Sacred Ground

McCook Point Park, Niantic, CT

The Nehantic (Niantic) Indian Tribe was one of many tribes that inhabited southern New England during European settlement in the 1600's.  They were an Algonquin speaking tribe closely related to their neighbors, the Pequots, Mohegans, Montauk and Narragansett.  Due to the incursions of the Pequot tribe, the Nehantics were split into two divisions with the Western Division becoming subject to the Pequots, while the Eastern Nehantics were absorbed into the Narraganset.  After the Pequot War of 1636 there were only about 100 members of the tribe left and they merged into the Pequots and Mohegans.  They were declared extinct in 1870 and their reservation sold.  Their burying ground was sold shortly thereafter and is now a part of the Crescent Beach Community of East Lyme, CT.  Many of the remains discovered here were re-interred in Union Cemetery in East Lyme.  Local construction has uncovered remains as late as 1988 around this area.  I'm sure there must still be Nehantic blood in today's Pequots, Narragansetts, and Mohegans.  

Cow Train

Buttonwood Farms, Griswold, CT

Buttonwood Farms

Griswold, CT

This was one of the first treasures of southeast Connecticut to which I was introduced during a house hunting trip back in 2003.  We purchased a house not too far from here back then, and would frequent Buttonwood Farms often during their season from March until the end of October.  We have stopped here for ice cream on October 31, their last day of the season.  Now, however, we don't live quite as close, but we still manage to get up here a couple of times for ice cream.  It's that good and worth the drive. 

Ford Coupe

Griswold, CT

This Ford was parked close to yesterday's Thunderbird.  I assume from the license plate this is a 1937 Ford.  Another classic.  I love the grill work in these old cars. 

Ford Thunderbird

Griswold, CT

A classic car, probably a 1955 or 1956.  I'm not really sure.  If so, that would also make me an antique. 

Abbott's

Noank, CT

If you like lobster, you owe it to yourself to visit Noank, CT and stop in at Abbot's Lobster in the Rough.  My wife and I make it a point to visit here at least once or twice a summer to partake in one of their famous hot lobster rolls.  The place isn't very fancy, and is rather difficult to find, but it is the place to come for lobster here in southeast Connecticut.  Not only are the meals good, but you can sit outside to enjoy the sunset and the views of Long Island Sound.  It's a great way to spend a summer evening.

Truck and Barrel

Saltwater Farms Winery, Stonington, CT

Two More

Mystic, CT

The Wallace Foss

Mystic, CT

Built in Tacoma, Washington during the Alaskan Gold Rush in 1897, the Wallace Foss, served as a tugboat for over 50 years in the Pacific Northwest.  Since its retirement, it is being maintained as an outstanding example of the historic tugs which served the Pacific Northwest. 

Boat Parade

Mystic CT

Each summer, Mystic Seaport hosts a classic boat rendezvous.  A number of rare and antique boats spend the weekend at the seaport and when they leave on Sunday,  all the participants parade down the Mystic River.  Leading the parade of antique boats is the Mystic Fire Department's fireboat with its water cannons making for quite a display.  Following closely behind is Mystic Seaport's steamboat "Sabino".  This boat operates regularly during the summer season offering cruises along the Mystic River.  The boat is over 100 years old and is listed on the National Historic Registry.

Civil War Memorial

Colchester, CT

Fermenters and Barrels

Saltwater Farms Winery, Stonington, CT

Young Vineyards

The property upon which this vineyard sits can be traced back to farmland established in 1653 by Walter Palmer, a member of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  The land continued to be farmed into the early 20th Century after which time it was used as a local airport.  In 2001 the land, which had become dormant after World War II was purchased by a New York lawyer and approximately 15 acres of the old air field was converted into the vineyards shown here, still maintaining the grassy air strip.

Stonington, CT

The land sits on a cove and is surrounded by water.  I'm sure the climate must have a great influence upon the grapes and wine produced here.  I think they offered their first vintage in 2011, so they're a very young winery.  The tasting room there was once a hanger and has been restored.  The wines produced here are pretty good, and the scenery is beautiful. 

Road Signs

Adirondak Chairs

Niantic, CT

Adirondak Chairs always seem to come in pairs.  Rarely have I seen one without another close by.  

RE-MAX Balloon

Niantic, CT

One of the attractions at the recent "Celebrate East Lyme" festival was this RE-MAX hot air balloon.  They were offering the public a ride in the basket,  all be it a very short, and well tethered ride.  When I lived out in the midwest, hot air balloons seemed to be a lot more commonplace than here in Connecticut.  Perhaps being so close to Long Island Sound and the ocean makes this area slightly more hazardous for hot air ballooning. 

Kaiser-Darrin

Niantic, CT

Parked next to the Ford and Chevy seen in an earlier post was this interesting car.  I had never seen anything like it before.  It's a Kaiser-Darrin, the first car made in the US with an all fiber glass body.  I think only about 400 or so were made, and perhaps there are 350 known to exist.  It's not a car one would see every day.

Hood Ornament

Niantic, CT

Chevy and Ford

Niantic, CT

Cool T-Rex

Montville, CT

It's been a pretty hot summer all across the country.  I've posted pictures of this fellow before dressed appropriately for the season.  It's only natural that at this time of the year that he dons his sunglasses and cools off with his favorite beverage. 

Two Gazebos

Westbrook, CT

Colchester, CT

Classic Reflections

Mystic Seaport

One last reflection of a classic wooden cabin cruiser, nicely reflected and linked to Weekend Reflections, hosted by James.  You can find many other fine reflections here.  Thanks for looking and enjoy your weekend.

Raw Bar on the Pawcatuck River

Westerly, RI

One World and Branford House

Groton, CT

I posted about the Branford House last week.  The sculpture is entitled "One World" and is one of many of the interesting sculptures on display at UCONN Avery Point. 

Sculpture with Hole

Groton, CT

Obelisk at Avery Point

Groton, CT

Pig on an Anvil

Groton, CT

The University of Connecticut at Avery Point is a beautiful campus and features some very interesting sculptures. I'm sure the artist might have a more descriptive title for this particular piece.

Gazebo at Avery Point

Groton, CT

It has been awhile since I've posted a gazebo picture.  I found this one walking around the campus of the University of Connecticut at Avery Point, in Groton CT.  The campus overlooks Long Island Sound and overs some great views.  

Weekend Reflections in Black and White

Newport, RI

I've been posting pictures all week rendered in Black and White, trying to develop an eye for what images work well when viewed as black and white.  So, naturally I had to try a reflection in black and white.  I'm linking this to, Weekend Reflections, hosted by James.  Thanks for looking and have a nice weekend

Branford House at Avery Point

Groton, CT

Branford House was built by Morton Freeman Plant, a wealthy businessman in 1903 at a cost of 3 million dollars.   It features 31 rooms, a two-story fireplace, winding staircases of Italian marble, and paneled walls carved by Italian and German craftsmen.  The mansion sits on Avery Point overlooking Long Island Sound and served as Plant's "summer cottage".  Today the former estate is the campus of the University of Connecticut at Avery Point.  The mansion hosts various functions, and is a popular venue for weddings.

Tree House

Niantic, CT

There's a house not far from me than contains a wonderful garden. The garden contains a wide variety of plants, some manicured walking paths, fountains, and benches.   Every time I walk by this house, I find something new, including this little tree house, the resident of which is very patriotic.