March 3, 2019 – Madison Boulder Natural Area – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Madison Boulder Natural Area. The Madison Boulder Natural Area is a State Park in Madison, New Hampshire. It is home to the largest glacial erratic boulder in North America. It is a granite rock that is 83 inches long, 23 feet high, and 37 feet wide. The Park is 17 acre in size and has various trails, including the main trail to the Boulder.

We had a massive Adventure to the Madison Boulder Natural Area on a gorgeous, sunny Winter day. I was not sure if we would have access to this Park due to the large amounts of snow so was thrilled upon arrival to see some groomed trailed for our trek. The trail was bright and sunny with huge amounts of fresh snow. Every once in awhile I had an “oh my” moment where my leg would sink deep into the snow, far above the knee. Luckily I was able to release my leg and mostly stayed balanced atop the snow. There was several water areas circled by snow, adding a unique feature of the season.

Upon arrival I was excited to see this gigantic boulder that I had read about for some time. We spotted it from afar, large and perfectly shaped. It was framed with fresh snow, streaming from the top. We began a trip around the rock, Shadow leading the way. We walked past the boulder to get some photos from the backside, interestingly seeming to be a smaller and round in shape. Past the rock we found some more circular water spots, appearing to be a snow covered stream. Shadow was thrilled for some fresh water, while Wilma and I enjoyed the bubbling sound of water. From there we headed back to the rock, and then slowly ambled back to the car as we treasured another Adventure. So pleased to appreciate this famous landmark on this spectacular Winter day (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).

February 18, 2019 – Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse – Maine

I apologize as I am slightly behind with my blogging over the last couple days, but am slowly catching up!! On February 18, 2019 Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Portland, Maine. The Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is a working lighthouse located along a breakwater in the Casco Bay. It was built in 1897, while improvements and updates have been made since that time. It is open to the public for tours.

We had a chilly, yet spectacular Adventure to the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, one of our many stops on our two day Maine getaway. (most of which I’ve already blogged about but some new Adventures too). I was excited to find a lighthouse that I had not yet visited, and that also provided a close-up view. Being off-season we were lucky to have the entire site to ourselves. We began our Adventure cautiously as the paths were again ice covered, and quite slippery. There were benches along the water, the view of the Lighthouse off in the distance. We walked toward the breakwater, however my Mom soon decided to head back to the car to warm-up.

Upon starting on the breakwater I soon realized that Shadow was not feeling inspired by the rocks, and slight spaces between them. We headed back to the car and my Mom agreed to sit in the warm car with Shadow while myself and my rock-loving Wilma hustled back to the breakwater eager for our close-up view. Wilma was thrilled for some rock jumping. It was a bit frigid, although Wilma appeared to keep warm from her athletic jumps. Luckily the rocks were not icy, but had some scenic snow here and there, adding a picturesque scene for photographs. We carefully planned our jumps, some requiring steps, while others leaps as we hustled down the embankment.

It was thrilling to arrive at the Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, a lovely structure. We did not spend much time at the end, as we knew Shadow and My Mom were waiting for our return. However, it was definitely worth this short visit.

I love an Adventure that is not simple, but yet requires some work to arrive at the final destination Definitely a wonderful Adventure – Thanks to Mom for allowing us to partake in this Adventure, while providing Shadow comfort and warmth (Rating: 5).

February 17, 2019 – Wiggly Bridge – Maine

I apologize as I am slightly behind with my blogging over the last couple days, but am slowly catching up!! On February 17, 2019 we Adventured to the Wiggly Bridge in York, Maine. The Wiggly Bridge is a suspended bridge, that as titled, wiggles” as you walk across. It was built in the 1930s and stretches over the tidal pool that flows from Barrell Mill Pond to the York River. It is known as the smallest suspension bridge in the world, just seventy five feet in length.

Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I had a fun Adventure to the Wiggly Bridge, one of our many stops on our two day Maine getaway. (most of which I’ve already blogged about but some new Adventures too). This was at least the third time we have visited, although it was the first time for my Mom. Our stroll to the Bridge started on a short man-made causeway that leads you to this landmark. The sun was shining along the water, sparkling from the glare. The Bridge highlighted by green, adding the perfect feature to the coastal spot. We snapped some photographs, and played with the shadows below.

