September 1, 2018 – Weeks State Park – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Weeks State Park in Lancaster, New Hampshire. Weeks State Park is a Historic Site located on Mt. Prospect. It was the estate of John Wingate Weeks who worked under Presidents Harding and Coolidge. He was a conservationist and a congressman. The property contains 446 acres and was given to the state of New Hampshire by his children in 1941. It includes a museum, stone fire tower,and trails throughout. The Park is known for spectacular views, including of the Presidential Mountain Range.

We were elated to find Weeks State Park online, leading us to great anticipation of a wonderful Adventure. Upon arrival we drove up to the top of Mt. Prospect on the narrow road. There were two spots with views that we stopped to photograph on the way. They were clearly labeled, allowing us to identify the various mountains and bodies of water. A nice feature to these planned look-out sites.

On arrival at the summit we had a nice view of the estate, several buildings, and the scenic tower. We began exploring on the nature trails. The trails were simple, and not well labeled, however they were surrounding the estate. We circled around until we reached the “North Overlook”, providing a raised view of the area. After checking out the “North Overlook” we returned to the estates snapping photographs of the buildings, towers, and landscape. I thought the tower climb might be too ambitious for Shadow so we skipped this aspect of the Park. However, we enjoyed chatting with some locals, exploring the main porch, and resting in the grass. Quite the unique architecture, almost like a European retreat. We definitely enjoyed our Adventure to the Weeks State Park (Rating 3).

September 1, 2018 – Groveton Covered Bridge – New Hamphire

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to the Groveton Covered Bridge in Northumberland, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1852 by Captain Charles Richardson and his son. It traverses the Upper Ammonoosuc River.

We were happy to start the first day of September with a journey to a new covered bridge. The day was a bit cloudy, and gratefully cooler then recent days. We found the Groveton Covered Bridge just off the main road, with parking nearby. The bridge was white in color. The paint was pealing off, revealing a run-down landmark. However we were to pleased to see it stable for foot traffic, and open for exploring. We took a walk down the sides of the rivers taking photographs, and then looped far around to get a distant view. There were many wild flowers in the area, adding some bright color. We studied the architecture as we strolled through the Bridge, careful not to be run down by the constant ATV activity. After we had an opportunity to capture all available angles we decided to sit and the grass to savor the experience. A fun start to our day of Adventures in New Hampshire (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – July 2016/November 2017 – Old Scituate Lighthouse

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.

In July 2016 Shadow, Buster and I visited the Old Scituate Lighthouse, while in November 2017 Shadow, Wilma and I returned to visit the Old Scituate Lighthouse in Scituate, Massachusetts. The Old Scituate Lighthouse is also referred to as Scituate Light. It is a historic lighthouse which was built in 1811, later being purchased by the town of Scituate. It is located at Cedar Point in Scituate Harbor, and as expected is a popular location for painters.

We have enjoyed our trips to the Old Scituate Lighthouse. It is a special location, which allows a close-up view of a coastal New England Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is located directly on the shore, enabling visitors to go down to the water’s edge. It is gorgeous, and picturesque, providing a genuine New England experience. I loved our first visit to the Lighthouse, so decided to take some holiday photographs for our most recent holiday card. Therefore you may have a giggle or two as you view some humorous photographs, of course along with a fabulous landmark. I highly recommend a visit to this spectacular lighthouse in Scituate (Rating: 5).

November 2017

July 2016

August 5, 2018 – Bump Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited the Bump Bridge in Campton, New Hampshire. The Bump Bridge was originally built in 1877, before being rebuilt in 1972. It crosses the Beebe River.

We had a short adventure to the Bump Bridge, after a busy weekend of adventures and fun. The Bridge provided one car traffic,and allowed minimal visibility to drivers. Therefore we took several jogs through the Bridge, but did not linger inside. We ambled down the road a bit, attempting to find a photograph from the River. Finally we were able to locate a trail to the River, which definitely was appreciated. Shadow sat in the water, while Wilma provided some good entertainment with a bark and growl at her adorable reflection. The Bridge was very simple, but yet we were excited to cross of yet another Bridge from our White Mountain adventures (Rating: 3).

August 4, 2018 – Jackson Falls – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Jackson Falls in Jackson, New Hampshire. Jackson Falls is a Falls with cascades and plunges that is sourced from the Wildcat Brook. It is especially popular in the summer when visitors can be found swimming in the pools.

Shadow, Buster, My Mom, and I had visited this Bridge previously, but unfortunately I was not able to locate the photographs from that trip (if I find them at a later date I will edit my blog with those additional photographs.).

Due to the rainy weather we were completely drenched by the end of our adventure to Jackson Falls. However, we could not resist exploring so we carried on through the rain. There is no hike to Jackson Falls, as it is on the roadside, however there are mini trails with chairs and benches along the Falls. We walked around, checking out the area, and luckily avoided any and all slips and falls on the wet rocks. Even on a rainy day Shadow was eager to get in a dip on the water, while Wilma enjoyed posing on the bench. We walked up to the top of the Falls to check out a unique bridge from afar. I am assuming the Falls was higher then normal due to the overnight rainfall, and of course the summer season. A simple stop, but yet we appreciated our adventure (Rating: 3).

August 4, 2018 – New Hampshire – Thompson Falls

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Thompson Falls in Pinkham’s Grant, New Hampshire. We have been on this trail before, but this was our first trip to the waterfall. Unfortunately I was not able to locate the photographs from the previous trip (if I find them at a later date I will edit my blog with those additional photographs.). Thompson Falls is a three level waterfall, totaling almost seventy feet in length. It is sourced from the Thompson Brook, which flows down Wildcat Mountain.

We were happy to start this adventure with the pouring rain beginning to dwindle. Our journey began at the Wildcat Mountain parking lot, before we soon located the Wildcat Nature Trail. We followed the Nature trail, and quickly found signs to the Thompson waterfall. The trail was clear and well marked. It was heavily packed with roots, gradually sloping upwards. The deluge of rain overnight led to a muddy trail, almost a mini waterfall of its own. We walked for a bit before arriving at a stream, tearing through the trail. I decided to take off my sneakers and cross this stream carefully. Miss Wilma had no interest in this unexpected detour, so somehow I able to pick her up and make it across, without tumbling into the water. We continued our journey to the Falls. A large amount of the trail ran parallel to the Thompson Brook, creating a beautiful song, and increased anticipation for the Falls.

On arrival to the Falls, it definitely did not disappoint. We were able to get in close proximity, the mist spraying on our face. The Waterfall was quite powerful, creating a thunderous sound. We stood for awhile taking photographs, and enjoying the magnificent view. Wilma appeared to pose on the rocks, while Shadow took a little dip in the Brook, before sitting calmly nearby. We took our time taking in the smells, sounds, and sights, cherishing yet another adventure.

The Thompson waterfall was gorgeous, and peaceful. I would definitely recommend to others (Rating: 4).

August 3, 2018 – New Hampshire – Squam Bridge

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I visited the Squam Bridge in Ashland, New Hampshire. The Squam Bridge was built in 1990, funded mostly by individuals, companies, and benefit events, while just partly funded by the town of Ashland. The Bridge spans the Squam River as it flows from the Little Squam Lake.

We enjoyed our trip to the Squam Bridge on this hot and humid day. This was my second time visiting the bridge as Shadow, Buster, my Mom, and I had visited one time previously. The Bridge was located on a quiet road, allowing minimal traffic. Upon arrival we parked in the adjacent parking lot, and sauntered over to, and across the Bridge. We walked through the sidewalk on the side of the Bridge, always a picturesque feature. After crossing the bridge we found a boat launch, perfect for a dog friendly swim, and some unique side-angle photography. We spent some time relaxing in the area before heading back through the Bridge. After finishing at the Bridge we wandered around the area, including checking out a nearby marina. It was definitely a warm day, so we kept our visit short, before heading off to our next adventure (Rating: 3).

August 3, 2018

October 2016

October 2016 – Vermont – Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

In October 2016 Shadow, Buster, and I journeyed to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park in Woodstock, Vermont. Sadly Buster has passed away since, but he definitely enjoyed his share of adventures. He was an amazing boy, and will always be missed! This National Park was named for George Perkins Marsh, and Frederick Billings. George Perkins Marsh was one of the nation’s first global thinkers, while Frederick Billings, was an early conservationist. The park includes: trails, horseback carriage rides, a victorian mansion, and a museum. It is also a popular location for cross-country skiing in the winter.

We choose a gorgeous, cool, fall day to visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. I did not conduct a lot of research before this adventure, so we decided to let our eyes (and snouts 🙂 ) guide us. We wandered around the trails, and enjoyed the beautiful architecture of the mansion, and the gorgeous gardens. There were luscious fields, landscaped gardens, and even some Robert Frost postings along the trails. We also spent some time relaxing in front of the Victorian mansion. It was a beautiful stop, and I do plan to visit Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park again in the future (Rating: 4).

July 28, 2018 – New Hampshire – Thorne Pond

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I visited Thorne Pond in Bartlett, New Hampshire. Thorne Pond is a conservation trail, approximately one mile in the length. The trail circles the Pond, however, has side trails that lead to the Saco River.

We were excited to find Thorne Pond, as although I was not planning a visit on this particular day, we could not resist a new adventure. Thorne Pond is a simple trail, adorned with beautiful wild flowers, and mountain views. We began following the trail, locating paths down to the Pond along trail. I was ecstatic to find some hidden trails on the far side of the pond that led over to the Saco River. Although I guess not technically hidden, I did not realize that River views would also be included in this summer day adventure. We journeyed down the River edge for a bit before turning around and heading back to the Pond. We saw some other visitors, including some fishermen along the River’s edge, however did not find the location to be highly populated. We left feeling content, and relaxed from our time at Thorne Pond (Rating: 3).

July 28, 2018 – Bartlett Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

Yesterday we visited the Bartlett Covered Bridge in Bartlett, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1790, and spans the Saco River. The Bartlett Covered Bridge is now part of the Covered Bridge Inn, and has been converted into a gift shop.

We had a pleasant visit to the Bartlett Covered Bridge. Upon arrival we wandered onto the bridge, which was covered with gift shop materials. We turned around when coming to the official gift shop door. It was difficult to get a photograph of the bridge, however we were lucky to find a gift shop employee who gave us permission to go down to the shoreline to snap some photographs. The footing was difficult, but I was able to capture the adventure on film, while still remaining on my feet. Shadow enjoyed a quick dip in the River, while Wilma found a tasty root to chew on. The Bridge is very touristy, therefore seeming to loose some genuine characteristics, however the view from the shore was absolutely beautiful. The Bridge was bright red in color, with the voice of the singing River below. It was quite charming and picturesque. Glad we were able to see this angle of the bridge, providing a whole other experience (Rating: Side view: 4).

July 2018

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