Setting the Main Sail

On  the Mystic River, CT  2016

The Crew

Captain Amy

First Mate Eric

We were in very capable hands during our voyage down the Mystic River out to Fishers Island Sound.  We all received the mandatory safety instructions from Captain Amy, while First Mate Eric pointed out the sights of interest as well as some local history.  

Approaching the Mystic River Bridge

Mystic, CT  2016

All cruises going down the river out to Long Island Sound and Fisher Island Sound have to time their departures and returns to coincide with the raising of the Mystic River Bridge.  This happens at 40 minutes past the hour during the summer months.  We set sail at 5:30 PM, which gave us plenty of time to get past this bridge.

The Schooner Argia

Mystic, CT  2016

Readers of this blog might know of my fondness for boats and sailing.  Although I've never owned boat, I rarely pass up any opportunity to get out on the water, no matter what the vessel.  The Schooner Argia is a popular tourist attraction that offers three daily cruises during the season.  Seen here, she's returning from a mid-afternoon cruise just in time to pick my wife and myself up for the 2-hour early evening cruise.  I will be featuring pictures from our sail this week on my blog.

Holmes St

Mystic, CT  2016

Goodspeed's Station Again

Haddam, CT  2016

Indian Sculpture

 Haddam, CT  2016

I wonder who might purchase something like this? This sculpture isn't even wooden, so I doubt any cigar store owners would be interested.  He looks a little weathered, so perhaps someone with a sculpture garden might like him.  I didn't notice the asking price. 

Country Goods

 Haddam, CT  2016

Art and Wisdom

 Haddam, CT  2016

Olde General Store

 Haddam, CT  2016

If you can't find what you need at a general store, you probably don't need it.  

Goodspeed Yard Office

 Haddam, CT  2016

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there.  We are all truly blessed.  

l-r Jen, Mary, Clara ( who celebrated her first birthday this week), Billy (Mary's husband) and Colin

Goodspeed's Station II

Haddam, CT  2016

Goodspeed's Station

Haddam, CT

Just before crossing the Connecticut River on the swing bridge pictured  in my previous post, there is this old train station which now serves as a general store/antique store/collectible gift store.  It made for some interesting photos, both inside and out.

East Haddam Bridge

East  Haddam, CT 2016

This bridge is conveniently located about half way between Old Saybrook and Middletown, the two other cities south of Hartford that have bridges crossing the Connecticut River.  This swing bridge was opened on June 14, 1913 and said to be the longest swing bridge of this type in the world.  The ornate building across the river is the Goodspeed Opera House, home to some very fine Broadway caliber musicals.

Connecticut River Scene

Haddam CT  2016, 

Birch Trees

Gorham, NH  2016

Gorham, NH II

Gorham, NH  2016

Gorham, NH lies about half way between Portland, ME and Montreal, Canada.  The St Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad arrived in 1851 and opened up the entire area to tourism, which is still the major business in this area.  The St Lawrence and Atlantic became the Grand Trunk Railroad then the Canadian National Railways.  Most recently it is again called The St Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad.  The station was built in 1907 and was saved from demolition in 1973.  It currently is a museum.

Engine 7531

Gorham, NH  2016

 I think this steam locomotive is for display purposes only.  Still looks like it could run though. 

The locomotive is a 1911 Baldwin 0-6-0 steam locomotive, which was saved from the scrap pile in 1986.

Gorham, NH

Gorham, NH  2016

At one time this station must have seen travelers arriving to partake in the scenic beauty and recreational activities available in the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire.  Today this building is home to the Gorham Historical Society.  They operate a small railroad museum here with some rolling stock on display.  Unfortunately, everything was closed when I was there.  Even though no passengers arrive by train here, the tracks are still active. 

Town and Country Inn and Resort

Shelburne, NH  2016

My final destination last weekend, after traveling up I-91 and beyond to the White Mountain region of New Hampshire.  I highly recommend the Town and Country Inn.  It is surrounded by some wonderful scenery, some of which is shown below.

Along I-91

Vermont, 2016

Scenic View II

Along I-91, Vermont  2016

Scenic View

Somewhere in Vermont  2016

I took a trip this weekend to visit the White Mountain area of New Hampshire.  Along the way, there were many scenic views where one could pull off the road and admire the view.  If I stopped at them all, I would never have gotten where I needed to be.  The structure in the center is The Comerford Development at 15 Miles Falls, a hydroelectric plant which at the time was one of the largest hydroelectric developments in the country.  It started operations in 1930 with a push of a button in the White House by President Herbert Hoover.  

Tartan II

Niantic, CT  2016

Beach Walk

Niantic, CT  2016

Niantic Boardwalk

Niantic, CT  2016

Into the Mist

Niantic, CT  2016

I don't think I'd be heading out in this type of fog.  It would be easy to lose your sense of direction, even with all the instruments on board. 

A Foggy Day II

Niantic, CT  2016

A Foggy Day

Niantic, CT  2016

Memorial Day in my part of Connecticut was foggy, especially near the waters of Niantic Bay.  It made for some very minimalistic type photos.