritage State Park in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Holyoke Heritage State Park includes: a Children’s Museum, the Volleyball Hall of fame, playgrounds, a Merry-Go-Round, and a Visitor Center which highlights Holyoke’s paper manufacturing history. There are pathways throughout the Park, including along the canal which once powered the local mills.

We had a unique Adventure to the Holyoke Heritage State Park on a windy New England day. The Park was small, and mostly suited for those with indoor plans in mind, especially ideal for children, volleyball enthusiasts, and those interested in industrial history. We wandered around every path in the Park, soon locating a map of the accessible paths. I peered in the windows viewing the Merry-Go-Round and the smiles of children playing. There were some murals, a large wheel, and a short, but lovely walk along the canal. We met many children who were eager to see the dogs, the only furry friends around! Wilma threw herself on the ground, rolling in eager anticipation of guests, while Shadow enjoyed his “normal” Adventure rolls. We spent about forty five minutes exploring the grounds of the property, Shadow and Wilma appreciating the smells of a new Adventure. Glad we could find a new location for a walk today (Blog will not be rated as only the grounds were explored).

Throwback Adventure – The Nashua River Rail Trail (Pepperell) -2015-2016

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!

Shadow, Buster, and I had many, many Adventures to The Nashua River Rail Trail between 2015-2016 while living locally. The Nashua River Rail Trail is an approximately eleven mile trail that runs from Nashua, New Hampshire to Ayer, Massachusetts. As expected it is built on a former railroad. The Nashua River Rail Trail is popular for biking, horseback riding, walking, fishing, and roller blading.

We had many wonderful Adventures to the Nashua River Rail Trail. Our walks always began in Pepperell, and I often wondered if we ventured into another town as we wandered for hours. We found trails off the paved trail to rivers, and scenic, quiet spots. One time we even spotted a horse, who was far from thrilled to spot two large dogs. Even after heading far off the trail to avoid the horse, it just about bucked the rider off. Luckily she stayed on and we returned to the path to continue our walk.

I found the Nashua River Rail Trail to be especially pretty in the Fall months, the sun streaming over the water. The trail did parallel homes at some points, but often was deep in the woods, quite peaceful. There were some simple fences along the trail, in one location framing a marsh-like area. I did my best to locate a variety of photographs from our many Adventures. Definitely a lovely rail trail to explore (Rating: 4).

February 2, 2020 – Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the ground of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts. The Orchard House is most famous for being where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set Little Women back in the 1800s. The Alcott family resided in the home for many years. It currently is a historic museum.

We had a simple Adventure to the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House. Poor Wilma hurt her paw/claw on Friday so we rested yesterday, and just took a short, local walk today. I thought it would be fun to explore one of the many local historical homes, so I chose the Orchard House. So I decided not to research the home to see if it was dog friendly, as I assumed it was not, so of course we only explored the grounds. We had the property all to ourselves, walking around the property, peering in the windows, taking photographs, and of course enthusiastic rolls for Shadow and Wilma. There was not much to explore from the outdoors, but the buildings were quite scenic. I am sure, even more lovely in the non-winter months of New England. So not necessarily a “normal” Adventure but glad we could get out to add some variety to our weekend of rest. Definitely many historical hot spots in New England (Adventure will not be rated as only the grounds were explored).

January 25, 2020 – Sea Flower/Sea Urchin – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Sea Flower/ Sea Urchin in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Sea Flower is an abstract sculpture of a sea urchin, designed from wood and steal materials. The sculpture was installed in 1978 by artist James Suris. It was quite controversial for many years, as many did not feel it was appropriate choice for a town known for its whaling history.

We had a fun Adventure to the Sea Flower, located in front of the Federal building in the downtown area of New Bedford. We spent much of the day exploring New Bedford, and the Sea Flower was the only new location that I had not yet blogged about, so here I go….

I was excited to find this original, and unique sculpture. We discovered it where expected but yet in what seemed an odd location for this creative artwork. After parking we wandered over to the Sea Flower to snap some photographs and see this handiwork. There was not much to it but definitely unique, and innovative. My Mom was quite unenthused with the Sea Flower, but I however enjoyed this unusual landmark. Glad to we could locate the Sea Flower for some entertaining posing today (Rating: 3).

January 20, 2020 – The National Monument to the Forefathers – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to The National Monument to the Forefathers (also referred to as the Plymouth Monument) in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The National Monument to the Forefathers was dedicated in 1889 and honors the Mayflower Pilgrims. This granite Monument is approximately 81 feet in height and is suspected to be the largest solid granite monument. It is managed by the Department of Conservation.

