No. 2000

According to the stats kept by Blogger, this will be my 2000th post since starting back in October 2011.  I think this calls for a little bit of a celebration.  I has been quite a ride since then, and I'm thankful for those who follow and comment.  

Niantic, CT  2017

These are some of the better shots taken during the Celebrate East Lyme festival here in town.  It was my first attempt at shooting fireworks.  Believe me, any decent shots I might have captured are attributed to shear luck rather than any great photographic skills I might have acquired since starting this blog.  As always, thanks for looking.

Kids Always Win

New London, CT  2017

Amphibious Landing Demo

New London, CT  2017

One of the attractions seen during Sailfest was this amphibious landing exercise which was either carried out by Marines or Navy personnel , but  I guess it could also be an exercise carried out by the Army.  All of theses boats worked together to "land" at one of the docks as shown below.  

Mystic Whaler

New London, CT  2017

One can't have Sailfest without at least one sailing vessel.   The Mystic Whaler is a reproduction of a 19th century coastal cargo schooner built in 1967 and rebuilt in 1993.  Today she's available for charters, dinner cruises, and other cruises around the New London area. She has all the latest amenities and is totally compliant with USCG regulations.

Corn Dogs

New London, CT  2017

BBQ

New London, CT  2017

There's no excuse for going hungry at Sailfest. 

Flags and Flowers

New London, CT  2017

Deep Fried

New London, CT  2017

Is there anyone else out there who think Oreo cookies are fine, just the way they are?  

Flower Power

New London, CT  2017

Here's something one doesn't see everyday.  It looks a little prettier than just adding solar panels to one's roof, but not by much.  I'm not sure I'd want something like this sitting on my front lawn.

Sailfest 2017

New London, CT 2017

Summer festivals continued in New London the second weekend in July with their annual Sailfest.  There were over 100 exhibitors, artists, food trucks, etc.  

Acela

Niantic, CT  2017

The Acela train is Amtrak's "high speed" express train that runs along the Northeast Corridor line from Boston to Washington D.C.  It only stops in New Haven in Connecticut. 

LaurinLin D

Niantic, CT  2017

Dresses in a Row

Niantic, CT  2017

SeaWeeds

Niantic, CT  2017

Art Fair

Niantic, CT  2017

Along with summertime in Connecticut there are festivals and art fairs somewhere in the state just about every weekend.  In Niantic the first weekend in July the is an Arts and Crafts Show, along with a Lobster Fest, all sponsored by the local Lions Club.

Morgan Sails

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2017

I've always liked the sight of a ship's sails towering over the nearby buildings.  I've seen this view many times, and have photographed it often.  I think this photo finally captures the sense of scale one sees in person.

Aida and Sam V

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2017

Draken

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2017

This boat is visiting Mystic Seaport for the summer and looks a little out of place docked next to the main exhibits of sailing vessels, which date from the mid to late 1800's and later.  This is a replica of a Viking Longship, launched in 2012.  It can be powered by wind using its square sail and can reach speeds of  up to 14 knots.  When there's no wind, the boat contains 25 pairs of oars, each oar powered by two men.  You can read all about the Draken here.

Two More Beauties

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2017

Best of Show

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2017

This home made boat was awarded "Best of Show" for 2017.  It almost  looks too nice to be put in the water. 

Wooden Boat Show 2017 - Home Made

Mystic Seaport,  Mystic, CT  2017

There is always a fine display of home made wooden boats at the show.  Some have pretty interesting designs. 

Wooden Boat Show 2017 - Murmur

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2017

Murmur is a modern reproduction of the classic "Buzzard Bay 15" sloop originally designed by N. G Herrseshoff and built by The Herreshoff Manufacturing Co of Bristol, RI.  There were 92 boats built with different variations between the years 1898 and 1927.  This model was built in 2009 by Artisan Boatworks  in Rockport, ME and remains true to the original design and materials but does incorporate some of the latest technologies in wooden boat building resulting in today's Herreshoff '15 being stronger and requiring less maintenance.  

Hot on Bank

New London, CT  2017

I'm not really sure I want to know what hot yoga is. 

Sub

New London, CT  2017

The Side Less Read

New London, CT

Sometimes the more important information can be found on the backs of common street signs.  Not in this case.  

Whale Cauldron

New London, CT  2017

This antique cauldron was used to heat blubber  from whales to extract the valuable whale oil which was used as a lubricant and also burned in oil lamps before the widespread use of petroleum products and eventually electric lights.  During the height of the whaling industry, New London was the second largest whaling port in the world, being surpassed only by New Bedford, MA.  Remnants of the wealth brought to New London can still be seen in some of the buildings and mansions that are still in existence today.  Today we no longer hunt these creatures, which were brought to the brink of extinction for some species.  

New London Ladies

New London, CT, 2017

I know I have posted a picture of this mural previously in this blog, but can anyone else make out what the clouds look like in this mural?  Clicking on the picture will make it bigger to help.  I had never noticed the clouds before, until someone pointed them out to me.  I guess that's not surprising. You can leave your guesses in the comments below and I'll post the answer this Friday.  

Happy 4th of July

Mystic CT, 2017

One of the vendors on display at this year's Wooden Boat Show was the company Flags of Valor.  They are a veteran owned and operated company which makes and sells wooden American Flags.  The flags are made by combat veterans.  You can find more about them and their products here.  Have a happy Fourth of July.

Fence with Flowers

New London, CT  2017

Garden Scene

New London, CT  2017

It's hard to believe this garden scene is located right downtown New London.  This is a historic piece of property behind the Shaw Mansion and dates from the mid 1700's.  

Better View

Niantic, CT

June 10, 2017

June 24, 2017

There is a better view coming to downtown Niantic.  Within a week of the first picture, the former convenience store was demolished and work had started to remove the in-ground gas tanks left over from the days when this site was also a gas station.  Plans call for a small park to be put here over looking Niantic Bay, and the railroad tracks.