Vintage Montauk Neon

Montauk, NY

Have you ever noticed that the older neon signs, never completely light up?  I think it adds to their charm. 

Montauk Beach

Montauk, NY

I've always liked walking a beach early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Ledge Light

New London, CT

Ledge Light, located at the mouth the Thames River has been a subject of my photos and posts here before.  I never seem to get quite close enough, even on the ferry, to take  what I would consider to be an adequate photo.  I do like how Ledge Light is silhouetted against the early morning sun in this photo.

Electric Boat

New London/Groton CT

Across the river from New London is the city of Groton, known as the Submarine Capitol of the World, since the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corp is located there.  EB has been building and repairing submarines for the US Navy since 1900.  Many of the current nuclear submarines in the Navy were built right here.  Currently under construction here are the latest fast attack submarines known as "Virginia Class" submarines.  I'm not sure which submarine is currently under construction here, but my best bet would the SSN786 Illinois.  

New London Harbor

New London, CT

One sees New London with a whole new perspective from the deck of a ferry.  The Coast Guard Barque Eagle was in port this weekend.  Looking closely you might be able to see the Shore Line East commuter train located in front of the red, brick Union Station.  One can see cars in a nearby parking lot.  I really needed an airplane in this photo so I could show all four modes of transportation, but I had to settle for only three.  

Off to Orient Point

Just in the nick of time at 7:58 AM according to my file information....

Too late at 8:04 AM....

New London, CT

There is no mercy shown for those who arrive late for an 8:00 AM departure.   It's not too bad though, since there's another ferry departing at 8:30 AM. 

Block Island Express

New London, CT

Have a I ever mentioned how much I enjoy riding the ferries?  I find it a very relaxing way to travel, and if you need to get to eastern Long Island from this part of Connecticut, taking the ferry from New London to Orient Point, Long Island is the best way to go.  It certainly beats driving around Long Island Sound and through New York City.  The ferry also provides some unique views of the harbor and the city of New London.  This futuristic, sleek looking craft is the high speed ferry which goes from New London to Block Island.  It only takes passengers,  no autos,  and makes the trip to Block Island in just about an hour.   The photo was taken while I awaited departure aboard the Cape Henlopen, a converted World War II landing vessel (LST 510), which participated in the D-Day invasion.  It makes the trip to Orient Point in a very leisurely 1 hour and 30 minutes.  

Maugle Sierra Vineyard

Ledyard, CT

Our trek along the Connecticut Wine trail ended on this particular Sunday at Maugle Sierra Vineyard in Ledyard, CT.  This is one of the most beautiful settings for a winery that I have seen.  I visited this winery a few years ago, after it had first opened, and met the owner.  He was an ex-colleague of mine who left the pharmaceutical business to pursue his dream.  Since my last visit, he has expanded his tasting room, so business must be doing well. 

Priam Vineyards

Colchester, CT

Next stop on the Connecticut Wine Trail was Priam Vineyards in Colchester, CT.   You can't miss this place with this bright red wagon parked near the entrance.  It sort of looks like an army field ambulance, like the kind you'd see on re-runs of M*A*S*H, but I could be wrong.  In any event, it does serve well as advertisement for this vineyard.  A very modest and somewhat rustic tasting room was adorned with the sign below, which expresses my sentiments exactly.

I looked around on the Sunday we visited, and other than the staff working the tasting room, I didn't see anyone working.

Reflections.....

Mystic, CT

Although the boats here are nicely reflected in the waters of the Mystic River on this particular evening,  and I'm sharing this photo with Weekend Reflections,  I have reflections of a different kind on my mind for this particular post. This post marks my 1000th post on Connecticut Diaries, so it gave me pause to reflect on my photography and blogging efforts during the better part of almost three years now.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this.  I had taken up photography strictly as a hobby and wanted to share my photos with others with the hope that they might enjoy them as much as I do.  Searching for photos to share here has forced me to look critically at my images, and I hope it has helped me become a better photographer. Looking back on some of my early posts, I wonder what I was thinking with some of the photos I shared! I hope I'm doing a little better now.  I have developed a small but avid group of followers who I know only through their comments here and in following their blogs.  I appreciate and value their comments here and have been inspired by their work.  Overall, I would say this has been a great learning experience for me and I hope to continue blogging for at least another 1000 posts.  Thanks for visiting.

