Back Home Again Day - Day 13 (46th)

Temperatures were very similar to yesterday in that the low temperature was 54F and the high temperature was 68F, still clouds but no rain for a second day in a row.  I did require a gasoline purchase today, unfortunately at the price of $3.839/gallon.  The view from atop Mt Defiance was quite breathtaking as one can see in the photo, the visit to Fort Ticonderoga, and the stop in Bethel, site of the Woodstock Event made it a very good day.
Mileage for the Maine portion of the trip added up to 1953 miles for the thirteen (13) day trip or 150 miles/day, exactly half the average of the Washington portion of the trip.  The total mileage for the two trips combined added up to 11550 miles.
States visited on the Maine portion of the trip were Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont bringing the state total for the entire trip to twenty-six (26).
This concludes the daily entries to the blog until another trip is planned?  I hope everyone who visited the blog enjoyed the photos and tidbits of information from the sites across the United States that were visited.  These four trips that I have taken since my retirement have been both enjoyable and enlightening to me.
I also hope to add some panoramic photos at a later date along with other pertinent data from my trip.

This is the Traveller signing off for now!

Woodstock Music and Arts Fair Monument

This picture of the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair Monument was taken at the site of Woodstock Music Festival at the intersection of Hurd Road and West Shore Road off State Road 17B in Bethel, New York.  I am being so specific here because the address of this site on the internet is not all that clear, at least for me it wasn't.  The Woodstock Museum is located at the Bethel Woods Center of the Arts building off Hurd Road approximately a half mile from the Monument.  The Woodstock Music Festival was a three (3) day event on August 15, 16, &  17, 1969.  I for one had headed out to Indiana for college at that time.  The stage location where the performers sang and played their music was down the hill and to the left of this monument.  West Shore Road to the upper far left in the photo had a bridge constructed above the road where the performers entered the stage.  There were many Rock and Roll Hall Performers here including The Grateful Dead, The Who, The Band, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) and Creedence Clearwater Revival to name a few.  As Joni Mitchell lyrics states in a CSN tune 'we were half a million strong' shows just how big this event was!

Fort Ticonderoga

This picture of the Officers Quarters was taken at Fort Ticonderoga off Route 74 just two (2) miles East of downtown Ticonderoga, New York.  Fort Ticonderoga was originally Fort Carillon built by the French between 1754 and 1757 during the French and Indian War.  The Fort was again used in both the Great Britain & France conflicts and also during the American Revolutionary War.  In May of 1775, the state militia under the command of Ethan Allen & Benedict Arnold and along with the Green Mountain Boys captured the Fort in a surprise attack against Great Britain.  The name 'Ticonderoga' is an Iroquois word meaning a junction of two waterways, in this case a river portage on La Chute River between Lake Champlain and Lake George.

Mt Defiance View

This picture was taken at the top of Mt Defiance located at the end of Defiance Street and to the right up the rough paved road in Ticonderoga, New York.  The view of Fort Ticonderoga (photo center), Lake Champlain, and Vermont (photo background) was quite spectacular as one can see from the photo.

A Back in the US....NY Day - Day 12 (45th)

Temperatures continue to head South as the low temperature dropped to 53F and the high temperature only got to 69F today, but at least the rain decided to take a nap.  There still were some clouds hanging around though as and one can see in the photos.  I am hoping that the last gasoline purchase of $3.709/gallon was pumped today.  This was quite a busy day as visits were made to Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier, Vermont, Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center & Cafe and Ben & Gerry's Cowmobile, both of which sites are in Waterbury, Vermont.  To top it off, a stop at Chimney Point/Crown Point, site of the 2011 version of the Lake Champlain Bridge was made.  Lake Champlain is really a beautiful Lake and I have to say that the people picking the Bridge site here came through on this one.
My plans are to visit Fort Ticonderoga today and if time permits visit Bethel, the Rock Music mecca site.  The final leg of the trip is ending for the Kia Soul today!
Take care!

The Traveller!

Sunset on Lake Champlain

This picture of Lake Champlain was taken from the walkway on the 2011 Lake Champlain Bridge that connects Chimney Point, Vermont to Crown Point, New York.  The New York landscape is in the background.  This is such a beautiful area, it is no wonder that the Bridge was constructed here.  One can really enjoy a majestic view from either Vermont or New York side from this vantage point.

