Sand Dunes

Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, CT

I haven't visited a lot of beaches in Connecticut, and having lived here for close to nine years now, I would say that Connecticut is not known for it's beaches.  Most of the coast line along Long Island sound is pretty rocky, but there are some stretches of sandy beaches, like here at Harkness Memorial Park.  Still, these sand dunes are a far cry from the dune and beaches along the Jersey shore that I remember as a youth. 

Sister Yachts

Mystic Seaport

These sailing boats were designed and built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., back in 1914, I believe.  They made for a nice reflection during their visit to Mystic Seaport for the annual Wooden Boat Show, this past June.  You can see other great reflections here.  Thanks to James for hosting Weekend Reflections.  Have a nice weekend.

West Garden II

Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, CT

I had visited Harkness Memorial State on a nice day back in January of this year and posted a number of pictures taken that day, including some of this garden. The garden wasn't so green back then, but one could see more of the Italian-influenced architecture back then.  

Fountain Statue

Harkness Memorial State Park

Waterford, CT

West Garden

Harkness State Park

Waterford, CT

Garden Stairs

Harkness State Park

Waterford, CT

I have posted pictures of scenes from Harkness State Park previously.  It's a beautiful state park and each time I go there I find something new and interesting.  These stairs were somewhat off the beaten  track, and bit overgrown.  They lead to what I believe is the West Garden at Harkness.

Split Rail Fence

Devil's Hopyard State Park

East Haddam, CT

Beach at Harkness State Park

Harkness State Park

Waterford, CT

Although this beach seen at Harkness State Park looks very inviting, for some reason, there is no swimming allowed here.  I'm not sure why.  One has to be content to just walk the beaches here, and admire the views of Long Island Sound. 

Stone Bridge

Devil's Hopyard State Park

East Haddam, CT

Not far from Chapman Falls, pictured here earlier this week, is this stone bridge.  I'm amazed at the amount of work that must have gone into building this. I've seen lots of stone walls throughout this part of Connecticut, but this is one of the most impressive examples I've seen of stone work. The bridge was built to carry a local road over a gully or intermittent stream. I thought that there was a hiking trail that went through the tunnel and emerged on the other side, however as I walked beneath the bridge, what little trail there was quickly gave way to mud and wetlands.       

Chapman Falls Pot Holes

Devil's Hopyard State Park

East Haddam, CT

Followers of this blog know about my interest in geology and the various rock formations found throughout Connecticut.  I had read about the pot holes found around Chapman Falls and wanted to see them for myself.  There are some fine examples of pretty deep, cylindrical holes formed over thousands of years by natural processes, although legend would have us believe these pot holes are the work of the devil himself.  According to the legend, the devil got angry after his tail got wet in the river here, and he stormed away very angry, with his hooves leaving these "foot prints"in the rocks.  Today these pot holes are like natural little pools, where people can refresh themselves in the cool water.

Chapman Falls

Devil's Hopyard State Park

East Haddam, CT

One of the main attractions at Devil's Hopyard State Park is the picturesque Chapman Falls, pictured here.  The Eight Mile River falls over 60 feet at this spot.  I'm sure the waterfall is much more dramatic after a heavy rainstorm, however after a couple of weeks of relatively dry weather in Connecitcut, the falls is a little more than a trickle.  Still it's a beautiful spot.

Covered Bridge

Devil's Hopyard State Park

East Haddam, CT

I've posted pictures from some of the other Connecticut State Parks close to my home.  This was taken during my first visit to Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, CT.  This covered bridge is located just below Chapman Falls and traverses the Eight Mile River.  I have not been disappointed in visiting any of the state parks of Connecticut.  Each one I've visited is unique and offers beautiful landscapes, interesting geology, well marked hiking trails, and a fascinating history.  

Boat Launch at Sunset

Niantic, CT

Niantic Sunset

Niantic, CT

I think it's hard to photograph a sunset.  I know there must be some magic settings one can use to properly expose a sunset.  I'm sure I've read them somewhere, but I can never seem to recall what they are when I'm actually out there taking pictures.  I know you can do multiple exposures and manipulate them in Photoshop but I'm not that good at Photoshop.

Lucretia's Spring

McCook Point Park, Niantic, CT

Not far from the Nehantic Burying Grounds there is this marker, commemorating Lucretia's Spring.  According to the marker the spring is named after an Nehantic Indian maiden who waited at this spring/well for the return of her husband from a fishing trip on Long Island Sound.  He never returned. One local businessman traces his Nehantic ancestry through a Lucretia Bogue, who many have claimed was Indian or part Indian.  She was born in 1863 and died in 1952.  I'm not sure if this is Lucretia Bogue's spring or not.