On this visit I decided not to venture across the Bridge with Shadow and Wilma as last time, we had a little problem. On that visit BOTH of them became very concerned about the “wiggles”, causing us to almost remain permanently on the other side of the Bridge. It is a humorous story that I have fond memories of, even though we caused quite a scene. The Wiggly Bridge is a wonderful landmark to visit, and although I initially found it by accident, I now know it is a famous Bridge, merely due to the small size. Definitely a great stop that we have enjoyed on several of our Adventures. I found a couple photos from our past trips which I have added to our collage below. I was disappointed not to have any photographs of Buster from our first visit, however treasure an Adventure where all three of my pups had an opportunity to visit (Rating: 4).

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

Throwback Adventure – Stonington Harbor Lighthouse – Connecticut

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 January 2017 Shadow and I Adventured to the Stonington Harbor Lighthouse in Stonington, Connecticut. The Lighthouse was built in 1840. It no longer is a working Lighthouse, but is now open as a museum.

We had a special Adventure to the Stonington Lighthouse, one of our many stops on a fun-filled day of exploring. My throwback memories are not always as vivid as I hope they would be, however I remember enjoying the visit on a frigid day. The Lighthouse was in a little harbor neighborhood. It was surprisingly made of stone, quite the charming structure. We posed for some photographs and ambled around for a bit. We were pleased to have the entire spot to ourselves, definitely an off season perk. Always a special day with my Shadow.

Shadow CT 6 032 Lighthouse January 2017 CT Stonighton Harbor

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!)

Throwback Adventure – Cranberry Island – August 2015

In August 2015 Shadow, Buster, My Mom, and I Adventured to Little Cranberry Island in Maine. Little Cranberry Island is one of five island in the Town of Cranberry Isles. It is just 200 acres in size and is popular for its’ museums, gift shops, and lovely rocky shores.

We had a spontaneous Adventure to Little Cranberry Island on a summer trip to Maine. It was a foggy, warm and humid-curly hair kind of day. We purchased our boat ticket and set sail to the Island. The captain narrated the trip pointing out various landmarks, and even some seals along the way. Poor Shadow was a little stressed on the boat, however he appeared to still enjoy the view and ocean breeze. On the other hand, Buster was quite relaxed, napping below at our feet.

Upon arrival Shadow was quite relieved. He almost immediately dived in onto the grass for an energetic roll. We were instantly drawn to the flower boxes and baskets adorning the shops on the pier, and the pleasing coastal shore. We walked around finding some lobster traps, and a garden. We spent some time on the water’s edge, the boys of course enjoying some dips in the sea. Shadow, Buster and I also relaxed in the grass while Mom wandered in the shops and searched for shells along the shore. It was a short stop, but especially relaxing and peaceful. Wonderful memories of our Adventure to Little Cranberry Island (Rating: 4).

January 12, 2019 – Colt State Park – Rhode Island

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island. Colt State Park is a 464 acre Park along the Narragansett Bay. It includes: trails, playing fields, a museum, a dock for fishing, a boat launch, and an outdoor concert area.

We had a frigid Adventure to Colt State Park yesterday spending almost three hours on the trails. This was our second visit to this Park as Shadow, Buster, and I had visited in August of 2015, on a warm summer day. Yesterday was a quiet day for visitors, with a few dedicated walkers, runners, and of course our fellow dog lovers. We began our afternoon walking on a paved path that weaved through fields, and tree-filled areas. There were picnic benches throughout and views of a marsh-like areas. The trail looped around before arriving at Narragansett Bay.

We spotted the Bay ahead before arriving at a scenic bridge. After spending time exploring the shore beside the bridge, we headed across and over to the Bay side of the trail. The Bay’s shore was rock filled, many of the covered with ice. The bright blue water shimmered in the sun, while the wind adding nature’s texture. We strolled over and down the dock to check out another view before continuing along the Bay. The path eventually brought us to a rocky, shell-filled beach-like area. We spent some time exploring this area and relaxing from our steady walk. Wilma enjoyed hopping on the rocks and chewing on some sticks, while Shadow seemed quite pleased just being at the “beach”. We located a large wooden pole stating “Bristol”, causing great intrigue. A little too cold to sit and relax on this chilly day, however, lovely memories flooded my heart of a laying on the “beach” area with Shadow and Buster. A special moment on that summer day almost four years ago.

After enjoying this “beach” location we headed back to the car, the wind quite arctic on our faces. We took a slightly different route back, stopping to view a statue along the way. Poor Wilma did not appreciate this dedication, but of course added some humor to our day. It was one of those days I would probably not have ventured out if I was not motivated by the amazing Shadow and Wilma. So glad to enjoy an Adventure on this chilly winter day. I have included a collage mixed with photos from both of our trips as well as several videos below (Rating: 3).