2011 Lake Champlain Bridge

This picture of the 2011 Lake Champlain Bridge was taken from the ruins of Fort St Frederic in Crown Point State Historic Site, New York.  The 2011 Lake Champlain Bridge, which opened on November 7, 2011, is built from weatherized steel that reduces risk of corrosion and does not require paint maintenance.  The Bridge center section of modified network tied arch design is reminiscent of the 1929 Lake Champlain landmark Bridge which was demolished in 2009.  In addition there is a walkway on both sides of the Bridge, very nice indeed!

Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center and Cafe

This picture of the Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center & Cafe was taken at 1 Rotarian Place in Waterbury, Connecticut.  In 1980 entrepreneur Bob Stiller had a really great cup of locally roasted coffee in a small coffee shop in Waitsfield, Vermont and he decided that Green Mountain Coffee should be born.  A year later "The Best Cup of Coffee in Vermont" moves to this location in Waterbury, Vermont and the rest is history.  In 2006, Keurig, Inc. becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Green Mountain Coffee making two great companies into one.  This coffee is the favorite of Bro and yours truly!

Morse Farm Maple Sugar Works

These pictures were taken at the Morse Farm Maple Sugar Works at 1168 County Road in Montpelier, Vermont.  The photo on the left shows the drilled hole in the Sugar Maple Tree and the plastic insert that is used to gather the sap.  The photo on the right shows the network of tubing that collects all the sap from the  3000 plus Sugar Maples used in making the maple syrup.  Vermont is the largest U. S. producer of maple syrup mainly because it has the ideal climate and soils for growing Sugar Maple Trees plus the ideal spring weather that is conducive for good sap flow.  An interesting tidbit of information is that it takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make one (1) gallon of maple syrup.  It is no wonder why they drill so many trees! 

Who'll Stop The Rain... Day - Day 11 (44th)

One can see that Fall is right around the corner as the low temperature dropped to 55F and the high temperature never got any warmer then 71F today, and yes there was rain most of the day.  The hope of getting any better photos of Mt Washington were quickly washed away today.  Gasoline again came in at $3.679/gallon.  I spent the day hiking the two mile trail through Franconia Notch State Park.  As one can see from the Avalanche Falls photo, there was a great deal of rain, I was totally soaked!  The Flume Gorge, even in the rain, is a spectacular site to behold, makes one think just how much more beautiful it would be if the sun decided to show its face.
Tomorrow, hopefully will bring some tours of Ben and Gerry's Ice Cream, Green Mountain Coffee, and perhaps to visit a place where Maple Sugar is made.  The trip will be coming to an end on Sunday, doesn't seem possible that it is almost over!
Drying out!

The Traveller!

The Frost Place

This picture of The Frost Place was taken at 158 Ridge Road in Franconia, New Hampshire.  This house was home to poet Robert Frost and his family from 1915 to 1920 when he wrote many of the poems that would appear in his third and fourth books, 'Mountain Interval' and 'New Hampshire' published in 1916 and 1923 respectively.  There is also the Frost Barn to the left and rear of the house that has periodic poetry readings which are open to the public.  Between writing his poetry, Robert Frost loved to grow both fruit and vegetables.  The weather, however was not conducive to growing these which eventually forced him to move to a new home in South Shaftsbury, Vermont.  The mailbox, not shown in this photo, is one of the most photographed in the United States as it still bears his name on it!

Avalanche Falls

This picture of Avalanche Falls was taken at the top of The Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch State Park in Franconia, New Hampshire.  The Flume Gorge is a natural Gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty.  The Gorge was discovered by 93 year old Aunt Jess Guernsey in 1808 when she happened upon it while fishing.  At that time there was a huge egg shaped boulder between the walls of the gorge.  A heavy rainstorm in 1883 started a landslide that swept the boulder from its place and deepened the Gorge and formed Avalanche Falls.  I can just picture the boulder rolling down the Gorge like a scene out of Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones movie.  Even in today's heavy rain this Gorge was spectacular.

