May 27, 2019 – Circle Museum – New York

I am a bit behind on my blog from the weekend as we had a busy weekend of Adventures. Therefore I will be sharing these Adventures throughout the week.

On Monday we had our last Adventure of the weekend at the Circle Museum in Austerlitz, New York. The Circle Museum is an eight acres property that includes a gallery, and metal sculptures scattered throughout the forest and hillside. The sculptures are created by artist Bijan Mahmoodi and range from straight-forward themes to abstract art.

We had a creative Adventure to the Circle Museum on a lovely spring evening. This stunning location was found by my friend as we researched stops for our journey home. I was immediately impressed as there were numerous sculptures of all shapes, sizes and colors in every direction. It was hard to know where to start but we began zigzagging in and out of these creative sculptures, analyzing our thoughts on their appearance. I tended to think many resembled bugs, while my friends’ thinking was much more inventive. It was such a fun location with endless sculptures throughout the grounds. We wandered for awhile before heading up a little hill to view yet more sculptures. Throughout our visit Wilma was overly focused on which direction everyone was headed while Shadow a bit tired from our long weekend enjoyed some rolls in the grass. Such a special outdoor Museum of inventive artwork. So glad we were able to visit this splendid Museum (Rating: 4, Company: Just right!)

May 27, 2019 – Granny’s Ice Cream – New York

I am a bit behind on my blog from the weekend as we had a busy weekend of Adventures. Therefore I will be sharing these Adventures throughout the week.

On Monday Shadow, Wilma, My friends, and I Adventured to Granny’s Ice Cream on Route 29 in Johnstown, New York. Granny’s Ice Cream is part of the Royal Mountain Campground, and offers soft serve ice cream and other light food items.

We had a tasty Adventure to Granny’s Ice Cream to begin our Memorial Day. I would say Granny’s Ice Cream is in somewhat of a remote area, however was quite busy, likely due to the campground, and popular motorcyle route. Wilma seemed a bit unsure of this unfamiliar environment so she hung out with one of my friends, while our other friend, Shadow, and I waited in line. (Maybe because there was a big wandering around on a leash – haha!) I decided to try the cotton candy soft serve, and of course two dog friendly ice creams. Shadow and Wilma gobbled up their ice cream quickly as we sat in the grass. I savored my cotton candy ice cream, until Wilma, had a moment of excitement and ended up IN my ice cream. The aftermath left her quite thrilled as she was able to lick up this new flavor on her covered foot! Luckily I was just about full, so I guess the moment could remain humorous. We sat for a bit socializing with our friends, relishing the last day of our vacation. Nothing too fancy, but definitely glad to chow down on some ice cream, something I had been hoping for since the weekend began. It was a delicious stop on our journey back to Massachusetts (Rating: 3, Dog Ice Cream – 5, Company: Just right!)

March 26, 2019 – Oxbow Falls Park – New York

I am a bit behind on my blog from the weekend as we had a busy weekend of Adventures. Therefore I will be sharing these Adventures throughout the week.

On Sunday, Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Oxbow Falls Park in Canastota, New York. Oxbow Falls Park is a county park made up of 125 acres of wooded areas, streams, and rough terrain. It contains several waterfalls, baseball fields, picnic benches, and a disc golf course.

We had an aerobic Adventure to Oxbow Falls Park on a sticky spring morning. It took me a little bit of time to find the trail parking lot for this hike as the main park address was not the location for the trails. Once we finally arrived at the parking lot we walked around briefly before finding the orange trail. I was relieved that I had read about this park online so I knew that the orange trail was a reasonable length hike that would loop around. We began on this trail and soon heard rushing water. We arrived to a cliff edge and were able to see a tall waterfall from afar, as well as a lovely view. Our walk continued along the steep edge and past it into the woods. The trail continued through the woods, and at times was steep and strenuous. There were several bridges along the path, as well as waterfalls. The waterfalls were simple but yet pleasing to the senses. The park was very tranquil, birds chirping, and water streaming. We did not see any other guests on the trail and enjoyed the remote feeling of this location. We delighted in experiencing a new Adventure at the Oxbow Falls Park (Rating: 3).

March 25, 2019 – Wintergreen Park – New York

This weekend Shadow, Wilma, my friends, and I Adventured to Wintergreen Park in Canajoharie, New York. Wintergreen Park features the Canajoharie Creek Gorge and Wintergreen Falls. The Falls is 40 foot in height and includes smaller cascades. Trespassing signs are posted at the gorge as a result of numerous deaths and accidents, so it is not accessible to visitors. The Park also features a 1.5 mile “scenic trail” which leads guests to the viewing deck above Wintergreen Falls. There are picnic areas within the Park.

We had a water filled Adventure to Wintergreen Park on a warm spring day. We were excited to go on yet another Adventure with friends! Quickly we found the “No Trespassing” signs specific to the gorge. We wandered around leisurely, savoring the sounds of rushing water. The rocks around the gorge were gorgeous, and although I was bummed to not get an up close and personal view we appreciated the landscape from afar. The birds were chirping and it was a simple, but lovely natural area.

