April 13, 2019 – Holmes Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Holmes Reservation in Plymouth, Massachusetts, a property of the Trustees of Reservations. This conservation area is an open grassy area with no official trails or paths. It is known for views, the abandoned tracks of the Old Colony Railroad, and a beach. It was part of the “Muster Ground” for the Plymouth militia during the American Revolution.

We had a rainy, and short Adventure to Holmes Reservation, a stop on the way to our main destination. Our visit began with a stroll along the along the railroad trail, a paved trail perfect for a bike ride or a run. We quickly became waterlogged, but carried on determined to explore this new destination. We quickly located a trail to the beach and veered off in that direction. The beach was beautiful, covered with rocks, and providing lovely views. There was even a lighthouse off in the distance. We walked around the beach for a bit, the scenery helping to mask the dreary weather.

After spending some time on the beach we headed back over to the open field and wandered around the property. The grass was bright green, and scattered with various birds including seagulls and Canada geese. Wilma had a couple head turns with the sites and sounds, creating a humorous moment. We walked around a bit making sure we could stretch our legs before heading on our journey.

Glad to visit Holmes Reservation, and although a short visit we seemed to cover the entire property. If you may be wondering, I located the Old Town Hill through the Trustees of Reservations which I have been learning about in the last several months. I would encourage you to check out the Trustees of Reservations, as you can search for properties in your area. Many of the land, trails, and properties are absolutely lovely, and the Trustees of Reservations does wonderful work to preserve the land and history throughout Massachusetts. It is unlikely we will be back, but gad we visited Holmes Reservation today (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Agility – Massachusetts

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 the Spring of 2017 Shadow and I had an Adventure in the world of Dog Agility, participating in a local class. Buster had just passed in October and we were still sad and adjusting to life without him. I thought it would be fun to try something different, so why not sign up my extra-large nine-year-old dog for Agility! The goal was to have some fun and try something new and that we sure did! Shadow absolutely loved the class, I think he thought of it as time to EAT as numerous treats were provided as a reward and to encourage activities. Shadow was able to pick up the equipment quickly, impressing me with his skills. It was really a fun experience for both of us. Below you will see a short beginner video of one of our sessions. Due to his age the instructor recommended we skip the tall equipment and high jumps, so tunnels, low jumping, and zig-zagging it was! Shadow put in amazing effort to get those treats!

One unexpected result of the Agility class was that I became a bird-mom, yes a bird-mom. The Agility Instructor happened to be fostering birds for the MSPCA and next thing I knew I had adopted two baby budgies, Sanibel and Sky. I had thought about birds for awhile, and would have never guessed that Agility would open the door for an adoption. Sanibel and Sky have added lots of color and sweet songs to our lives. Although not always easy to photograph I did my best and included a couple below.

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.

So today I will be featuring a photograph from Bancroft Castle in Groton, Massachusetts. I find this photo perfect as it is a beautiful and unique spot, and shows Shadow and Wilma’s excitement in the moment. Why pose when you can roll around and play?! I found it adorable, and thought it was the perfect choice for today’s Weekly Video/Photo. See the “Massachusetts” section of my blog for more on our Adventure to Bancroft Castle.

Bancroft 2

April 7, 2019 – Old Town Hill – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Old Town Hill in Newbury, Massachusetts. Old Town Hill is a property of the Trustees of Reservations. It has approximately three miles of trails which includes a mix of tidal river, salt marshes, fields, and woodlands.

We had a lovely Adventure to Old Town Hill on yet another spectacular spring day. We drove down the entry road into a scenic area that appeared to consist of salt marshes and the tidal river. This made us especially eager to start our morning’s journey at this unique spot. Sadly we were greeted by some rather rude visitors, appearing somewhat entitled, however soon were swept away into the splendor of the grand outdoors. Our walk started with exploring the tidal River, while soon were traversing fields, and then wandering into the forest. I was able to peak at the map on my phone, so could mostly figure out where we were located. I was pleased to find the occasional Trustees map along the way, identifying our exact location the map. This is one of the features of The Trustee’s properties that I really do appreciate.

Mid-hike we took some time to sit and rest in the field as Shadow seemed a little tired and warm, however he soon appeared revitalized and began his rolls in the grass. Besides this little break we mostly enjoyed a steady stroll along the various trails. Highlights of our visit included: synchronized double rolls in the grass, the adorable boardwalk bridge, swims in the swamp marsh, and the continual change of landscape, adding surprises around the corner.