A White Mountains Day - Day 10 (43th)

Temperatures today were a bit more moderate as the low temperature was 69F and the high temperature was 79F, this helped some as the humidity was still hanging around.  There were also some nasty electrical storms, both last night and this evening, including some from cloud to cloud.  Gasoline purchased today came in at $3.679/gallon.  I spent most of the day driving the loop around Mt Washington trying to get a decent photo of the mountain.  Although I was able to snap a few shots of the mountain, my plans tomorrow are to retrace some of my steps from today, hoping to get some sunny weather for better shots.  My plans also include to visit Flume Gorge which I did not find time for today and then to head into Vermont.
Its getting late!

The Traveller!

The Old Man of the Mountain

This picture of The Old Man of the Mountain Profile was taken at the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza in Franconia, New Hampshire.  The Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza was dedicated June 12, 2011 to honor the memory of the Old Man which collapsed on May 3, 2003 from the face of Canon Mountain.  The Old Man was made up of five (5) blocks of broken Conway Granite naturally stacked atop one another.  Through the years, water and frost weathering so damaged the small bench that it could not support the weight from above.  Within seconds all the five (5) blocks came tumbling down only to be shattered in many pieces.  A contest was held to come up with some sort of memorial to keep the Old Man's legacy.  The winner of the contest submitted the idea of seven steel 'profilers' to be positioned on the shores of Profile Lake.  These 'profilers' allowed visitors to again see the likeness of the Old Man gazing over Franconia Notch as is shown in the photo.  I was also fortunate to meet the President of the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Committee, Richard Hamilton who helped explain just what happened to the granite face a little over ten (10) years ago.  

The Mount Washington Resort

This picture of the Mount Washington Resort Hotel was taken on Route 302 in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire.  The Mount Washington Hotel was constructed by a coal broker named Joseph Stickney from Waltham, Massachusetts who opened the Hotel in 1902.  The Stickney family owned the Hotel through 1942 when it was closed because of World War II.  The Hotel became a National Historic Landmark in 1986.  The Hotel is presently owned by the CNL Financial Group, of Orlando, Florida.  This is one beautiful Hotel, especially with the red roof.
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A Foggy Mountain Breakdown Day - Day 9 (42th)

What a difference a day makes as the temperatures just catapulted from a low temperature of 69F to a high temperature of 92F.  The humidity also came into being as well.  The plan was to capture a real decent photo of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge today but the fog was not about to fully dissipate for that.  I finally left Bucksport at or around 2:00 PM.  No gasoline was purchased today!  I spent a great deal of time in Bucksport as has earlier been stated visiting Ft Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory.  The view from the Observatory was spectacular even with all the fog.
My plans tomorrow include to travel up North in New Hampshire to see if I can find Mt Washington!
Night everyone!

The Traveller~

Songo Lock

This picture of Songo Lock was taken off Songo Lock Road in Naples, Maine.  This lock was once part of a vital link in the fifty (50) mile long waterway from Portland Harbor to Harrison, Maine at the head of Long Lake until the railroad came into being in 1869.  This was just one of twenty-seven (27) such locks that were used to freight lumber out and supplies in through the waterway.  The twenty-seven locks were constructed in the canal to compensate for the 260 foot difference in elevation between Sebago Lake and sea level.  Songo Lock remains the only operating lock that now is used to service pleasure boats between Sebago Lake and Long Lake waterway.

Penobscot Narrows Bridge

This picture of Penobscot Narrows Bridge was taken from the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory.  The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a 2120 feet long bridge that connects Verona Island, Maine to Prospect, Maine.  The bridge opened in May 2007 replacing the Waldo-Hancock Bridge, built in 1931.  One can still see evidence of the old bridge in the concrete pylon in the water just left of the bridge in the photo.  Tickets for the ride up the 420 feet Observatory can be purchased at the Ft Knox facility adjacent to the bridge.  This view would have been even more awesome had it not been for the fog.

Cool... Clear... Waters... Waters - Day 8 (41st)

The cool temperatures are still hanging around as today's low temperature dropped to 58F but the high temperature never rose above 64F.  The clouds hung around for the whole day which brought a forty-five (45) minute burst of rain in early afternoon. Tomorrow is calling for a warming trend, let's hope!  Gasoline was purchased in Bar Harbor today for $3.719/gallon, not bad for a tourist area.  I thought that it would cost a bit more!  Today was spent driving the 27 mile Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park.  There were some beautiful sites here, it is just unfortunate that Old Man Sun couldn't out shine the obscuring clouds!
Tomorrow the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and the start of my trek into New Hampshire to see if I can spot Mt. Washington!
Night Folks!

