U.S. Navy Model M ca. 1918

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

1940 Atlas-Imperial Diesel

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

This engine was acquired by Mystic Seaport in August 2012.  Since then volunteers have been hard at work restoring it.  It was fired up for the first time on August 13, 2013.  This was undoubtably the star of this year's Antique Marine Engine Expo and was fired up a number of times throughout the expo.  It weighs about 18,000 lbs., and generates 135 HP at only 350 RPM.  

Hall-Scott Defender Model 2269 12-Cylinder

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

This engine was built in 1938 by the Hall-Scott Motor Car Company.  The only other information I have is that it has 12 cylinders and is rated at 650 hp.  Wikipedia has a nice article about the Hall-Scott Motor Car Company, that can be found here.  From that article, I think these Defender model engines were use to power Navy patrol boats.

Faye and Bowen No. 335

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

This engine is very rare, and could very well be the only one in existence.  It was built in 1905 by the Faye and Bowen Engine Company in Geneva, NY.  It was considered very advanced for its day, incorporating a make-and-break ignition on a high speed engine.  It was designed to run at a fixed RPM by using a variable pitch propeller for speed and directional control.  It certainly doesn't look 108 years old.

Packard 12-Cylinder

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

Antique Marine Engines

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

Each year, Mystic Seaport hosts an Antique Marine Engine Exposition.  Enthusiasts from all over bring out and display their antique marine engines, most in operating condition.  This year I was able to attend the expo and got a chance to admire the workmanship that went into these engines.  There were engines of all sizes running on gas, diesel, and also steam.  It is certainly a labor of love to keep these engines in working condition.  I'll be posting pictures of some of the engines this week.

A Rite of Passage

Mystic, CT

Anyone who has ever worked at Mystic Seaport is familiar with the Joseph Conrad, a ship built primarily for training young boys in sailing.  Today the ship is used for summer camps and hosts hundreds of children during the summer camp season.  At some point in one's career at Mystic Seaport, one must climb the rigging of the Conrad.  This also includes the summer interns.  Pictured here is this year's class of summer interns who look quite at home amidst the rigging.  

Plum Island Light

Plum Island, NY

Just off the tip of the north fork of Long Island, lies Plum Island.  This small island is not open to the public but does have a number of buildings on the island, including this lighthouse.  I think the government operated some sort of secret research facility here, but I'm not really sure.  Of course the conspiracy theorists can probably tell you a lot more of what went on here.

Bake Shop Reflections

Montauk, NY

If you ever visit, Montauk, you owe it to yourself to visit the Montauk Bake Shop.  They are famous for their jelly filled croissants.  On the Sunday morning I was here, people were lined up outside waiting to get in.  Fortunately, by the time I was able to get in, they still  had some croissants and I'll vouch they are good and well worth the wait in line.  I'm linking this post to Weekend Reflections where you'll find many more reflections.  Enjoy your weekend.

Cape Henlopen

Orient Point, NY

I've photographed this ferry many times from the shore and while it has been docked in New London.  I might have even posted a picture in a previous blog post. This the the ferry Cape Henlopen, now operated by Cross Island Ferry Services.  In a previous life this ship was known as LST-510 and is a historic vessel having participated in the Normandy Invasion during World War II.  She looks pretty good after all these years.  I feel a special fondness for this ferry, in that my father used to tell me tales of his service aboard an LST, somewhat similar to this one, I'd imagine.  

Montauk Gazebo

Montauk, NY

It has been quite some time since I've posted a gazebo picture.  I found this stately gazebo in Montauk, just a few blocks from the beaches and the major shopping area. 

Waves

Montauk, NY

I could photograph waves all day long.  Each is unique and provides a never ending source of photo opportunities.   

The Beach at Montauk

Montauk, NY

Montauk has some nice beaches.  This is one of the public beaches located about a block from our motel.  During the day, the beach was pretty crowded as one would expect during a hot Saturday afternoon in July.  The crowds thinned out towards sunset, but there were still quite a few brave souls swimming in the ocean as late as 8:30 PM.  Many people return to the beach just about sunest, not only to watch the sunset, but to build campfires in the sand and launch paper lanterns.  It's a wonderful way to spend an evening in the summer.

A LIttle Bit of Everything

Montauk, NY

I guess if you can't find what you're looking for here.... you don't really need it.

