Boulder

Niantic, CT  2018

I think this might be considered an erratic, a large rock deposited by a glacier.  Connecticut was covered by a glacier as recently as 15,000 years ago and boulders like this are plentiful in this area.

I will be taking a short break from blogging as I continue my recovery from recent surgeries.  I'm doing well, but have lacked the stamina to to take photo walks.  I've gone through my recent archives and have published what I consider to be some of the more interesting images.  As I regain my strength, I hope to get out more frequently.  Until then, my posts here will be rather sporadic.  

Trail Home

Niantic, CT  2018

Toad Rock

Niantic, CT  2018

When walking the trail running through our condo community here, once can find this local landmark.  I guess it sort of looks like a toad.  At one time there was a school nearby going by the name of Toad Rock School.

Bench with Leaves

Niantic, CT  2018

Fall Colors II

Niantic, CT  2018

Fall Color

Niantic, CT  2018

Some recent storms brought down a lot leaves and with them a lot of the fall color.  This tree held on to it's leaves.

Yellow Mums

Niantic, CT  2018

Coast Guard City

New London, CT  2018

The United States Coast Guard Academy is located just a few miles north of New London.  There are plans for a Coast Guard museum to be built downtown New London right on the river bank, but just like any project undertaken in Connecticut, it takes forever to accomplish.

Lawrence Hall Building

New London, CT  2018

Still more downtown New London renovation....  

More Renovation

New London, CT  2018

133-137

New London, CT  2018

New London is an interesting city with a lot of history.  There's lots of renovations going on, all the time.  I can't wait until it's all finished

Happy Halloween

Essex, CT  2018

I originally posted this image back in February, but it is much more appropriate today.  Happy Halloween!!

Blues and Brews

New London, CT  2018

Golden Street

New London, CT  2018

Ernies Parking

New London, CT  2018

New London Harbor

New London, CT  2018

By the mid 1800's, New London was one of the busiest whaling ports in the world, being exceeded by only New Bedford, MA.  Between the years of 1718 and 1908, 257 ships sailed from New London on over 1100 separate whaling voyages one of which lasted 11 years!  I'm sure much has changed in New London since 1908, but I can imagine this must be close to what was seen by the whalers upon returning from a long voyage.

Electric Boat

Groton, CT  2018

The US Navy builds and repairs its nuclear subs here.  The Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics is one of the largest employers in southeast Connecticut and they're hiring. That's good for the local economy.

MV John H

New London, CT  2018

I'm sure I've posted images of this ferry in previous blog posts.  The MV John H was built exclusively for the Cross Sound Ferry in 1989.  It is the largest ferry in the fleet capable of carrying over 100 cars and 1000 passengers.

Bulk Carrier

Long Island Sound, 2018

I wasn't close enough to identify this bulk carrier.  It looks very small compared to the open seas.

Plumb Isand

Plumb Island, NY  2018

The US Department of Agriculture once operated a research facility on Plumb Island.  I don't think any research goes on here now, but the island has served as a focal point for a number of "conspiracy theories" on the type of research that was carried out here. 

Plumb Island Light Again

Plumb Island, NY  2018

I like this photo a little better than the one posted on 9/29.  

Tip of Orient Point

Orient Point, NY  2018

Awaiting Departure

Orient Point, NY  2018

We arrived early enough at the ferry terminal to get on the smaller ferry, which was leaving immediately  rather than wait the 30-40 minutes for the larger Susan Anne, pictured to the left.  This got us back to New London in plenty of time for a nice dinner.

Service Station

Greenport, NY 

You don't see classic service stations like this still in use these days. This one has all the modern conveniences but retains a classic charm in my opinion. 

One Woman Winery

Southold, NY  2018

Just like a book cover, you can't judge the quality of wine by the size and opulence of a winery's tasting room.  

Macari Vineyard Tasting Room

Mattituck, NY  2018

This vineyard featured their rose wine.  I wonder who would buy the really large bottles shown here? 

Fermenters

Jamesport, NY  2018

Can't brew beer without these things.  They always impress me.

Jamesport Farm Brewery

Jamesport, NY  2018

This farm brewery actually grows their own hops here for brewing.  

North Fork Trolley

Jamesport, NY  2018

The trolley makes for a good way to get around visiting and tasting wines on the North Fork of Long Island. 

Diliberto Winery

Jamesport, NY  2018

It was hard to tell where the tasting room ended and the mural began at Diliberto Winery.  It was like sitting in an Italian street cafe.  Well worth the visit just to see this mural. 

Palmer Vineyards II

Riverhead, NY  2018

Palmer Vineyards

Riverhead, NY 2019

Our first stop of the day for a tasting was here at Palmer Winery in Riverhead, NY.  The wine industry in Long Island is relatively young, compared to the other great wine producing regions of the  US and the world.  The first winery opened in only 1973.  Today there are 56 producers of wine located on Long Island. 

Greenport Harbor Brewery

Greenport, NY

Craft breweries are popping up everywhere these days.  This looks like it once was an old firehouse.

Jail

Greenport, NY  2018

The jail was built in 1917 and contains all the modern conveniences at that time.  There are three cells, two for men, one for women.  The basement contains a sleeping room for traveling salesmen and hoboes.   It's located right next to a local craft brewery. 

Spirited

Greenport, NY  2018

Drugstore circa 1850

Greenport, NY  2018

Sweet Indulgences

Greenport, NY  2018

Crazy Beans

Greenport, NY  2018

My wife and I had a great breakfast at Crazy Beans in Greenport.  I highly recommend  it.  You can see the people waiting outside, so it must be a popular place.

Claudio's

Greenport, NY  2018

This restaurant is an institution in Greenport.  

Little Creek Oyster Co

Greenport, NY

Bait Shop

Greenport, NY

Camera Obscura

Greenport, NY  2018

One doesn't see one of these everyday.  It was across the park from the carousel pictured in yesterday's post.  It wasn't open when I visited, but definitely worth a return visit to Greenport soon. 

Camera Obscura (noun)

1. a darkened box with a convex lens or aperture for projecting the image of an external object onto a screen inside. It is important historically in the development of photography.

2. a small round building with a rotating angled mirror at the apex of the roof, projecting an image of the landscape onto a horizontal surface inside.

Carousel

Greenport, NY

I didn't get the chance to ride this carousel, but it looks like a year around attraction in downtown Greenport, NY. 

Plumb Island Light

Plumb Island, NY  2018

Orient Point Light

Orient Point, NY,  2018

Ledge Light

New London, CT  2018

New London Light

New London, CT  2018

Block Island Ferry

New London, CT  2018

Recovering from my surgery last June continues to interrupt my blogging and photography.  These pictures are from last May,  taken on a day-trip to Long Island to visit wineries.

Fisher Island Ferry

New London, 2018

Union Station-New London

Enough about me.  Time to return to regular programming.  This shot was taken late May as I awaited departure on the ferry to Orient Point, NY

New London, CT  2018