The Traveller!

Atlantic Ocean Spray

This picture of Ocean Spray was taken on the Shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean off Park Loop Road near Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park, Maine.  I had been trying for sometime to get such a shot.  I only wish that the weather would have been a bit more cooperative!

Rocky Coast of Maine

This picture of Maine's Rocky Coast was taken on the Shoreline of Atlantic Ocean off Park Loop Road near Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park, Maine.  I just love this rough and rugged coast, reminds me a little of the West Coast near Big Sur, California.  One can just make out Sand Beach, upper right of photo!

Jordan Pond

This picture of Jordan Pond was taken from the South end of Jordan Pond located within the twenty-seven (27) mile Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park.  The pond was formed by the Wisconsin Ice Sheet or today commonly known as the Last Ice Age some 10,000 to 100,000 years ago.  The pond, maximum depth of 150 feet, serves as the water supply for Seal Harbor residents.  One can see both North and South Bubble Mountains in the background.  This water looks extremely clear, this might be as a result of not allowing any swimmers or pets in the water.

A Lighthouse Day - Day 7 (40th)

The temperatures continue their downward trends as the low temperature dropped to 56F and the high temperature was only 67F today.  The wind was out in full force today but the sun helped to even things out.  I want to add that I saw my first glances of leaves changing today, let's hope I see more!  Gasoline came in at $3.729/gallon, I would guess maybe around average for the trip.  I pretty much spent the whole day in Portland taking a tour of the Portland Observatory and visiting the numerous Lighthouses that lay down their residences here.  I returned to Freeport in late afternoon to see the L.L. Bean complex.  He really put Freeport on the map.
Today Acadia National Park will take up the large part of the day.
Take Care!

The Traveller

The Boot

This picture of Scott's Boot was taken in the L.L. Bean complex off Main Street in downtown Freeport, Maine.  Leon Leonwood Bean, founder of the company L.L. Bean, Inc. in 1918 started this empire by just designing a boot that could keep your feet dry in inclement weather, amazing!

Portland Breakwater Lighthouse

This picture of the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse was taken in the Northeast end of the Portland Breakwaters in Portland Harbor off Pickett Street in South Portland, Maine.  The original Lighthouse, built in 1855, was designed along with the 2500 foot breakwater to help weather storms that in 1831 severely damaged the area.  The 30 foot Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, commonly known to locals as "Bug Light", was deactivated and the light extinguished in 1942.  In 1989 the City of Portland received federal and state funds along with local donations to restore the Lighthouse to the condition one sees today.

Portland Head Light Lighthouse

This picture of the Portland Head Light Lighthouse was taken off 1000 Shore Road on the rocky shore of Portland Harbor in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.  This Lighthouse, the oldest in the state of Maine, was completed in 1791 under George Washington's administration, who appointed Captain Joseph Greenleaf as its first keeper.  Today the Lighthouse stands 80 feet above ground and marks the entrance to the Portland Harbor.  This is one of the most photographed Lighthouses in the United States, one can see why!

Forty-nine (49) and Counting Day -Day 6 (39th)

The temperatures continue to slide as the low dropped to 59F and the high rose to only 72F today.  It was still a very good day for the weatherman though, as the sun peaked through the clouds a great deal of the day.  Gasoline, nope didn't need any!
The visit to Minute Man National Park brought new awareness to me on the Revolutionary War.  The twenty-five (25) minute film at the Visitor Center was very informative and well done.  The drive up Interstate 95 through New Hampshire and Maine brought new light to the term wind.  Speaking of the word Maine, remember that was one of the two (2) remaining states that I had not visited.  Now only Alaska is in my way!
My plans today include backtracking a wee bit to Portland and then on to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, can't wait!
Going to dress a bit warmer today!

The Traveller!

Sunset on Back Cove

This picture of the sunset was taken of Back Cove at around 6:45PM near Eastern Promenade in Portland, Maine.  I was given the tip by a local that this would be a great opportunity for a sunset picture.  Needless to say, he was right on!

North Bridge

This picture of the North Bridge was taken along the Battle Road between Lexington and Concord in Minute Man National Park at the Concord River near Concord, Massachusetts.  The North Bridge is  a reconstructed Arched Bridge where the original was flat across the River.  This was the point at where the colonists fired the first ordered shots on the British.  Ralph Waldo Emerson immortalized this in his writing of The Concord Hymn "Shot heard round the world" verse.