Atop Montauk Point Light

Montauk, NY

While visiting the Montauk Point Lighthouse, I took the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse.  It is not a climb for the faint of heart.  One has to climb a rather narrow spiral stair case within the lighthouse.  There is a rope railing along the wall along the outside of the spiral stairs, but we were told that those coming down the stairs had the right of way, so those of us climbing had to let go of the rope and move to the center of the stairs to allow those descending to proceed.  Not only are the steps themselves narrow towards the center, but there is no railing. It was a rather harrowing experience to say the least.  About half way up, I was having second thoughts about going all the way up, but I continued on.  Once I reached the uppermost level, I was treated to these great views.  One could step outside the lighthouse on a narrow balcony and feel the cool ocean breezes and admire the views.  It was well worth the climb. 

Fog

Montauk, NY

Followers of this blog will recognize this lighthouse from a post of a couple of days ago.  When we first arrived at Montauk State Park, the weather was beautiful.  Fortunately, I was able to get some good photos of the lighthouse and the surrounding area before the fog came in.  I'll be posting some of those images later this week.  As we left the lighthouse, I turned and snapped the picture above.  Already one can see that the blue sky pictured in my earlier post is no longer.  A few minutes later I took the image below. 

From the EXIF date, the two pictures were taken a mere 6 minutes apart.  It gives one an idea how quickly the weather can change along the coast.   

Montauk Sunset

Montauk, NY

Although not as interesting as some of the reflections you can see at Weekend Reflections it the best I can do this weekend.  The setting sun does make a nice reflection, though.  Enjoy your weekend and thanks for visiting.

Montauk Point Light

Montauk, NY

This is the first lighthouse built in the state of New York.  It was commissioned by George Washington in 1795 and completed in 1796.  It stands 110 feet tall and the light can be seen 19 miles away.  

Orient Point Light

Orient Point, NY

Located between the tip of the North Fork of Long Island and Plum Island this light was built to mark Oyster Pond Reef and guide mariners through Plum Gut,  the channel separating Long Island from Plum Island.  It was built in 1899 and stands 45 feet high.  It was once slated for demolition back in 1970, but a strong local outcry saved the light and restored it as a navigational aide in 1973.  It's affectionately known as "The Coffee Pot".

New London Lighthouse

New London, CT

Busy Harbor

New London, CT

Views from the John H-New London

New London

I'll be taking a few days off from blogging this weekend, being rather pre-occupied with some other matters.  I'll return on Monday with some other images of Long Island Sound and Long Island.  Have a nice weekend everyone and thanks for looking 

Inside the John H

New London, CT

For those of us living in eastern Connecticut who like to visit Long Island, NY,  the most convenient way to get there is to take a ferry from New London to Orient Point.  Followers of this blog might remember some posts featuring pictures of the ferry boats operating out of New London.  This is a picture taken within the hold of the ferry John H, operated by Cross Island Ferry Services.  This particular ferry boat was built specifically for Cross Island Ferry Services and is their largest ferry.  It was built in 1989 by Eastern Marine Shipyard in Panama City, Fl.  It is 240 ft long and has the capacity to transport 120 cars and 1000 passengers.   The trip of about 19 miles takes about 1.5 hrs, which certainly beats driving the 206 miles through Connecticut and New York around Long Island Sound to get there.  I'll have to say, it is probably one of the most relaxing ways to travel. 

Across the Bridge

Niantic, CT

Shore Line East

Niantic, CT

One of these days, I'll actually be ready to capture one of the many trains that pass through Niantic on their way to New London and points north.  The Shore Line East is a commuter train that runs between New Haven and New London, with stops at Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Guilford and Branford.  From New Haven it's an easy connection to trains heading for New York City. 

Fishing Niantic Bay

Niantic, CT

One of these days I'm going to break down and get myself a rod and reel and take up fishing.  I think it is a great pastime.  It gets one outdoors and near the water, either on the shore, or better yet, on a boat.  It's relaxing and gives one a great feeling of accomplishment when you actually catch something.  The one reason I haven't really taken up the sport is that I've never really developed a taste for fish.  Believe me, I've tried, and tried to really like fish but I only really enjoy a good tuna salad.  So when I do take up fishing, the fish don't have anything to worry about.  I would just catch you and let you go.

New Beach and Boardwalk

Niantic, CT

Recently Amtrak completed work on a new railroad bridge across the Niantic River, which I've shown in this blog here.  One of the benefits to the community as a result of the new bridge was the creation of a new stretch of beach and a reconstructed "boardwalk".  I think this work was also financed by Amtrak.  The remainder of the boardwalk at the far west end is awaiting extensive repairs to begin at the end of this summer having been heavily damaged by both tropical storm Irene and Hurricane Sandy.

Sailboat Reflections

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

This is my contribution to this week's edition of Weekend Reflections, hosted by James.  Have a great weekend, and thanks for looking. 

Train Car

Essex, CT