Clouds

Orient Point, NY

Niantic Boardwalk-Two Views

Niantic, CT

The top view is looking east along the recently completed boardwalk here in Niantic.  It's called a boardwalk, even though there's not a board to be found along this walk.  Work will start this fall on repairing the remaining boardwalk shown looking west in the bottom picture.  All of the boardwalk was heavily damaged by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, and then again last year by Hurricane Sandy last year.  When completely repaired, the boardwalk is a mile long and is a great place to walk, no matter what the season.

End of the Season

Niantic, CT

The regular season ends this weekend for Major League Baseball.  The playoffs begin on Tuesday.  As a long suffering fan of the New York Mets,  I'm used to not have anyone to root for come post season.  This year, even the Yankees are not in the playoffs, so there is no joy in the New York area this year.  I'm fairly close to Boston, but can't claim I'm a Red Sox fan, although, I think they just might win it all this year.  

Clark Pond

Niantic, CT.

I've posted pictures before from the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve, located not far from where I live.  It makes for a nice walk, and when I'm really ambitious, there are some great, well-marked trails throughout the preserve for a serious hike.  Clark Pond was created back in the 1800's, I think.  During the winter months, ice would be harvested from the pond and transported to the local docks to keep the fishermen's  catch fresh.  There's no longer a need to harvest ice, but the pond remains and on this particular day offered this reflection.  For other great reflections, check out Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Thank you for looking and have a great weekend. 

Adirondak Chairs

Barnstable, MA

North Falmouth, MA

Barrel

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

Detroit Metro Airport

Romulus, MI

Having an iPhone can keep one busy while waiting for a flight.  There were plenty of interesting images to be found at Detroit Metro Airport.

Higgins Lake

Roscommon, MI

I had a chance to spend the weekend at a conference center located on Higgins Lake, in Roscommon, MI.  I only had my iPhone with me, since I had to travel light.  An early walk presented me with this view of a misty lake.

Jolly Fisherman

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA

Barnstable County Courthouse

Barnstable, MA

This Greek Revival style courthouse was built in 1831 and was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1981.  In front the courthouse stands a statue of James Otis Jr, a Massachusetts lawyer, patriot and pamphleteer whose views eventually led to the American Revolution.  

Sunset over Martha's Vineyard

Somewhere on Vineyard Sound

I happened to catch this sunset and reflection returning to Cape Cod from Martha's Vineyard.  Seemed like a perfect way to end a nice day.  For other outstanding reflections, please visit Weekend Reflections, hosted by James.  Enjoy the last weekend of summer! 

Early Morning Beach Walk

Falmouth, MA

A combination of cool weather and a threat of rain kept early morning beach-goers away on this particular morning.  There were plenty of good beach chairs available.

Schooner Alabama

Martha's Vineyard

A schooner under sail is a beautiful sight.  Pictured here is the schooner Alabama, built originally in 1926 for the Mobile, Alabama Bar Pilots.  Upon retirement in 1966,  the schooner was purchased by the Coastwise Packet Company and moved to Vineyard Haven in 1967, by her new owner, Capt. Robert Douglas.  Captain Douglas not only founded the Coastwise Packet Company, but also the Black Dog Tavern which has spawned a whole line of apparel and other items featuring their famous "black dog" logo. He was responsible for restoring the Alabama and outfitted her for sailing.  Along with the schooner Shenandoah, also built by Capt. Douglas, the Alabama offers cruises and evening sails, sailing camps, and sailing instruction around Martha's Vineyard.  You can read more about the schooner and the history of the Black Dog Tall Ships here.

Signs

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA

Friday Afternoon on the Green

Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, MA

Whale Tale and Boat

Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, MA

Two Yachts

I've been told that the difference between a boat and a yacht is that a yacht can carry other boats.  So if that's true, the following picture is definitely a picture of a what is perhaps a very expensive yacht with some gorgeous lines.

Carrying smaller boats on a yacht makes good sense to me.  It's very similar to towing smaller cars behind large motor homes.  But why stop at just carrying a smaller boat onboard a yacht?  If you really need to get around whether in port or on the high seas, one really needs to carry a helicopter aboard your yacht.

Both pictures were taken in Vineyard Haven, on Martha's Vineyard.  Apparently some very wealthy people keep their yachts there.

Store Window Reflections

Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, MA

While exploring Vineyard Haven, and doing some window shopping along the way, I came across this store window offering a nice reflection of the main street.  This was found just across the street from yesterday's town clock picture.  If you like reflections like this, please visit Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  There you'll find some remarkable reflections.  Enjoy the weekend and thanks for visiting.

A Time to Read

Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard, MA

Clocks like this one are pretty common in just about every town in New England.  Most often the clock  bears the name of the town or some sponsoring civic organization.  I found this clock outside a bookstore along the main shopping district of Vineyard Haven, not too far from the Ferry's Dock.  I thought it was very apropos.

Ferry to Martha's Vineyard

Wood's Hole, MA

I've spent a lot of time on ferries this summer.  Recently my wife and I spent a weekend on Cape Cod, and we decided to take a side trip and spend a day on Martha's Vineyard, since neither one of us had ever visited there.  There are a number of ferries that operate from various towns on Cape Cod to Martha's Vineyard, but the least expensive way to go is without your car on the boats operated my the Steam Boat Authority.  This particular one goes from Woods Hole, to Vineyard Haven.  As you can tell, this is a pretty popular ferry

Summer's End

North Falmouth, MA

Dune Plants

North Falmouth, MA

J. Henry and Annie

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

Chris Craft

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

If I ever have the chance to own a power boat, I think it would have to be a Chris Craft.  I've always admired the older Chris Craft's made of mahogany wood.  They are truly classic boats.  I'm pretty sure today's Chris Craft boats have fiber glass hulls, but they still look very elegant.

Sailboat Reflections

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

I happened to catch this reflection recently during a visit to Mystic Seaport.  I hope you enjoy.  For other great reflections visit Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Have a great weekend. 

CRC III

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

CRC II

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

As you can see, all sorts of watercraft are represented here at the CRC.  Boats were stacked everywhere and it made it interesting to find one's way around.

Collections Research Center at Mystic Seaport

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

As followers of this blog might have guessed, I never tire of photographing boats of any kind.  I recently had the chance to visit the Collections Research Center (CRC) at Mystic Seaport, a part of the museum that isn't generally opened to the public.  Within this building encompassing about an acre of land the Seaport stores about 450 small watercraft, which represents the largest collection of it's kind in the world.  The boats stored here are for research purposes only and will not be restored.  The oldest boat stored here dates from the mid 1800's.  Many appear to be in fine shape. while others have seen far better days.  

Outboard Motors

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

I only know of Johnson, Evinrude, and Mercury as the big names in outboard marine engines.  More recently I've seen Yamaha outboard engines as well.  I'm sure there are other major manufacturers.  I never heard of the manufacturers of some of the outboards on display here. 

Model Engines

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT