March 3, 2019 – Hilton Park – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma, and I made a stop at the Hilton Park in Dover, New Hampshire, on the way to our main destinations. Hilton Park is a waterfront park that includes a playground, boat launch, and a dock for fishing. It is located along the Piscatagua River. The Park has views of two large bridges, including the Sullivan Bridge.

We had a simple visit to the Hilton Park on the first stop of our journeys today. As usual I had high expectations, which were fostered by numerous signs directing us to the “Hilton Park”. We arrived at quite an unappealing spot, directly next to the bustle of the highway. However, we were excited to stretch our legs, and see what we could find. We started off to the dock, the shoreline rocks adorned with snow. Shadow and Wilma peered out of the dock checking out the view, while Wilma let out some growls at the floating ice. I was entertained by this moment, with her constant curiosity of the new and unknown moments in life.

From the dock we wandered along the water, stopping at the boat launch before heading over to the sidewalk under the bridges. We continued to the adjacent part of the Park, gazing at the bridge beams as we passed under. We soon turned around noting nothing too intriguing to be explored. As usual I was awed by Shadow and Wilma’s shadows in the morning sun. We spent some time near the water before heading off to our main destinations. Quite an unappealing Park on a Winter day, but glad we could enjoy a morning walk (Rating; 2).

March 3, 2019 – Sabbaday Falls – Winter Visit – New Hampshire

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Sabbaday Falls. I have blogged about this location previously in my “Throwback Adventure” section, however decided to blog about it again as this was our first visit in Winter. Sabbaday Falls is a popular waterfall located in Waterfall Valley, along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. There is a short, handicapped accessible travel trail to Sabbaday Falls. Sabbaday Falls is an approximate thirty five to forty five foot drop, ending in a Gorge-like area. The waterfall is made up of a series of cascades.

We had a spectacular, icicle-filled Adventure to Sabbaday Falls on a warm, Winter day. This Winter Adventure looked completely different then this location in the other seasons. I was ecstatic to see the parking lot plowed, and a path in place for the hike as I had tried once before to visit this Falls in Winter with no luck. We began our journey up and over a gigantic snowbank, and immediately arrived on the trail. The trail branched over to the stream on two occasions, however not being able to see the rocks or our footing we did not venture too far in that direction. However the mysterious covered stream created a lovely Winter scene with framed circles forming here and there.

We continued on the main trail. I suspect the snow was several feet high as I noticed we were walking almost at the top of the railing of a fence, on the groomed snow path. As long as we stayed on the trail we did not sink down, and were able to walk steadily along. It did not take us long to arrive at the Falls. Most of the waterfall was covered with snow, which must have been sitting over the frozen ice. I was pleased that we had been there previously as we would have really not known the “normal” flow of the Falls.

The most gorgeous part of the area was some spectacular icicles coming down the rocks, at the bottom area of the cascades. Below the icicles there was a gorgeous rock filled pool with flowing water. I really could not get enough of this special scene. Shadow humored me as he continually tried to dive into the water pool, although wondering if he might get stuck, I decided it best not to swim at this location. He sure is one adventurous water boy!

It was really a magical Adventure at this gorgeous location. I would encourage you to visit Sabbaday Falls once in every season as it is just a lovely spot. So glad we were able to get in our winter visit (Rating: 5).

Throwback Adventure – Crystal Cascade – New Hampshire

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 October of 2016 Shadow, Buster, My Mom and I Adventured to the Crystal Cascade in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Crystal Cascade is a gorgeous waterfall that has a 100 foot drop into the Ellis River. There is just a short walk to the Falls that begins at the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. The Cascade is along one of the popular routes to Mount Washington.

We had a special Adventure to the Crystal Cascade on a beautiful Fall day. Buster had recently been diagnosed with a terminal tumor, and we knew his time was limited. This made the memories even more marked as I recall this lovely Adventure. It was a short walk to the Crystal Cascade with a slight elevation gain. The trail was simple, but perfectly Fall in color. Upon arrival we found a steep, little trail to sneak close to the beautiful Falls. The Falls was singing loudly, and provided a full sensory experience. Buster enjoyed chewing some sticks while Shadow sat and posed for the camera. There were limited spots to view the waterfall, so we were glad to find this spot all to ourselves.

We spent some time at the Crystal Cascade before heading past the waterfall to a little bridge across the top. There were absolutely stunning Fall views from this spot with the musical waterfall below below. An absolutely magnificent scene that we thoroughly enjoyed. I was actually planning to visit again this past summer with Wilma and Shadow but the trails were closed due to flooding. However we do hope to visit again on another date. Please see below some photos and videos of our special day at Crystal Cascade. In one of the videos you will see a conversation between my Mom and Buster, as he was a talker, often known for his happy howl. Glad to create special memories on our Adventure to Crystal Cascade.

Weekly 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.

My photo feature today is from an Adventure I took with Shadow and Buster in October of 2014 to the Lincoln Woods Trail in the White Mountains. Lincoln Woods is one of my favorite trails which follows the rocky waters of the Pemigewassett River with gorgeous mountain views. We have been there numerous times, including on other trips with Wilma, and my Mom. This photograph below is one of my favorite photos of Buster and Shadow, both quite dashing, posing in an absolutely beautiful Fall location.

If you would like to read more about other visits to Lincoln Woods in the “search box” for more information on these Adventures. (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.)

