June 24, 2019 – White Mountains – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The White Mountains cover one quarter of the state of New Hampshire, and actually run into a small part of Maine. The mountains are popular for hiking, skiing, and Fall foliage seekers.

So I usually do not post about locations I have blogged about previously, however I could not resist sharing today’s Adventure in the White Mountains, one of my absolute FAVORITE spots to explore. Today our Adventure involved locations we have ventured to before, including: The Basin, The Basin-Cascades Trail, the Pemi Trail, and Echo Lake. Although we have been to these spots previously they NEVER disappoint. From the fresh-clean-clear water, to the waterfalls, to the rushing Brook, to lakes surrounded by spectacular mountain views, it is a genuinely natural experience.

We began today’s Adventure noticing that one of the trails was closed, quite disappointing. We took the time to explore different paths, leading us in and out the gorgeous River and cascades. We walked around for awhile before finding a sandy spot to sit in the sun and relax. From there I figured I would try one more direction to locate the Basin-Cascade Trail, and I was thrilled to find a pathway to this Trail, one of my favorites. The Basin Cascades Trail, slowly ascends with lots of roots and mud along the path. Throughout this trail there are many spots to walk over to the Cascade Brook, whether it be an official waterfall, or just gorgeous water flowing with spectacular views. Many of the time you could choose to climb up the rocks along the water before veering back to the trail. We found a cave like area after walking through the water and hung out for awhile, just perfect.

There were lots of water features to explore along the way and we did our best to visit every one. My favorite one was Kinsman Falls, a taller falls then many of the others along this trail. We made a steep hike down to get a bit closer for of course some selfies, pictures, and rock climbing. Shadow seemed a bit disappointed that he could not climb up-high, but enjoyed some sips while I got a little closer with Wilma. Just a spectacular site. We cautiously climbed back up to the Trail above the falls before continuing along the trail. Much of our time today was spent on the Basin-Cascade Trail. So beautiful and peaceful.

After spending almost four hours at this first location we drove to Echo Lake to make sure Shadow could get in an official mountain-lake swim before heading back home.

Some of my most memorable moments of the day included: watching Shadow enjoy constant fresh water swims, hearing the sounds of rushing water, finding a little cave area to relax, walking through the rushing water to get to desired locations, and the visual beauty of these special locations. I continually am impressed at eleven-year-old Shadow’s endurance, and appreciated seeing my recent training work with two-year-old Wilma in action today. I cannot put into words what these two amazing pups mean to me! The best company I could ask for!

If you would like to read more about our past visits to Echo Lake (Fraconia Notch State Park) and The Basin please search for them in the “search box” for more information on this Adventure. (On a mobile phone you can find this at the very bottom of the page, and on the computer you can find it to the right of the blog.)

A beautiful Adventure today in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, not a doubt we will be back (Rating: 5).

June 15, 2019 – Swamp Meadow Bridge – Rhode Island

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Swamp Meadow Bridge in Foster, Rhode Island. Swamp Meadow Bridge crosses the Hemlock Brook, and is approximately thirty six feet in length. It is the only covered bridge on a public road in Rhode Island.

We had a fun Adventure to the Swamp Meadow Bridge. We found this bridge in the middle of a country road. Upon parking we could hear the babbling Hemlock Brook below. The bridge was simple, but yet appealing. There were diamond windows in the structure, highly placed. The location was bright green, with few other colors in site. We strolled through the bridge several times, pleased to find little traffic. It appeared that the more we wandered, the more I was drawn in by the charm of this little bridge. We were delighted to visit the Swamp Meadow covered bridge (Rating: 4)

June 15, 2019 – Yantic Falls – Connecticut

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Yantic Falls in Norwich, Connecticut. Yantic Falls is approximately forty feet in height, and is sourced from the Yantic River. It falls from below a dam, and plunges into a gorge before entering the pool below. There is a walking bridge above the Falls. The Falls is famous for its’ history as a battleground of the Mohegan Indians back in the 1600s.

