February 9, 2019 – Fruitlands Museum – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts. Fruitlands Museum is a museum celebrating multiple visions of America on the site of a utopian community. It connects nature and culture with a variety of exhibits. It is on 210 acres of property which also includes hiking trails, a store, special events, and a cafe.

We enjoyed a gusty Adventure to Fruitlands Museum, a place we have been to on at least on two other occasions. We started off in the museum area, with lovely views, perfectly shaped buildings, and unique statues along the road. The area is always perfectly groomed, although little landscape to see in the winter months. We walked through the exhibits heading down the hill, the wind incredibly breezy, almost pushing us back. We appreciated the museum area visually before heading to the trails.

We spent most of our time exploring the trails on the property. The trails were marked well with color, winding through the woods, up and down some hills and through a field. We saw some deer from afar, enjoyed some boardwalk trails and dodged slippery ice patches along the way. The trails were very simple, and somewhat blah in the brown of winter. There were kiosks along the way providing information, and numbers to label different parts of the trails. We especially enjoyed the hike through the field adding a variety in the color, with some perfect hay-like grass for Wilma and Shadow to partake in some synchronized rolls. The hike was somewhat eerie with squeaking trees, not a person in site, and gun shots from afar. Although I had called to make sure there was no hunting at this site, the sounds caused some worry, and masked the “normal” relaxation of the hike. However, we carried on and were glad to get some exercise on this February winter day.

So as you know, we only explore part of the Fruitland Museums property as the Shadow and Wilma were not invited into the museum buildings. Therefore we will not rate this Adventure for our readers, but definitely a unique local spot for an Adventure. Below you will see photographs from our visit yesterday, and a past visit with Shadow, Buster, and My Mom (although this past visit was more a relaxing time viewing the sunset, versus exploring.)

February 9, 2019

Fall 2016

February 2, 2019 – Norris Reservation – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Norris Reservation in Norwell, Massachusetts. Norris Reservation is a 129 acre park run by the Trustees of Reservation. The Reservation includes: boardwalks, ponds, a small brook, a boathouse, and many trails. Some of the trails parallel the North River. The area is popular for walking, snow shoeing, dog walking and fishing.

We had a wonderful Adventure to the Norris Reservation on a chilly February day. I recently had been reading about the wonderful parks under The Trustees of Reservation and was excited to check out the Norris Reservation, free of charge. We started off our hike along the main trail, walking past an icy-filled babbling brook, and a frozen pond. We soon veered to the right eager to follow the Gordon Pond trail, complete with boardwalks! Although occasionally you could see the road to the right, overall the trail was lovely, many boardwalks, benches, bridges, and some square stones grooming the trails. The ice was making cracking, and gurgling sounds, one feature I love in the frigid New England weather.

From the Gordon Trail we looped around on the outer loops of the various trails which followed the North River before looping back to the parking lot. The River was a bright blue framed by tan grass along the shore. We walked out to the River’s edge on several occasions checking out the ice, and water. Shadow and Wilma were enthused with this detour often rolling in the grass and engaging in energized play. Along the way we also found the beautiful boathouse. We sauntered through the house enjoying the windows with the perfectly framed scenery and the view from the front porch. Quite a lovely and unique structure along the way.

The trails were simple but the features, and water along the way made for an absolutely lovely hike. It was nice to see maps available at the entrance, and along way to guide your way. Throughout our Adventure we saw numerous dog walkers, and others out on this cold day, many stopping to chat and say hello. It was a refreshing day at this special Reservation. I do hope we will be back again (Rating: 4). (The videos are currently having difficulty downloading, so may be added at a later date).

Throwback Adventure – Conservation Land – 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!

Shadow, Buster and I enjoyed many Adventures to an untitled, suspected conservation trail in Sterling, Massachusetts. These particular photos were from our visit in June 2014, although I am guessing I may have other photographs tucked away in my files. We absolutely loved visiting this trail. It was near ponds, streams, up hills, and through the woods. We rarely saw any other hikers and several times even saw beavers on our visits. There was a little waterfall nearby, and lot of spots for the boys to run and swim. It was a special location which really made you feel like you were deep in the wilderness. We often would branch of the trail and find secret spots to explore. It was an amazing and new Adventure each and every time, and carved many fun memories in my heart.

So if you are one of my followers, or visitors who is inspired to visit stops on our Adventures, you might be disappointed as I cannot provide you an exact location. However I again encourage you to enjoy your location conservation land. Many spectacular, and quiet spots to explore (Rating: 4).

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January 26, 2019 -Borderland State Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Borderland State Park in the towns of Easton and Sharon Massachusetts. Borderland State Park is a 1843 acre Park known for its history and recreation. The Park has over 20 miles of trails and is popular for hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, boating, and disk golf. It also includes the Ames Mansion built in 1910, and owned by Oakes and Blanche Ames who created a nature preserve. The State of Massachusetts later acquired the property and opened it as a state park.

