Quiet Playgrounds

New London, CT

Jordan Cove

Waterford, CT

This is being linked to Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Please check out that blog for other reflections.  Have a nice weekend, and thanks for looking

Ocean Beach Park

New London, CT

Beaches are quiet and lonely places in the late fall, and winter seasons.  On this particular afternoon, there were a few people walking the boardwalk, but I had the beach to myself.  

Sea and Sky

Ocean Beach, New London, CT

No Wheels

Westbrook, CT

I'm assuming those in authority here don't want any roller skating, roller blading or skate boarding on the jetty.  This was found at the Town Beach of Westbrook,  CT.  I'm not familiar with the beach  and had not seen it before Hurricane Sandy, so it was hard to assess the damages here.  It was obvious there was sand in places where there shouldn't be sand and some erosion of the beach.  I would like to believe that this concrete block is supposed to be exactly where it is and was not moved from some distant place as a result of Sandy.

Hewitt Flyfishing Pond

North Stonington, CT

This is a view of the pond mentioned in my previous post.  It's also known as Gallup Pond.  I've never done any fly fishing, but might pick it up as a retirement activity, just so I can spend some time at this hidden pond.

Two Dams

Waterford, CT

This dam is at the site of an old grist mill which operated in Jordan Village from 1731 until it was destroyed by fire in 1905.  Some structural elements of that mill remain.  A modern woolen mill was built on the site in 1920 and is well preserved and used for specialty manufacturing today.  The bridge connects the old mill site across Jordan Falls, where Jordan Creek enters into Jordan Cove, to a small park.  Unfortunately the bridge is closed and unsafe to cross.  I couldn't find another entrance to the park.  A very similar bridge is pictured below.

North Stonington, CT

This bridge was built in 2007 and crosses the Shunock River and is in much better shape than the bridge in the first picture.  The dam forms Hewitt Pond, also known as Hewitt Flyfishing Pond or Gallup Pond.  It's a popular fishing spot.  The bridge was made possible by the Thames River Chapter of Trout Unlimited.  

Utility Poles

North Stonington, CT

I'm not sure what moved me to photograph these utility poles.  They seemed a little out of place running through the middle of this field.  There were no houses nearby and they were far removed from any main street.  Still it does appear that they can be serviced as evidenced by the tracks, although I didn't see an obvious way any truck could get to this field.                                                              

Mystic River Reflections

Old Mystic, CT

It's been awhile since I've posted a reflection at Weekend Reflections.  I haven't seen that many good reflections in my wanderings for photo opportunities.  Lest anyone think I've forgotten about Weekend Reflections, here's my contribution for this week.  Thanks to James for hosting.  You can find many more reflections here.

Mystic River Bridge

Mystic, CT

The bridge was built in 1920 and connects both halves of Mystic, CT.  It carries Route 1 across the Mystic River.  It's an example of a "bascule"design, a drawbridge having counterweights to balance the moveable span.  Each of the concrete counterweights on this bridge weighs 230 tons which doesn't quite balance the moveable span's weight of 660 tons, but offsets the weight enough to allow two 40 hp electric motors to open and lower the bridge.  Currently the bridge is undergoing extensive repairs, which is best done during the winter months when there is much less boat and vehicular traffic.  During the summer months, it opens every hour at 40 minutes past the hour, backing up traffic along Route 1 in both directions.

Happy Thanksgiving

Jonathan Edwards Winery

North Stonington, Ct

I'd like to take a moment to wish all readers of this blog a Happy Thanksgiving.  

Jordan Schoolhouse

Waterford, CT

This schoolhouse was built in 1740 and is the oldest surviving public building in Waterford.  It was relocated to the historic Jordan Green in 1972 and is maintained by the Waterford Historical Society

Wagon

Waterford, CT

Along with some historical buildings, one can see this antique wagon on the grounds of the Waterford Historical Society.  

Beebe Phillips House

Waterford, CT

The Beebe Phillips House is a farmhouse built in 1838.  It was moved to it's current location in 1974 where it serves as one of the buildings operated by the Waterford Historical Society as a museum.

Church Steeple

Mystic, CT