We had a spectacular Adventure to the Yantic Falls, our second stop on an afternoon of Adventures. I found myself quite frustrated as the Falls was very challenging to locate. However we persevered and eventually made it to this stunning Falls. Our journey began with a walk across the bridge above the Falls, viewing a train bridge to the right, and views of the dam and gorge to the left. We sauntered across the bridge, and down a small trail before climbing up to a small bridge above the railroad tracks. Finding ourselves on what appeared to be a private yard, we headed back across the walking bridge, taking in the sites and sounds of this spot.

After this little walk we headed over to the Falls, snapping many photos along the way. We soon found a trail that went down to the rocks, and into the gorge. Shadow continually hoped to dive into the water, but unfortunately there were no clear paths available for a swim. However, we enjoyed the view, and attempted many selfies before heading back up for yet another angle of the scenic falls. We relaxed a bit in the grass, while Shadow and Wilma ended our visit officially with some enthusiastic rolls. So glad we did not give up on finding this Yantic Falls, a beautiful waterfall (Rating: 4).

June 15, 2019 – Quaddick State Park – Connecticut

Today Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to Quaddick State Park in Thompson, Connecticut. Quaddick State Park is on the Quaddick Reservoir. It is popular for swimming, picnicking, and has a trail on the grounds.

We had a relaxing Adventure to the Quaddick State Park on a lovely Spring afternoon. Disappointed at an unreasonable fee to enter the park, we still decided to visit and explore. We first drove the loop around the Park checking out the areas from the window, spotting various grassy picnic tables along the Reservoir, a sandy swimming beach, and a pavilion area. I had read the beach was not dog friendly so we decided to find a picnic area on the water to relax. Shadow eagerly enjoyed some swims, while My Mom and I took photographs and smiled at Shadow’s swimming joy. Wilma explored the shoreline, and jumped onto a picnic bench, which for some odd reason was placed in the water. The water was gorgeously bright blue, and rippling peacefully. We appreciated great company as were glad to find a tranquil picnic spot away from the other visitors. We did not visit for long, but were pleased to visit the Quaddick State Park (Rating: 3).

Throwback Adventure – Palmer Island Lighthouse – 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 January 2017 Shadow and I Adventured to the Palmer Lighthouse in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Palmer Lighthouse is located in the Acushnet River at the entrance to New Bedford Harbor. It was built in 1849. The Lighthouse is twenty four feet high and is made out of stone rubble. It can be reached by foot at low tide through the hurricane wall in New Bedford Harbor. The Palmer Lighthouse is no longer a working lighthouse.

We had a wild Adventure to the Palmer Ligthouse on a cool winter day. We had many Adventures in New Bedford on this day, and the Palmer Lighthouse was one of our most scenic stops. I do not remember doing much research but found that we could make our way to the Lighthouse as the tide was low. Having no idea what the tidal patterns were we decided to journey to the Lighthouse, closely watching the water. We met a nice family along the way that adored Shadow, while also ran into some teenagers in the appearing to be up to some trouble. I was quite disappointed at all the trash in the area, I guess left behind from the tide. However we carried on, sometimes on rocky footing, but soon arrived at the Palmer Lighthouse. The Lighthouse was quite stunning, bright white and uniquely stone. There was a stone-like pathway directly to the Lighthouse so we were able to climb to the door to check out this beautiful Lighthouse. We really lucked out finding low tide on this visit, but did not stay long unsure what to expect upon our return. A fun, and memorable Adventure to the Palmer Lighthouse (Rating: 3).

June 8, 2019 – Brooks Woodland Preserve – Massachusetts

On June 8, 2019 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Brooks Woodland Preserve in Petersham, Massachusetts. The preserve includes over thirteen miles of trails, rivers, brooks, forestland, and wetlands. The property was previously home to the Nipmuc Indians, while later being cleared for pastureland, and farms. The land was named for James Wilson Brooks. Brooks Woodland Preserve is owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations.