We had a grand Adventure to the National Monument of the Forefathers. I was quite impressed upon arrival, the Statue towering from atop a small hill, the sun streaming down. The entrance gate was closed so we parked on the side of the road and sauntered in. We began by walking the road around the statue before heading up close to view it. I was impressed at the size, almost too large to visualize the details from below. It was just spectacular, and definitely one of the larger sculptures I have seen. It was a little difficult to photograph with the sun brightly shining, however I did my best, even enjoying some snapshots with the timer. There was little else to the area besides the Monument but definitely worth the visit. So glad we could see the National Monument of the Forefathers (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Derby Wharf Light Station – Massachusetts

Shadow and I Adventured to Derby Wharf Light back in January 2012. The Derby Wharf Light Station is a historic lighthouse located in Salem, Massachusetts. It was built in 1871 and is approximately 20 feet in height. The lighthouse is located at the end of Derby Wharf and continues to aid boat navigation.

We had a fun, blue-sky Adventure to the Derby Wharf Light Station. Our day was filled with many Adventures, and the Derby Wharf Light was one of our stops. We walked out to the end of the Derby Wharf to check out this structure. It was fun find the lighthouse at the end of the wharf. Derby Light was unique in shape and location. The area was busy with other guests but we were able to snap a couple photographs before others joined us. So glad we could visit the Derby Wharf Light Station (Throwback Adventures will not always be rated).

Salem Lighthouse Shadow

December 27, 2019 – Lynch Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Lynch Park in Beverly, Massachusetts. Lynch Park is a sixteen acre park that includes a rose garden, playground, and a small sandy beach. It provides views of the Atlantic Ocean and Woodbury Cove. There are fees to enter the park seasonally.

We had a windy Adventure to Lynch Park on a cloudy December day. Upon arrival we found that we were one of the few visitors. We headed to the beach, noting colorful kayaks framing the shore. This “beach” appeared more of a shoreline near the water then an actual “beach” for swimming, but I believe visitors may swim in-season. After exploring the beach we headed over to the amphitheater, imagining quite the summer concerts. However we soon noted the grass was full of goose poop, and quickly headed away from the area toward the paved driveway. We continued up the hill and circled around the end of the park. We found one spot to head over to the water, the surf quite rough, creating a dramatic scene. It appeared there was a small boat not too far from the shore, which seemed a bit harrowing. We continued up the hill and enjoyed the views over the ocean. There were benches lining the paved path, and trees scattered throughout the park. The path wound around and brought us to the playground. From there we headed over to what appeared to be the rose garden. I can just imagine how gorgeous this garden must be in-season, but we will not be returning as dogs are not allowed in the garden, when in bloom.

I was quite unimpressed with the Lynch Park as there was not much to see, or places to walk. The spectacular views were somewhat skewed by a hideous fence, although I am sure it was necessary for safety. The Park rules required dogs “on leash” but most of the dogs we saw were off leash. Even with these thoughts my goal is always to enjoy a walk and to appreciate little details, moments, and a the thrill of a new Adventure. My favorite parts of our Adventure were: the features of the rose garden and observing the rough sea, almost as if a storm was looming. I tried to focus on the little details, while Shadow and Wilma enjoyed their rolls and exploring. It appeared that Lynch Park is best as a relaxing summer afternoon in the grass. So glad we could Adventure to Lynch Park (Rating: 2 – although probably not fair to rate this park in the winter months).

Throwback Adventure – Nauset Lighthouse/Nauset Beach Lighthouse – Massachusetts

In April of 2017 Shadow, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Nauset Lighthouse (also referred to as the Nauset Beach Lighthouse) in Eastham, Massachusetts, part of Cape Cod. The Nauset Lighthouse was restored and relocated back in 1923. The Nauset Light Preservation Society currently maintains the Lighthouse and through private donations funded the restoration and relocation of the lighthouse. The Lighthouse has benches nearby and is located adjacent to the Nauset Light Beach.

We had a dark spring-day Adventure to the Nauset Lighthouse, one of the many stops on a getaway to Cape Cod. I always am pleased to find a Lighthouse with unique features, and the Nauset Lighthouse definitely did not disappoint. We wandered up to the Lighthouse and around, glad to find the spot all to ourselves. It was a brown spring day but the bright red on the Lighthouse added the perfect touch. We located a photo frame nearby of which you could pose with the Lighthouse, a fun little feature for tourists and Adventurists like ourselves. A delightful visit to the Nauset Lighthouse (Rating: 4).