Weekly Video/Photo

My photo feature today is from an absolutely spectacular Adventure that Shadow and I had to Lonesome Lake in Fraconia Notch of the White Mountains. It is only reachable by a long hike, and is just a spectacular location. I posted this Adventure previously, but wanted to post a beautiful photograph of Shadow swimming in Lonesome Lake, framed by gorgeous mountains.

One of my many favorites photographs of Shadow at Lonesome Lake, truly summarizing our perfect day on this Adventure.

If you would like to read more about Adventure to Lonesome Lake type it 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.)

Lonesome Lake 2

Throwback Adventure – The Frost Place – October 2017

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

In October 2017 Shadow, Wilma, My Mom, and I Adventured to The Frost Place in Fraconia, New Hampshire. The Frost Place was poet Robert Frost’s home in the White Mountains. It is considered a “house museum”. The property includes a museum, a nature trail displaying Frost’s poems, and museum grounds.

We had a wonderful Adventure to The Frost Place on a gorgeous Fall day. We began our visit on the trail through the woods, stopping to read the poems, and snapping many photographs along the way. The trail was short, but pleasant. After completing the trail we returned to the location of Frost’s home. Near the home there was a barn-like area allowing you to make purchases and watch an informational video. We watched the beginning of the video, but did not find it too interesting, so headed over to check out the stunning views of the mountains. It was a beautifully picturesque and unique location in one of my favorite areas of the White Mountains. So glad we were able to explore the Frost Place (Rating: 4).

Throwback Adventure – Castle in the Clouds – August 2015

In August 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to The Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. Castle in the Clouds is a mountaintop estate that overlooks the Lakes Region. The estate’s mansion, often referred to as Lucknow, was previously owned by Thomas and Olive Plant. The mansion was foreclosed on, and had several different owners after the Plants passed away. Castle in the Clouds is now operated by the Castle Preservation Society. In addition to mansion tours, Castle in the Clouds includes: a restaurant, gardens, an art gallery, a trout filed Pond, and numerous hiking trails. Castle in the Clouds is open seasonally.

We had a short, but scenic Adventure at Castle in the Clouds after a long day of hiking. As you have “heard” before if you follow my blog, my detailed memory of my Throwback Adventures is generally not as sharp as our current Adventures. However I remember enjoying the spectacular beauty of the area as the evening was almost upon us. The views of the Lake regions was stunning, and the mountain framed pond perfectly picturesque. We even found some dog statues along the way, just right for our dog-driven Adventure. I was pleased to get Buster and Shadow some ice cream to finish up a lovely Summer evening.

One memory I will never forget was when leaving this area a bear ran right in front of the car. I could not believe my eyes, and was quite relieved to be in the safety of my the car. Castle in the Clouds was a beautiful way to wrap up another lovely day of Adventures (Rating: 4).

October 22, 2018 – Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge in Bath, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1829 and covers the Ammonoosuc River. It is suspected to be the oldest covered bridge in New Hampshire. It is open to foot traffic only.

We enjoyed our Adventure to the Bath-Haverhill Covered Bridge. It was nice to find a pedestrian-only bridge, allowing us to saunter under the lattice truss architecture. The views from the bridge were beautiful, filled with fall foliage and mountain scenes. As we began walking across we heard roaring water and were pleased to find yet another bridge with a water feature below. I was humored by a sign indicating a maximum number of people, (where usually the bridges display a car maximum).

After walking past the bridge we kept going and were soon enthused to find a trail down to the River, with a splendid view of the bridge. Shadow enjoyed a nap in the sand, Wilma sniffed around, and I snapped away. We spent some time at this bridge location before heading off to our next Adventure. We were pleased to wander around the Haverhill-Bath Covered Bridge today. (Rating: 4)

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October 22, 2018 – Bath Covered Bridge, New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Bath Covered Bridge in Bath, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1832 and spans the Ammonoosuc River. It is one of New Hampshire’s oldest covered bridges.

We had a fun Adventure to the Bath Covered Bridge. It was another long bridge with red on the ends, a light colored wood on the side, and some small waterfall features below. Initially it looked like we would not get a good side view of the bridge, but the more we walked the more we discovered. Eventually we were under the bridge, and were able to walk along a work road that gave us a spectacular view. We went down to the River’s Edge for for some sticks, and sips, digging, even enjoying a short game of tug-a-war. Shadow and Wilma posed for some great photographs with the Bridge. I am especially enthused when I find a covered bridge that you really can explore, and the Bath Covered Bridge definitely provided this feature. We were quite happy to find the Bath Covered Bridge on our Adventure today (Rating: 4).

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October 22, 2018 – Swiftwater Bridge – New Hampshire

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to the Swiftwater Bridge in Bath, New Hampshire. The Bridge was built in 1849 and covers the Ammonoosuc River. It is one of the few original bridges in New Hampshire. The Swiftwater Bridge has a small waterfall, and is a popular swimming hole in the summer.

We had a nice Adventure to the Swiftwater Bridge. It was a picturesque, and long bridge with a waterfall, and rocky area below. We had trouble getting down the trail due to the rocks, but soon found another trail. We hopped carefully on the rocks and closer to the Bridge. The sun was streaming down in our eyes, so it was hard to get a great photograph. However we did our best and tried all angles and spots we could find. Of course we could not resist heading down to the River’s Edge for some puppy sips. I found that the footing around this location a little challenging for Shadow, so we had a short visit to the Bridge. Although a quick stop we still found the Swiftwater Bridge to be a lovely spot (Rating: 4).

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