Sunbeam Fishing

Niantic, CT

I don't live too far from downtown Niantic, which is the only village/town along the coast in Connecticut, whose downtown area is right on Long Island Sound.  Just a little east of the downtown area is the Niantic Rivera with its marinas and docks.  There are a number of charter fishing boats that operate out of the Niantic River but not during March.  I'm sure things will get real busy around these docks in another month or so.    

Un-named Boats

Stonington, CT

Notice anything about these boats?  They were moored not far from other boats that I have featured in some recent posts from Stonington, CT.  I'm sure they're part of the commercial fishing fleet that is based in Stonington.  One can tell they're well worn.  What I noticed when I found them is that they have no names, at least not on the bow of the boats.  I've always liked the colorful and whimsical names boat owners come up with when they name their boats, so I felt it kind of sad that they lacked a name.  I didn't get around to view the stern, however, so their names might be on display there.  

Stonington Docks

Stonington, CT

Back Walls

Norwich, CT

Many times the back sides of buildings don't look all that attractive, since they're usually out of sight.  These buildings don't look so bad from behind.  One doesn't see this amount of brickwork in today's buildings, which is one reason, why I'm attracted to this older architecture.

40 Main Street

Norwich, CT

I'm not sure if this building is being used or not.  It does look like it's occupied and kept in good shape.  It was located a little ways up the street from yesterday's old bank building.  Norwich has a number of older buildings which are in the process of being renovated and put to good use.  Then there are some other buildings that are not so lucky.  

Old Bank Building

Norwich, CT

Nestled amongst some of the older buildings in Norwich is this old bank building.  Apparently now it is being used as a professional building. One can barely make out the name of the bank right above the arch.  I think it reads Merchant's National Bank

Norwich Harbor

Norwich, CT

This is the northern most reaches of the Thames River, which has been featured in previous recent posts.  Here in the harbor at Norwich, the Thames River meets the Yantic, Shetucket and Quinebaug Rivers which flow into this harbor.  In the spring and summer months, the harbor is alive with activity catering to pleasure craft of all sizes.

More of the Fleet

Stonington, CT

The sky was overcast, and there was very little sun the day I took this picture.  It didn't make for the best reflections, but I hope it's still worthy of posting to Weekend Reflections hosted by James.  Perhaps in the coming weeks, as spring approaches we'll see a bit more sunshine and some much better reflections.  Have a nice weekend and thanks for looking. 

The Fleet at Stonington

Stonington, CT

Followers of this blog know that I really like boats of all kinds.  I have featured wooden boats, some antique boats and the occasional ferry in some of my posts.  These boats are true working boats, making up part of the commercial fishing fleet calling Stonington their home port.  Although not as pretty as some of the other boats I have featured here, they still have a charm all their own.

Lobster Pots

Stonington, CT

Seen along the docks in Stonington Borough, these lobster pots were stacked, waiting to be put to good use.  Stonington is home to the last remaining commercial fishing fleet in the state of Connecticut.  

Pier

Stonington, CT

Waterfront Gazebo

Stonington, CT

I'm not sure if this can be considered a gazebo or not.  It's not as fancy as the ones I've found in parks and town greens and was found overlooking the bay in Stonington, CT.  Luckily it survived last fall's hurricane.

Oasis Pub and Kelly's

New London, CT

I find the city of New London fascinating from an historical aspect.  At one time due to the natural harbor here, New London was the third busiest whaling port in the world, behind New Bedford and Nantucket.  This of course brought a lot of wealth to the area.  After the decline of the whale trade, there was considerable commercial shipping that came through the port of New London.  I'm sure there is still some commercial shipping to this day, but it's not as important to the area as it once was.  More recently, the city has attracted some large cruise ships using the harbor as a port of call.  I can imagine what the downtown area must have looked like back in the mid to late 1800's with its hotels and taverns   serving all the "needs" of the sailors who worked the ships.  It must have been a pretty rough and rowdy part of town.  A number of buildings remain from that time.  I would guess to say that a number of taverns also remain, updated with today's conveniences with new names and owners, but serving a slightly different crowd these days.  I sense it's not quite as rough and rowdy now a days.

Royal Hotel or Hotel Royal

New London, CT

There are a number of historic buildings along the waterfront in New London.  Depending upon which sign you read and believe, this is either the Royal Hotel, or the Hotel Royal.  I'm not sure why there's a discrepancy but in any event, at one time I bet this was a nice place to stay.

Urban Murals II

New London, CT