The trails we traversed on our Adventure today, included: The River Trail, Adams Pasture Trail, The Boardwalk Trail, the North Loop and The Switchback Trail. The property was unique in that it had such varied landscapes, almost almost appearing to combine several parks into one. This really helped us to ignore the dull browns of early spring and appreciate the continual changing scenery.

If you may be wondering, I located the Old Town Hill through the Trustees of Reservations which I have been learning about in the last several months. I would encourage you to check out the Trustees of Reservations, as you can search for properties in your area. Many of the land, trails, and properties are absolutely lovely, and the Trustees of Reservations does wonderful work to preserve the land and history throughout Massachusetts. It was fun to explore this unique property (Rating: 3).

April 6, 2019 – Malcolm Preserve – Massachusetts

Today we Adventured to the Malcolm Preserve, a property of the Trustees of Reservations and Carlisle Conservation Foundation. Malcolm Preserve is a 11 acre property that is part of 1,300acres of protected land. Malcolm Preserve was previously used as farmland.

We had a local Adventure to the Malcolm Preserve on a dreary, yet perfect spring day. This was one of those Adventures that I debated blogging about as really a quite simple, and almost unappealing Preserve. However, a change of pace for those locals who may be looking for a new spot, and anywhere is a happy time for those furry best friends!

We began our Adventure today excited for a short drive and a new property to explore. We arrived at the well marked parking lot of Malcolm Preserve, eager for a walk. We began our Adventure near some homes before ending up on the trail through the woods. There were some markers of names along the way, but no map, or instructions as to where they might lead. We decided to mostly veer straight, appearing to follow the Estabrook Woods trail. There were few visitors allowing a peaceful stroll, until we wandered past a loud construction site, crashing us out of our therapeutic oasis. There was lots of mud on the trails, and a couple small areas of water, complete with the song of a babbling brook. The trails were often lined with rock walls, adding some scenery to the dull landscape. We ran into several other dog walkers and were pleased that they were quite considerate of others. These visitors were friendly, and my guess was likely locals to this conservation area.

One of the spectacular things about living in New England is the amazing changes in seasons, causing you to appreciate the little details that often can go unnoticed. Today I was so pleased to see merely see the glorious color of green, as nature has begun to spring up. As we finished our hike, walking almost three miles we were pleased to see the sun, and ready to head home for some backyard fun. We are certainly enjoying our spring Adventures in New England.

If you may be wondering I located the Malcolm Preserve through the Trustees of Reservations which I have been learning about in the last several months. I would encourage you to check out the Trustees of Reservations, as you can search for properties in your area. Many of the land, trails, and properties are absolutely lovely, and the Trustees of Reservations does wonderful work to preserve the land and history throughout Massachusetts. So although I did not find today’s Adventure up there with some of the rest, there are so many others worth exploring. However we still enjoyed our outing today visiting the Malcolm Preserve. A great way to start a gorgeous spring day in New England (Rating: 2).

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).

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).

February 23, 2019 – Duxbury Beach – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I journeyed on three separate Adventures. Our last Adventure for today was to Duxbury Beach. Duxbury Beach is six miles long, and is considered a barrier beach.

We had a gorgeous Adventure to the Duxbury Beach. I was immediately impressed with the exquisite view of the shore, and the scenic Powder Point Bridge. The sun was glittering in the hazy sky, while the water was lovely in color. We drove around, a bit confused by the parking but eventually found a spot that seemed to be available for those non-resident visitors. Our journey started along the long Bridge. Both Shadow and Wilma spent some time peering out the frame as we trotted along this spectacular bridge. The water was glittering, and the beach flawless from afar. Just this walk added cheer to our steps as we were headed to the BEACH!

Upon arrival we peaked at the different signs and information, lots of directions to choose from. I was unclear about the rules for dogs, however saw numerous dogs enjoying the day. We headed along one road for a bit before scooting over to the beach. The beach was covered with flawlessly shaped rocks, vibrant in color and often round in shape. There were shells scattered throughout, colorful grass, and soft sand. We ventured into the water a bit, but since leashes were required it was not a full swim. Shadow was a bit disappointed, but soon savored some sandy rolls, while Wilma partook in some chaotic digging in the sand. A wonderful leisurely stroll quite satisfying for the spirit. We eventually headed back and journeyed across the Bridge. Definitely a place I hope to return in the future. A special find on our Adventures today (Rating: 4).