We had an invigorating hike at the Brooks Woodland Preserve on a lovely spring morning. I was wondering if we would make it to the property, as with no exact address we drove down a rocky country road. However, we were pleased to find the bright blue official Trustees sign and arrive at the trailhead. I confirmed that no hunting was permitted but yet became concerned to find a nearby sign stating “However…” warning you to be aware that hunters still could be around the area or on the property. I was thrilled to find one of Shadow and Wilma’s reflector vests in the car, slightly reducing my anxiety with this information. I often joke how I have one dog that looks like a bear, and one that looks like a deer, so therefore avoid properties known for hiking. Still a bit anxious with this warning, I covered by pups with bright orange, and decided to continue on our Adventure.

We began down a slightly overgrown trail hopping over two large trees that had fallen over the path. The trail opened up to a gorgeous field-like area, beautiful green colors spanning our view. We soon entered the woods and arrived at a gorgeous stream, and bridge. Shadow quickly found a path down to the water while Wilma and I watched from above (see the first video below). We relaxed at this singing brook for some time until Shadow was ready to leave the cool flowing water and journey on to the trail. Our hike mostly followed the yellow loop trail, although we veered off in some locations to check on various scenery, often a bridges over a singing brook. We met one couple on and off throughout our hike who appeared to be traversing the same trail. They were very nice, and seemed to appreciate some “hellos” with Shadow and Wilma. Besides this couple we found ourselves alone with nature.

This trail was quite special as the town it was located in was in the country, leading to a true natural hike. There was constant birds chirping, and oftentimes you could hear the singing of streams. Not a chance that you could hear the highway from this location, so tranquil and serene. Shadow seemed quite energized on this hike, often speeding ahead of us, I am sure quite enthused from the many, cool stream dips! My favorite parts of this hike were: trail that paralleled the stream, the picturesque bridges, watching Shadow’s joyful swims, lush green landscape, and being one with nature at this serene location. Besides my worries of the nearby hunting, we really enjoyed our visit at the Brooks Woodland Preserve. As you may guess I found this property through the Trustees of Reservations. Definitely a wonderful visit to this lovely property (Rating: 3)

Throwback Adventure – Fraconia Falls – New Hampshire

In October 2017 Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Fraconia Falls in the town of Lincoln, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The Falls is a series of cascades that is sourced from Fraconia Brook. Fraconia Falls is a popular area for swimming and sliding down the Falls.

We had a wonderful Adventure to Fraconia Falls on a gorgeous Fall day. The hike to Fraconia Falls begins at Lincoln Woods, one of my favorite hikes of the White Mountains. We were excited to journey on an extra long hike, all the way to the Falls. The trail turned left when we arrived at a scenic wooden bridge, right about where we noticed the sign leading us to Fraconia Falls. We decided to first traverse this bridge and view the Brook before turning around and heading on the trail to the Falls. We then began hiking along the trail which paralleled the Brook. We soon located a scenic area to stop, relax, and have a snack, such a peaceful oasis along the shore. After a restful break we continued on to the Falls. The Falls was simple, and unique in its own way. We posed for some photographs, standing on the rocky platform, and viewing the area off to the right. I actually wondered if it was the true Falls as I was expecting a much larger, and more elaborate natural creation. I still sometimes ponder this question but we did follow the sign and arrived at this Falls, so how could we be mistaken??

The Falls was our last stop before turning around to return to our car. We had spent the day wandering the trails of Lincoln Woods and exploring various spots along the way. Another perfect day in the White Mountains (Rating: Lincoln Woods: 5, Fraconia Falls: 3).

Below please enjoy some pictures from the Falls, the trail from the bridge, and one from right before the Falls trail. If you would like to read more and see photos about Lincoln Woods search for Lincoln Woods in the “search box” for more information. (On a mobile phone you can find this at the very bottom of the page, and on the computer you can find it to the right of the blog.)