We were determined to find the “scenic trail” and although we expected to find it near the gorge we eventually located it in an unforeseen spot near a panoramic field. We were excited to traverse this trail. The trail followed the creek from above, through the woods, and across a bridge. The trail was surrounded by bright greens color, including some wild flowers here and there. There were several little spots to view the cascades, however the sight was mostly covered by leaves. Wilma often trotted a head with my friends, while Shadow and I took in a casual walk at his pace. It was fun watching Wilma trying to figure it all out, quickly gaining the trust of new leaders. We appreciated this short hike, and soon arrived at the viewing deck. Shadow and Wilma became instant celebrities with photos and belly rubs from a family of children who were ecstatic with their presence. We checked out the view, again quite covered with leaves, however took in the moment. We enjoyed some time at the landing before heading back to our cars. It was so nice to have friends join us on this Adventure! Lots of laughs along the way (Rating: 3, Company – Amazing!)

Throwback Adventure – Fort Crown Point – October 2015

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 2015 Shadow, Buster and I Adventured to Crown Point Fort in Crown Point, New York. The Fort is part of Crown Point State Historic Park. The Fort was originally built by the French titled Fort St. Frederic, and was in the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War. The State of New York acquired the Fort in 1910, and it is now open for visitors. The Fort is located along Lake Champlain, near the Vermont border.

We had a historical Adventure to Fort Crown Point, on a breezy Fall day. I find one of the perfect types of Adventures to be one that you find, by accident, which is exactly how this visit occurred. I spotted this location by merely seeing it off the side of the road, so of course had to stop and explore this site. The Fort was absolutely beautiful, perfectly shaped ruins, with bright colored trees, and small paths atop the hills. Off to one side there was a view of Lake Champlain, framed by mountains in the distance, We strolled around, and spent some time relaxing and playing in the grass, climbing onto the ruins, and of course romping along the Lake shore. I remember the experience was absolutely spectacular. definitely carving a memorable Adventure in my heart (Rating: 5)

Throwback Adventure – LaChute River Walk (Includes the Kissing Bridge) – October 2015

So I decided to add a New York section to our Adventure Blog!!!! We have not been to New York often, but we definitely have had some wonderful Adventures that we long to share! In addition, we do hope to Adventure to New York again in the future.

In October 2015 Shadow, Buster, and I Adventured to LaChute River Walk in Ticonderoga, New York. LaChute River Walk is a three mile trail which includes: the Falls of Carillon, the Kissing Bridge, and the Ticonderoga Heritage Museum and Visitor Center. The Park encompasses the LaChute River which connects Lake George to Lake Champlain.

We had a lovely Adventure to the LaChute River Walk in Ticonderoga, New York. We were thrilled to visit the “Walk” on a quiet day. We strolled along the trails, spending time along the LaChute River’s edge. There were trails throughout the park, and benches along the way. We enjoyed some posing around the Kissing Bridge, and the Falls of Carillon. A waterfall, covered bridge, and river, all in one park, added quite the distinct feature to this one trail. The perfect combination, adding wonderful memories to this journey. A peaceful, Fall Adventure to the LaChute River Walk (Rating: Throwback Adventures may not always be rated ).

Throwback Adventure – Bash Bish Falls – Massachusetts

In May 2017, Shadow, my Aunt, my Uncle, and I visited Bash Bish Falls in Mount Washington, Massachusetts. (Wilma had not yet joined our world). In my blog today I cannot help but note how fortuitous I am to have such a wonderful Aunt and Uncle. They are encouraging, kind, and giving, and always make me feel special and loved. It was fun to have their company, on this spectacular spring adventure.

Bash Bish Falls is located right on the border of Massachusetts, and New York, and is the highest waterfall in Massachusetts. The Falls include a series of cascades that are approximately 200 feet tall. The final cascade is 80 feet tall, split into two, by a large protruding boulder. Bash Bish Falls begins in a spring on Mount Washington, although is technically located on Bash Bish Mountain.

We started our journey to the Falls from the Massachusetts trail. The parking lot was difficult to find, but the trail was clear on arrival. The trail is approximately two miles in length. It sloped up slowly, running besides the beautiful, singing, babbling Bash Bish Brook. Shadow therefore was able to enjoy some sips and dips in the brook along our journey. On the opposite side of the brook we noted some cabins, which likely were part of the Bash Bish Falls State Park. I was amused by a sign along the way indicating the Massachusetts, New York border, and was quite diasppointed that I was not able to locate a photograph. However, it was a lovely trail, and quite the nice perk to fill the hike with great company, and conversation, catching up on all the moments of life.

Upon arrival at the Falls we witnessed a stunning, and dramatic view, the Falls roaring, and immense. As expected a crowded area, with ongoing snaps of photography. There were picnic tables, and of course areas along the rocks to sit an enjoy the site. A beautiful day enjoying nature’s magnificent beauty (Rating: 5)