Courthouse

Litchfield, CT  2015

There is a long history of courthouses in Litchfield, CT, the first having been built back in 1752.  To better serve the needs of the community, a larger courthouse was built in 1797.  This second courthouse burned to the ground in 1886 and was soon replaced with a third structure completed in 1888 on the site of the present day courthouse pictured here.  Unfortunately this wooden structure also was the victim of a fire, destroyed in August 1888 without having conducted any court business. The citizens of Litchfield got smart and built this final courthouse out of Roxbury granite.  It was designed by architect Robert Wakeman Hill and was completed in 1889.  It is still used today as the Litchfield Judicial District Courthouse and is the third oldest courthouse in Connecticut.  You can read more about this courthouse here.

Litchfield

Litchfield, CT  2015

Wandering Moose Cafe

West Cornwall, CT  2015

Right next to the covered bridge pictured in yesterday's post is The Wandering Moose Cafe.  The have some pretty good clam chowder here.

Covered Bridge

West Cornwall, CT  2015

One doesn't see too many covered bridges anymore.  This one is still in use and carries a single lane of traffic across the Housatonic River in the town of West Cornwall, CT.   It is 172 feet long and made of red spruce timbers.  Built about 1864, it's floor was reinforced with a concealed steel deck in 1973.  The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Global Reflection

Kent, CT  2015

I happened across this interesting sculpture in Kent, CT.  I think the artist had Weekend Reflections in mind when (s)he created this. 

Interesting Sculpture II

Kent, CT  2015

There seems to be a theme here with some of the sculptures on display in Kent.

Interesting Sculpture

Kent, CT  2015

There are a number of public art works on display in Kent, CT, including the one pictured here.  There are also a number of art galleries.  I found no name for this piece nor its creator.  

Hidden Valley

Washington Depot, CT  2015

There is indeed a hidden valley at the Hidden Valley B&B.  This is the view from the back patio over looking the valley.  I must get back here in the summer to see this place when it's warmer and green.  

Hidden Valley B&B

Washington Depot, CT  2015

This beautiful home was built by current inn-keeper, Regine Laverge-Schade for her family and definitely has a European flair to it.  The home is beautiful, spacious, and a perfect Bed and Breakfast at which to spend a quiet weekend.  Regine and her assistant, Sam are gracious hosts, and took good care of us.  I felt like I was on a European holiday, and not in Litchfield County, CT.  I highly recommend the Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast.  

Hopkins Vineyard

New Preston, CT  2015

My wife and I discovered Hopkins Vineyard on a recent weekend get-away to explore the northwest part of Connecticut, in particular, Litchfield County.  This vineyard has been in the same family now for over 225 years and was converted from a dairy farm into a vineyard in 1971.   Needless to say, we sampled some of their offerings and walked away with a number of bottles.  I apologize for the poor quality of these photos.  That's not digital noise you see, but snow.... on the first day of spring too!  

Snow Covered Grave

 Mystic, CT  2015

There are many small cemeteries scattered around Connecticut, and the rest of New England for that matter.  Often the plots are small and contain perhaps a dozen or so headstones, dating from the 1700's and 1800's.  Most are family plots and at one time were probably part of the family homestead.    Some are well taken care of while others are slowly returning to nature.  I could not get close enough to this particular headstone  to make out the inscriptions, but I figure it dates from the late 1700's.  I know that this particular cemetery is where a number of early settlers of Mystic are buried. 

Mystic Main St Reflection

Mystic, CT  2015

I captured this reflection during a recent photo walk around Mystic, CT.  I think it merits posting to Weekend Reflections.  I hope you like.  Thanks for looking and have a great weekend.

Painted Bow

Mystic, CT  2015

I guess once boats have served a long life they can retire and become roadside signs beckoning passer-byes to eat at the nearby restaurant.  Only in Connecticut.....

Shoreline East- New Haven Bound

New London, CT  2015

Shoreline East

New London, CT

The Shoreline East is a commuter railroad that provides service between New London and New Haven.  I captured this train just after it left Union Station in New London.

19 Golden St, New London- The Telegraph

New London, CT  2015

Swing Bridge

New London, CT  2015

Mystic River Scene

Mystic, CT  2015

This is a view of Mystic Seaport, taken from across the Mystic River.  There was still a lot of ice on the river when this shot was taken, last Sunday.  

Steamboat Inn

Mystic, CT  2015

I think spring is trying to come to Connecticut.  This past weekend was nice enough to get out for some photography.  I came across this reflection along the Mystic River and thought it would be perfect for Weekend Reflections.  Have a great weekend.

Cove

Mystic, CT  2015

Spirit Gallery

New London, CT  2015

There is no shortage of tattoo parlors in New London.  

Mural

New London, CT  2015

Its seems like every time I visit New London,  I find a new mural.  

Winter at the Winery II

North Stonington, CT  2015

Winter at the Winery

North Stonington, CT  2015

Winter at the Seaport

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2015

I've always enjoyed this particular view at the Seaport... not so much with the snow.  

Hidden Pond

Sandwich, MA  2014

Winter continues in Connecticut, with a fresh 6" of snow falling in the southeast part of the state yesterday followed by record setting cold temperatures for March.  With the bad weather, I have not had much of a chance to capture fresh reflections, so I had to search the archives once again for something suitable for Weekend Reflections.  I came across this photo taken last August at the Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich, MA.  It gives me some hope that spring will come soon.   Have a great weekend. 

Martini Achter

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2015

This racing shell hangs overhead in the Visitor's Reception Center at Mystic Seaport.  It was built in Eberbach, Germany and was won as first prize by the US Men's Heavyweight 8+  crew at the Heidelberg International Regatta in 1973.  The US Men's Heavyweight 8 used this shell to win the 1977 World Rowing Championship in 1974 in Lucerne, Switzerland.  Men's crews from Trinity College in Hartford as well as the University of Washington also won championships with this shell.  After falling into disrepair, it was meticulously restored by boatbuilder Graeme King in the 1990's.  

Fresnel Lens

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

The Fresnel Lens was invented by the Frenchman Augustine Fresnel in 1822.  Using curved panes of glass, the lens was able to concentrate the light from a single source and project that light much farther than a simple pane of glass.  The lenses came in various sizes, designated as "orders" with a "1st Order" being the largest down to a "7th Order".  This particular Fresnel Lens is a "4th Order" lens weighing between 400 and 600 lbs.  It is capable of projecting a beam of light 15 miles.

Benches in Snow

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2015

Seaport Clock

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2015