January 18, 2021 – Old Hill Burying Ground – Massachusetts

Today Wilma and I Adventured to the Old Hill Burying Ground in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Old Hill Burying Ground was established in 1729. It includes the Pierce Tomb said to be the resting place of seven family members.

We had a historic Adventure to the Old Hill Burying Ground. We spent about two hours walking around Newburyport and the Clipper Trail, including today’s Adventure to the Old Hill Burying Ground. (Please click on this link if you would like to read more about our last visit to Newburyport – January 1, 2019 – Downtown Newburyport and the Clipper City Rail Trail – Massachusetts). We first walked around the outskirts of the Burying Ground checking out the scene from all angles. It was quite scenic, the sun streaming through the trees, the blue sky full of fluffy cloud. Wilma enjoyed walking along the stone fence. which oddly makes me smile. Once we made our lap around we went into the grounds to explore, including venturing to the top of the hill. I am far from an expert on cemeteries but I found it quite picturesque. So glad we could visit the Old Hill Burying Grounds today (This Adventure will not be rated).

July 8, 2019 – Joppa Park – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Joppa Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Joppa Park is a small harborside Park on Water Street. It has been in the process of being renovated and upgraded for years. It is rich in history being a previous locations for clamming and fishing operations.

We had a scenic Adventure to Joppa Park. I found this charming, floral “Park” accidentally as we were driving to our planned destination. I could not resist stopping to explore this lovely location. We were lucky to find a parking spot as there were only a few available. We started at what I believe was a boat launch although definitely low tide. We waded into the mud, literally almost loosing my shoes. The view was spectacular with vivid colors from the water, to the grass, to the nearby flowers. Boats were scattered through out the harbor creating a magical coastal scene.

From the boat launch we walked through the “Park” to the end and back. There were many other visitors walking through the area. Wilma immediately jumped up onto the sea wall, amazingly agile. I found this little moment adorable, as did some others who commented on her athleticism. Shadow ambled along a bit less enthused, thinking about his next swim, I am sure. Our walk was short, but beautiful. I made sure to get a close-up view at all the flowers, and appreciated all the colors. It is amazing that not too long ago we were in winter, everything white, brown, and dried up. Our Adventures today reminded me how New England seasons are absolutely amazing! So not a “Park” that I would travel far too, merely due to the small size, a however spectacular Harborwalk to stroll along if you are in the area (Rating: 4).

January 1, 2019 – Downtown Newburyport and the Clipper City Rail Trail – Massachusetts

Today Shadow, Wilma, and I Adventured to Downtown Newburyport, and the adjacent Clipper City Rail Trail. Downtown Newburyport is a charming area with restaurants, boutiques, and a waterfront park. The Clipper City Rail Trail goes through this area, and also extends into neighboring towns. The Trail runs along the Merrimack River, and includes: lovely coastal views, sculptures, murals, boardwalks, and more. The Rail Trail is still being built, with one Phase remaining in construction.

We had a refreshing coastal Adventure to begin the New Year, spending about two and a half hours in Newburyport. The sun was shining, and the wind gusty, the perfect mix on this winter day. I had been to the area back in July 2011 with Shadow and Buster, on a much hotter day, but had not explored much of the Rail trail. We began our Adventure at the waterfront park, instantly feeling refreshed with the sun streaming down on the beautiful blue River. We started down one side of the trail until the trail ended in construction, where we quickly turned around. This location of the trail wove through areas of sculptures, along the water, past many boats, and near two shore-lighthouses. One lighthouse seeming to be decorative, while the other appearing to be a working lighthouse for the Coast Guard. There were several dogs, bikers, joggers, and walkers also enjoying this fun Trail.

After completing this portion of the Trail we wandered throughout the Downtown area, filled with shops and restaurants, many still decorated from the holidays. The streets were stone, the buildings brick, providing a unique and picturesque spot. We walked and walked enjoying to exercise, and cool breeze. We visited Frog Pond the center of “Bartlett Mall” before turning around weaving in and out of each street. Many others out shopping, feasting, and relaxing with family and friends.

Lastly, we headed over to the other end of the Clipper City Rail Trail. The Trail lead along the River, next to a restaurant, and then under several large bridges. The area had various sculptures and even a mural painted under the bridge. From there we crossed over to a sitting area with rounded benches before heading over a boardwalk to the section along a beach-like area. We strolled for awhile before turning around and heading back. Definitely a lovely day to be out enjoying this special Trail, a place I am sure we will return in the future (Rating: 4).

P.S. – Hoping video’s will agree to download in the near future, but now for a picture collage – please see below.

November 25, 2018 – Maudslay State Park – Massachusetts

Yesterday Shadow, Wilma and I Adventured to Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts. This was our second visit to the Park as Shadow, Buster and I had Adventured there back in May 2015. Maudslay State Park is the former estate of the Moseley family, and is located along the Merrimack River. It is known for its 19th century gardens, meadows, pines, and as one of the largest naturally-occurring stand of mountain laurels in Massachusetts. It is popular for hiking, cross country skiing, picnicking, horseback riding, and summer concerts.

We had a nice Adventure to Maudslay State Park on a sunny, Fall day. We arrived to find the parking lot packed with people, many with dogs in tow. Soon out of the car I was greeted by a woman searching for a missing dog. I viewed the photo and hoped for the best, keeping my eyes out for sweet little Ellie, throughout the day. My heart weighed heavy as we began our afternoon hike.

We peaked at the map before following the masses, pleased to soon find ourselves away from the crowd on a woodsy, tree-lined trail. I had printed a map, which clearly labeled the trails but soon found we were on a complex trail system with no names,or colors to direct us in our hike. So I decided to remember where we had walked, noticing little details along the trail. I was thrilled to eventually find the water, and a trail leading to the shore’s edge. We ambled along the water trail, finding a cute little bridge with a River view. The water’s edge was iced, as well as some of the rocks along the shore. It crackled as we walked bye, adding sweet nature sounds to the air. This was my favorite part of our hike today, adding color, and variety to the trails.

Throughout our visit I found the trails to be very dull, and quite confusing. I even had a brief moment of worry in finding the trail back with numerous turns in all directions. I was able to use my Nature Warrior (haha) skills, and continually headed back the the starting point until we chose the correct path. This however did not dampen our energized pace as we explored a new Park. My thought is this Park might be quite beautiful in the spring, but definitely bland and brown this time of year. I guess that will be the theme for the next six months in New England, but this will not slow us down. It is funny that Shadow, Buster, and Shadow visited this Park before as I do not recall specific details. However my photos reminded me that Shadow and Buster enjoyed a dip in the water on a much greener journey. We definitely will plan a trip back to Maudslay State Park in the warmer months of the year (Rating: 3)

November 2018