Snow

Niantic, CT

Here on the coast of Long Island Sound, we are often spared the snows that some this time of the year. The northern part of the state has already seen some significant snow fall, whereas we've had only rain. This past weekend, we got our first really significant accumulation of snow.  I'd guess about 4" or so.  It makes for a pretty site, for a short time.

Model Trains

Essex, CT

Who doesn't enjoy watching model trains?  During this time of the year, this model train set, housed in the Connecticut River Museum is open to the public.  I think it's maintained by a local model railroad club.  The model is quite detailed

Connecticut River Museum

Essex, CT

Founded in 1974, the Connecticut River Museum is dedicated to the study, preservation and celebration of the cultural and natural history of the Connecticut River, the river valley and its people.  The museum is housed in the old Steamboat Dock Warehouse which was built in 1878.   At one time this was a busy port and point of call for ships carrying all sorts of cargo from around the world.  Today the museum offers a number of interesting exhibits about the Connecticut River as well as some spectacular views of the river. 

Foot Bridge II

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

This bridge is along one of the hiking trails in Rocky Neck State Park.  It crosses over Bride Brook, just    before the brook empties into Long Island Sound.  I'm linking this to Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Have a nice "last weekend" of the year.  

Main Street

Willimantic, CT

I was hoping that there would be more festive Christmas decorations throughout the center of Willimantic. There was the occasional lighted tree, but it appeared to me that any decorations were left up to each local business.  

Frog Bridge

Willimantic, CT

Crossing the Willimantic River, in Willimantic, CT is the famous Frog Bridge, also known as the Thread City Crossing.  It connects state routes 66 and 32 and is famous for the theses sculptures of frogs sitting atop spools adorning either end of the bridge.  The spools are in honor of the rich history of the textile industry, which was once the major industry in this town.  The American Thread Co. was located here and at one time operated the largest thread mill in the world here.  The frogs, however have a much more colorful history.

Apparently back in 1754, the residents of the town of Windham, which now contains the area of Willimantic, were awakened by a god-awful sound on a hot summer's night.  Fearing the worst, they all grabbed their muskets and prepared to defend their town against whatever threat might befall them.  It was only after the sun arose the next morning that the town's people realized the sounds came from a nearby pond which was surrounded by carcasses of dead frogs.  The frogs had fought to the death the previous evening over a rapidly-drying pond.  Needless to say the residents became the subject of ridicule  in the ensuing years.  Today, the event, now referred to as the "Battle of the Frogs",  is forever memorialized with these frogs.  They look kind of creepy to me, especially at night when the ambient light of street lamps and traffic lights reflect off the eyes of these frogs, imparting an eerie glow.   

Merry Christmas 2012

Niantic, CT

Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  Enjoy the holidays with family, friends and loved ones.  May all your days be merry and bright.

Gas Station

Preston, CT

I have driven by this derelict gas station for many years, and always thought it would make a good subject for a photograph.  During the years, I've watched the building deteriorate even more.  There once was a roof which covered the rusty gas pumps.  That fell down after a couple of heavy snow storms.  The big sign on the front of the building was added fairly recently which further detracts from the pictures I had originally envisioned here.   I'm not sure exactly what project is being performed here, but someone must be looking out for the place.  They're certainly not repairing the site, nor are they completely demolishing the site.  I'm not sure how much longer this building and pumps will last here, which makes it even more important to take the photos when you can and not think you'll come back at a later time.  Things will change, and the shot you had imagined will have been lost.

Mystic River

Mystic, CT

Along  Interstate-95, just before the exit for the town of Mystic, CT there's a scenic overlook.  I've stopped here many times  at various times of the day and times of the year trying to capture a pleasing scene.  This particular time I thought the clouds made for quite a dramatic back drop to the Mystic River.  

Foot Bridge

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

Sunset Reflection

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

I'm linking this to Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Enjoy the last weekend before Christmas.  I hope everyone's shopping is done. 

Long Island Sound Sunset

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

Hydrant

Mineola, NY

I follow a number of blogs and there are a few of them with a penchant for posting pictures of fire hydrants.  They do a much better job of making the common fire plug look interesting.  Having seen those posts, I can't walk by one now without thinking about a possible photo opportunity.  I hope this one is worthy of posting here.  

Sand Bar

Rocky Neck State Park, Nianitic, CT

Buried Bench

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic, CT

Followers of my blog know that I've posted pictures in the past of interesting park benches I've found during my walks.  Something tells me that this bench is not supposed to be buried up to the seat in sand.   Obviously this is the result of hurricane Sandy,  but not nearly as bad as some of the damage caused by this storm.