We had an ice-filled Winter Adventure to the Borderland State Park. This was our second, or possibly third visit to Borderland State Park. We spent about three hours at this magnificent Park, starting at the Ames Mansion. We walked around the lovely structure checking out the unique architecture, and the landscaped property. Memories of previous visits with Buster, and my Mom flashed into my mind on a much colder and snowy day. A simple, but lovely mansion.

From there we headed to the Pond Walk Trail, map in hand. We soon arrived at the Swamp Trail, and although not quite swampy on this Winter day, there was mud filled ice along the way, and several boardwalk bridges, many plastered with ice. I was thankful to keep my balance, and to have worn my waterproof boots. We soon arrived at the Pond Edge Trail, before following various trails along the way. One of the features I love on a hike is a water view, so that often guided our turns. The trails were lovely, many parallel to the water, through the fields, and often lined by trees and boulders. We found several bridges, and even a mini-waterfall along the way. There were many dog walkers out enjoying the trailers.

Highlights on today’s Adventure included: Wilma playing and digging in the ice, Shadow rolling in the grass, lots of new smells, muddy ice, fun little bridges and of course enjoying some exercise in the great outdoors. We also enjoyed the continual water views, the Ames mansion, and the little waterfall along the way. Definitely a Park we will return to in the future, hopefully sooner then later (Rating: 4).

January 2016

Throwback Adventures – Myles Standish State Forest – Massachusetts

In March of 2015 my parents, Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to Myles Standish State Forest which is in the towns of Carver and Plymouth, Massachusetts. Myles Standish State Forest is a 26 square mile forest with sixteen ponds, and many miles of trails. It is a popular area for swimming, hiking, hunting, equestrian riding, fishing, and boating.

We had a Family filled Adventure to Myles Standish State Forest on a lovely Winter day. We were so excited to have both my parents on for this wonderful hike. We hiked along a pond trail, with numbers guiding our direction. The boys were excited to find a new trail with water views, many trees, and their amazing Grandparents by their side. My Dad was our tour guide making sure we followed the trail and did not get lost along the way. It was a special family day enjoying the great outdoors. Definitely a place we hope to explore again in the future (Rating: 4, Company: Absolutely Perfect!)

January 19, 2019 – World’s End Reservation – Massachusetts

Yesterday we Adventured to the World’s End Reservation in Hingham, Massachusetts. World’s End is a 251 acre park and conservation area preserved by the Trustees of Reservations. It is a 3.8 mile loop (with additional side trails) containing tree-lined carriage paths, views of the Boston skyline, rocky shores, and marshlands.

We had a wonderful visit to the World’s End Reservation on this “calm before the storm” kind of day. This was a place I have heard about since my return to Massachusetts and finally got a chance to explore. There was a pricey $8 fee to enter this conservation area, but not too bad when you think of the cost many pay for “entertainment”. We started our journey over the bridge, swans gliding by as they dodged chunks of ice. The ice was quite picturesque, framing a lovely scene. We headed up on the trails deciding to take the 3.8 loop around the land. It was a windy day, the trails quite vacant from visitors. The path was lined with trees, and had many benches with water views. The dogs enjoyed the new scents and an energetic walk.

On several occasions we ventured down to the shoreline, often filled with perfectly shaped ice, while on some ends no ice at all. I cannot recall seeing shapes of ice like we found in some parts, gorgeously formed shapes. Wilma especially was excited about these glacial-like features digging, chewing, and sometimes being surprised as the ice tipped her off slowly. She eagerly tried to draw Shadow into her play, but he preferred his footing on solid ground – smart boy! The sun was just right today, adding a perfect tough to the water.

On the last part of the loop we entered into a trail that appeared to be more in a marshy area. We veered off on various sode trails over to the water’s edge. There we found several rocks for Wilma to stand on while appearing to herself awe at the view. I was not able to capture this area in photographs as my phone died, reminding me of my plan to soon invest in a camera. However, overall a good collage below of the wonderful day. Definitely a park we plan to return to on a future date (Rating: 4)

January 6, 2019 – Fort Sewall – Massachusetts

Today we Adventured to Fort Sewall in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Fort Sewall is located in Gale’s Head. It was first established in 1644 and utilized for defense in several different wars, being expanded throughout the years. The Fort was turned over to the town in 1922 and is now a public park.

We were lucky to have three little Adventures in Marblehead today. Fort Sewall was one of our stops. It was the second time we have been to Fort Sewall as we had been there two years ago with Shadow and my Mom. We were lucky to choose yet another sunny, and breezy winter day, clouds perfectly aligned in the bright blue sky. The sun was shining on the water, creating a marvelous view across the Harbor. This was a popular spot on this lovely, and unusually warm January day.

The Fort is located in the middle of a paved path that winds over and around the Fort, while displaying views of the Marblehead Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. You can even see the Marblehead Lighthouse, far across the waters. We walked above the Fort marveling at this magnificent seaside location. We took several detours to explore the areas along the rocks. There were many benches along the way to sit and relax.

After looping around we went down to the Fort to peak into the doors and windows. I was humored watching Shadow and Wilma as they seemed curious about what was behind the walls. We then sauntered through the grass taking some time for some dog rolls and stretching. A simple location but another quite picturesque spot in Marblehead. So glad we could enjoy some time at Fort Sewall today (Rating: 4).

I am continuing to have challenges downloading videos but if and when it appears I will add it to this post.

January 1, 2019 – Downtown Newburyport and the Clipper City Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Downtown Newburyport, and the adjacent Clipper City Rail Trail. Downtown Newburyport is a charming area with restaurants, boutiques, and a waterfront park. The Clipper City Rail Trail goes through this area, and also extends into neighboring towns. The Trail runs along the Merrimack River, and includes: lovely coastal views, sculptures, murals, boardwalks, and more. The Rail Trail is still being built, with one Phase remaining in construction.

We had a refreshing coastal Adventure to begin the New Year, spending about two and a half hours in Newburyport. The sun was shining, and the wind gusty, the perfect mix on this winter day. I had been to the area back in July 2011 with Shadow and Buster, on a much hotter day, but had not explored much of the Rail trail. We began our Adventure at the waterfront park, instantly feeling refreshed with the sun streaming down on the beautiful blue River. We started down one side of the trail until the trail ended in construction, where we quickly turned around. This location of the trail wove through areas of sculptures, along the water, past many boats, and near two shore-lighthouses. One lighthouse seeming to be decorative, while the other appearing to be a working lighthouse for the Coast Guard. There were several dogs, bikers, joggers, and walkers also enjoying this fun Trail.

After completing this portion of the Trail we wandered throughout the Downtown area, filled with shops and restaurants, many still decorated from the holidays. The streets were stone, the buildings brick, providing a unique and picturesque spot. We walked and walked enjoying to exercise, and cool breeze. We visited Frog Pond the center of “Bartlett Mall” before turning around weaving in and out of each street. Many others out shopping, feasting, and relaxing with family and friends.

Lastly, we headed over to the other end of the Clipper City Rail Trail. The Trail lead along the River, next to a restaurant, and then under several large bridges. The area had various sculptures and even a mural painted under the bridge. From there we crossed over to a sitting area with rounded benches before heading over a boardwalk to the section along a beach-like area. We strolled for awhile before turning around and heading back. Definitely a lovely day to be out enjoying this special Trail, a place I am sure we will return in the future (Rating: 4).

P.S. – Hoping video’s will agree to download in the near future, but now for a picture collage – please see below.

December 31, 2018 – Manchaug Falls – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Manchaug Falls in Sutton, Massachusetts. The Manchaug Falls is located in the village in Manchaug, part of the town of Sutton. It feeds the Mumford River.

So our Adventure today took a detour when we arrived at our planned destination to see signs of hunting in the area. I was extremely disappointed to find this, but felt it was best to not venture on the trails but to return in a safer season. Soooo I was pleased to find the Manchaug Falls not to far from our original destination.

We began our Adventure to the Manchaug Falls by parking near where I had read it was located. We soon were able to locate the Falls by following roaring sound of the water, guiding us to the Mumford River Trail. The Trail was a short with benches along the path, over the River. We strolled along enjoying the sounds of the rushing water, before arriving at the Falls. The Falls was wide in length, but short in height, flowing with steady, even water. The thunderous music was quite spectacular to our ears. Overall the area was brown and dull, but the Falls itself was quite lovely. A simple, but pleasant detour on our Adventure today (Rating: 3)

Throwback Adventure – Nickerson State Park – Massachusetts

In April of 2014, Shadow, Buster, My Mom and I Adventured to Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Massachusetts, a town in Cape Cod. Brewster State Park is a Public Recreation Area with over 1,900 acres of land. It is popular for camping, fishing, boating, wooded trails, and swimming.

We had a magnificent Adventure to Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Massachusetts. As you will know if you are a follower of my blog my memories of our Throwback Adventures is generally not as detailed as current posts. However, I remember absolutely loving this beautiful park. We found the perfect trail around one of the gorgeous ponds, with spots along the path to sit and relax. The boys enjoyed some swims, naps along the way, and of course an energetic hike.

I was inspired by the boys’ desire for numerous swims, so I decided to wade far in the water (in my jeans!) so the boys could enjoy the nice refreshing water. Glad my Mom was able to capture a shot of this moment. I was reminded in viewing the photographs how Buster always used to love chewing on sticks along our journeys. We sure do miss his enthusiasm for our Adventures! One of the reasons I really do love sharing our Throwback Adventures. Nickerson State Park was definitely a lovely location, and I do hope to visit again in the future.