Wine Barrel Clock

Coventry, CT

Wood from old wine barrels can be used for all sorts of things, including clocks.  This was seen in the tasting room at the Cassidy Hill Vineyard.

Cassidy Hill Vineyard

Coventry, CT

After a few weeks off from touring the Connecticut Wine Trail, my wife and I had a free Sunday and decided to take in a few more of the more local wineries.  The Cassidy Hill Vineyard is another very new winery located in Coventry, CT.  They produce an eclectic mix of "New England-style" wines.  

Home

Mystic, CT

Having completed her 38th voyage, the Charles W Morgan is now back at Mystic seaport on exhibit. It is well worth the trip to see this majestic ship. 

Whale Boat

Somewhere in Long Island Sound

When whales were spotted, these small boats were lowered into the water with a crew to chase and harpoon the whale. They would then tow the whale back to the ship for processing.  This work must have been far more dangerous than anything seen today on the TV series "Deadliast Catch".

On the Rigging

Somewhere in Long Island Sound

More Sails

Somewhere in Long Island Sound

You wouldn't catch me tending to that uppermost sail.  That's over 100 feet above the deck of the Charles W Morgan.   I guess somebody has to do it though.  Again, the pictures taken on the Morgan under sail were taken by my wife.  I can't take any credit for them at all.  

Docked

Mystic, CT

I almost didn't have a contribution this week to Weekend Reflections.  I've been pretty busy lately, and have far too little time to get out to do some photography.  Fortunately last evening I spent some time at Mystic Seaport,  and there's nothing like a visit to the Seaport to stock up on reflections.   My only problem was trying to decide which version of this small boat I liked better.  So I posted both, for your viewing pleasure.  Have a great weekend.

Under Sail

Somewhere in  Long Island Sound

My wife's comment after sailing aboard the Morgan was that she couldn't stop looking up at the sails. The main truck of the Morgan rises 110 feet above the deck. When fully rigged, there is about 13,000 square feet of sail which enabled the whale ship to cruise up to  8 knots. It is a very majestic sight to see.  

Charles W Morgan's Sails

New London, CT

The Charles W Morgan was featured in this blog when she left Mystic Seaport on her 38th Voyage this past June.  She returned to New London to off load some ballast before returning to Mystic Seaport.  My wife, who works at the Seaport was involved in the 38th Voyage which featured stops in  Martha's Vineyard, New Bedford,  and Boston.  Upon her return to New London, employees were given the opportunity to sail aboard this historic vessel for a day.  This week I'll be featuring some pictures from my wife's sail.  I can take no credit for these pictures.  They were all taken by her.  She is a far, far better artist than I. 

Bugeye

Mystic, CT

More Austin Healey's

Mystic CT

Austin Healey's come in a lot of different colors.  

Austin Healey

Mystic, CT

Bow Ornament

Mystic, CT

This is not one of my usual reflections.  Looking closely at this bow ornament, seen during the recent Wooden Boat Show at Mystic, one can make out some interesting reflections.  You have to look pretty close though.  There might even be a "selfie" hidden somewhere.  I'm sharing with with Weekend Reflections.  Have a nice weekend.

St Catherine's Church

Broad Brook, CT

Broad Brook Garage

Broad Brook, CT

One Man's Art

Middletown, CT

Middlesex Judicial District Court House

Middletown, CT

Preston Ridge Winery

Preston, CT

Preston Ridge Winery is a very recent addition to the Connecticut Wine trail, having opened in 2010. It's a very picturesque spot nestled between some of the ridges which traverse southeast Connecticut. This was our last stop for the weekend.  All in all, we visited 6 vineyards and sampled wines at each over one weekend.  We still need to visit 10 more and there's plenty of summer left.

Downtown Mural

New London, CT

I thought you'd like to see the actual mural that appeared in yesterday's post.  It is quite imposing when is is not seen reflected in the windows across the street.  This is one of many murals that have been created throughout downtown New London, many of which have found their way into this blog.

Mural Reflection

New London, CT

I had posted a picture of this tattoo parlor about a month ago on this blog.   This slightly different angle made for quite an eerie reflection in the window of a giant mural on the building across the street.  As always you can find other very interesting and far less eerie reflections by checking out Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Have a nice weekend and thanks for stopping  by.