Low Cost Divorce

Norwich, CT

Reflection Interrupted

Mystic, CT

I'm sharing this "partial" reflection with Weekend Reflections.  Here's to hoping your weekend isn't interrupted.  Thanks for visiting

146 Main St

Norwich, CT

There are a number of older buildings in the historic downtown district of Norwich.  Some have been maintained well, and have undergone extensive renovations.  This one obviously is a work in progress.  Perhaps one day it will look as nice as the buildings around it.

Harp and Dragon Pub

Norwich, CT

This looks like a scene I'd expect to see in Dublin, Ireland, not in Norwich CT.  I'm pretty sure the sign is translated as "A thousand welcomes".  I need to brush up on my Gaelic.

Memorial Day Parade 2014 - Niantic

The Memorial Day parade in Niantic (East Lyme) CT is no doubt typical of parades played out all across the country to celebrate Memorial Day.  It had all the elements of a Memorial Day parade.  Some of which I've highlighted here.  There was the local high school marching band.

Antique automobiles carrying esteemed veterans....

a pipe band....

another pipe band...

By the way, does anyone else feel that bagpipes should only be allowed to play "Danny Boy" and "The Minstrel Boy"?  Our patriotic songs don't translate well to  bagpipes.  Just sayin'...

There were politicians, in this case the Governor of Connecticut,  Dannel P Malloy who was kind enough to wave to me, even though I didn't vote for him.  He is up for re-election this year.

And finally.... just about every local business was represented.  

All in all it was fun time and a nice way to celebrate Memorial Day.

Memorial Day 2014

Here in New England, there is no shortage of old burial grounds dating from the 1600-1700's.  Even though many of the headstones have weathered beyond recognition,  veterans of all the wars are remembered and honored on Memorial Day Weekend.  In many cases, the original headstones have been replaced with newer, more legible headstones so that we can always remember those who have fought for our country and defended our liberties.  The Old Stone Church Burial Ground in Niantic, CT dates from 1719.  There you can find veterans' graves dating from our early wars.  I visited the burial ground today to find the earliest war having a veteran.

There was this headstone for Elijah Smith,  a veteran from the War of 1812, a mere 200 years ago.

Not surprisingly I was able to find this veteran from the Revolutionary War, Joseph Miner.

Surprising to me was to find this veteran, Clement Miner, who fought in the French and Indian Wars, before our country was founded.  He wasn't the only veteran from that war buried here.  

It's nice that all of these veterans are remembered each Memorial Day, even for those wars fought before the founding of the United States.  There might be other veterans from earlier wars buried in other cemeteries throughout New England, but it was somewhat humbling to find these right here in Niantic.  Happy Memorial Day.

In New London

New London, CT

After a voyage of a little over 3 hours, the Charles W Morgan safely arrived at city pier in New London.  There was quite a crowd on hand to welcome her as she was gently nudged into the dock.  Currently she is on display and open to the public on May 24 and 25 as well as May 31 and June 1.  She'll depart New London on June 14, continuing her 38th Voyage which will include visits to Newport, RI,  Vineyard Haven, MA, the Cape Cod Canal, New Bedford, MA and Boston, MA. While in New London additional ballast will be added, and she'll be outfitted with sails.  I hope to see and photograph her under full sail.

Approaching New London

 Groton, CT

The Charles W Morgan is seen here passing two well known landmarks of New London.  The upper photo shows the Morgan as she passes the Ledge Light which marks the mouth of the Thames River. In the lower photo, the New London Harbor light can be seen.  By all accounts, the ship towed really well, and the voyage from Mystic Seaport to New London went quicker than expected, taking a little over 3 hours. 

Dock Reflections

Mystic, CT

The water was so still this particular morning along the Mystic River that it afforded this near perfect reflection of this private boat dock.  For other outstanding reflections from around the world, please visit Weekend Reflections.  It's a holiday weekend here in the US so I'm hoping everyone has a great weekend, no matter where you may live.  Thanks for stopping by. 

Roann

Mystic, CT

The Roann will accompany the Charles W Morgan on her 38th Voyage providing support for her crew.  This boat was also completely restored by Mystic Seaport and is one of the last remaining examples of an Eastern-Rig Dragger fishing boat.

Whale Boats

Mystic, CT

No whaling ship would think of going on a voyage without a contingent of whale boats like the ones shown here.  The Charles W Morgan would have normally carried seven such whale boats on board.  To accompany her on her 38th Voyage, Mystic Seaport commissioned the construction of 10 whale boats from 10 different wooden boat makers from around the country.  All were made to the exact same specifications and were delivered to the seaport last summer.  They were rowed behind the Morgan  as she made her way down the Mystic River out to Long Island Sound.  No, they were not rowed all the way to New London, only to the mouth of the river from where they were loaded onto another boat and transported to New London.  Each of the 10 whale boats will spend some time on board the Morgan during the voyage.

Through the Bridge

Mystic, CT

With the Mystic River Drawbridge raised, the Charles W Morgan had no problems navigating through the channel.  The ship is 113 feet long and 27 feet wide.  The tallest mast rises 110 feet above the deck.  I find it amazing that the ship was built in only 7 months without any written plans.  The shipwrights back in those days just knew how to build these ships.

Approaching the Mystic River Bridge

Mystic, CT

After a brief ceremony at Mystic Seaport, the Charles W Morgan embarked on the first leg of her 38th Voyage, leaving Mystic Seaport for the first time in close to 73 years.  The ship was carefully guided down the river and beneath the historic Mystic River bridge aided by two tugboats, one in front towing the ship, with the other gently pushing from behind.  Her destination today would be the port of New London.  While docked there she'll be outfitted with new sails, and additional ballast will be added.

Charles W Morgan

Mystic, CT

The Charles W Morgan, is the last wooden whaling vessel in the world and has been featured in this blog on many occasions.  The ship arrived at Mystic Seaport in 1941 and has been a main attraction ever since.  Recently a complete restoration of the Morgan was completed taking over 5 years and at a cost of many millions of dollars. On May 17, she left the seaport under tow to be berthed in New London for final preparations before she embarks on her 38th Voyage.  I was able to get some photos of the Morgan, last weekend and will feature additional photos as she left Mystic Seaport this coming week.  

Rockwell Building

Norwich, CT

This "flat-iron" type building was built around 1860 and is named after John Rockwell, a local lawyer who lived with his family at the nearby Wauregan Hotel.  I'm not sure how John Rockwell became associated with this building however.  In 1890, building was the home of the Snell Business College.  Today it houses offices and retail space.  If you ever visit Norwich, try the pizza at La Stella's, located on the ground floor of this building.  It's pretty good.