June 2, 2019 – Garwin Falls – New Hampshire

**Update** – I reviewed the Wilton, New Hampshire Parks and Recreation website and Garwin Falls is currently closed to the public – glad we could visit before this the closure – please check with them before visiting to make sure you have current updates/information

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Garwin Falls in Wilton, New Hampshire. Garwin Falls is approximately forty feet tall and is part of the Wilton Reservoir. There is a short walk to get to the Falls that passes some smaller cascades and a dam. The parking lot for the Falls only has several spots, and there is no cost to park. Garwin Falls is located on private property, however remains open to the public.

We had a jaw-dropping Adventure to Garwin Falls. Amazingly this Falls is only about forty five minutes from my house yet I only recently discovered it online. I was thrilled to find a local waterfall and could not have been more impressed at the beautiful site. We began our walk parking at a very small parking lot, luckily, not arriving at a busy time. We traversed the simple and wide trail for a short time before arriving at several cascades. The cascades were small but lovely. We walked along the brook and found some sandy areas. Shadow and Wilma enjoyed some drinks of fresh water, and of course Shadow made sure to take a quick dip in the stream! We took our time exploring this simple spot, walking until we could see the dam up ahead. We then returned to the main trail to continue on our journey.

We walked for another short walk before arriving at the massive Garwin Falls. I could not believe the size of the Falls as I was not expecting to be impressed. The Falls was thunderously singing a sweet song as we wandered over to the edge of the Falls. We were able to walk right up to the edge, and of course I took numerous photographs. I was absolutely stunned at this magnificent creation, wide in size, tall in height, and perfect in melody. We stared for some time, before talking along the edge of the brook. Agile Wilma jumping along, while Shadow a bit unsteady on the uneven surface. I attempted to balance across on a log, but was not able to get Shadow to follow so Wilma and I crossed to take a couple photographs before balancing back across. We took are time at this breathtaking location, pleased to only see several visitors who were all leaving when we had arrived.

On the way back to the car we wandered off the trail several times to explore the brook and upper cascades. We viewed the dam from below and atop, quite grotesquely plastered with graphity. Not what you expect to find in such a serene and natural environment, however we did not let this deter us from a fantastic visit to the Falls.

Garwin Falls was definitely one of the most picturesque waterfalls I have ever seen. We will be back again to visit this spectacular site (Rating: Waterfall: 5).

June 1, 2019 – Crescent Ridge Dairy – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Crescent Ridge Dairy in Sharon, Massachusetts. Crescent Ridge Dairy is a Farm that includes a shop, farm animals to view, and an ice cream stand. They specialize in local produce, and homemade products.

We had a mouthwatering Adventure to Crescent Ridge Dairy after our nearby hike at The Bradley Estate. It was great to arrive at this ice cream stand to find no lines! I checked out the menu and quickly decided to choose cookie doe ice cream with whip cream, and of course a dog ice cream for my two best friends. Once our order was ready we headed over to a shady area to gobble up our ice cream. So tasty! I was actually unable to finish my ice cream, however packed it up for a future treat. We walked around the property and found some benches in the back, and farm animals on the side. Wilma was thrilled to see the goats, and it appeared as if she wanted to play with them. It definitely brought a smile to my face. Shadow was more interested in trying to find leftovers under the tables, my always hopeful boy! We were quite happy to visit Crescent Ridge Dairy today (Rating: 4, Dog Ice Cream: 5)

Throwback Adventure – Rye Beach – New Hampshire

In April 2015 Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to Rye, New Hampshire to explore a dog friendly Beach. Although I am not sure specifically which beach this is I know it was in Rye, New Hampshire, somewhere along 1A. (I do not believe it was labeled when we visited). Rye New Hampshire is a coastal town in southern New Hampshire. It is home to the largest coastline in New Hampshire.

We had a sunny Adventure to the Beach in Rye, back on April 12, 2015. The beach was very rocky, with tidal areas to explore. We were able to find some sand areas to sun-bathe and enjoy the day. It was our last stop on a busy day and we were happy to relax and enjoy the breeze. It was fun looking at photographs from this outing reminiscing about yet another Adventure we had with Buster. So glad he was able to have lots of travels! We will definitely have to visit Rye again in the future.