Walden Pond

This picture of Walden Pond (Thoreau Cove) was taken off Walden Street near the cabin site of Henry David Thoreau just outside of Concord, Massachusetts.  This was the one of the inspirations that Henry David Thoreau wrote about in his book, Walden; or, Life In the Woods during the two (2) year, two (2) month, and two (2) days he spent in a cabin he built near here amidst woodland owned by his mentor Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Although not quite as quiet (numerous swimmers and kayakers) as when he was here, it is a beautiful place.  The cabin site is just behind me up the hill.  To get to this place one has to take Ridge Path trail of a little over one half mile through the woodlands.

Paul Revere Capture

This picture of Paul Reveres capture site was taken along the Battle Road between Lexington and Concord in Minute Man National Park, Massachusetts.  It was at this point at 1:30 in the morning of April 19, 1775 that Paul Revere was captured by the British as he and two comrades were alerting residences between Lexington and Concord that the British were coming, thus ending the midnight ride of Paul Revere.  Paul Revere was later released, however.  William Dawes and Dr.Samuel Prescott, his two comrades, avoided capture, however, and completed their task. 

Please Come To Boston..... Day 5 (38th)

I am sure getting use to these nice days, although a bit cooler this morning, low of 61F, the temperature did rise to a pleasant 75F.  The clouds didn't show up until late afternoon, pretty good day!  Gasoline purchased today came in at $3.599/gallon, like that!
It was just a beautiful day to visit Boston as I spent a great deal of time just walking the Freedom Trail and visiting the sites of Boston as one can see in the photos.  Boston has something for everyone!
My plans are to visit Minute Man National Historic Park, Walden Pond, and to start my journey into one of two remaining states I have not been to, Maine.
Later!

The Traveller!

Bunker Hill Monument

This picture of the Bunker Hill Monument was taken at 43 Monument Square in Boston, Massachusetts.  The Battle of Bunker Hill, actually fought here on Breed's Hill, June 17, 1775, was the first military confrontation of the Revolutionary War.  Lets say it was a great moral victory for the Patriots against the British!  The Monument reminds me of a mini Washington Monument with 294 steps to the top, no elevator though.  The Monument itself soars skyward 221 feet.

Pleasure Bay Park

This picture of Pleasure Bay was taken in Pleasure Bay Park on Castle Island at Day Boulevard in South Boston, Massachusetts.  Because the Bay is fully enclosed by the Head Island Causeway and thanks to the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority, the water quality is consistently high.  The walk around this Bay is breathtaking!

Downtown Boston

This picture of downtown Boston was taken looking across the Fort Point Channel of the Charles River.  The Fort Point Maritime Channel is what separates the South Boston from Downtown Boston.  When one thinks of Boston water is surely to be seen in any one or many different directions.  Quite beautiful!

Presidents John and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces

This picture of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces was taken at 133-141 Franklin Street in Quincy, Massachusetts.  These Birthplaces are the nations oldest Presidential birthplaces.  They stand on their original foundations, President John Quincy Adams Birthplace on the left and President John Adams on the right background.  The houses have been refurbished to some extent, however.  Just a note for the readers, the Adams family descendants have annual reunions which just happened to be September 7, 2013, the day of my visit.

A JFK Day - Day 4 (37th)

I first wish to express my apologies to my family, friends, and readers for not completing all of the September 6th blog posts.  Seems that there was some kind of internet problem last evening on my PC.
This was yet another beautiful day as the sun shown brightly and the temperatures extremes were a low of 64F and a high of 75F.  No gasoline purchases today, nothing wrong with that!  I spent a most delightful day at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.  This place was awesome, it is a must see folks! 
My plans include traveling into downtown Boston, Adams Historical Site, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution and whatever else catches my eye.
Loving Boston!

The Traveller!

The Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House

This picture of the Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House was taken at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  The Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House was built in 1759 by Major John Vassall, Jr. and family who occupied the House until 1774 when they were forced to flee to England on the eve of the American Revolution.  From July of 1775 to March of 1776, the House was used as a home and Headquarters of General George Washington, Commander of the Continental Army and his wife Martha.  It wasn't until 1791 that the House developed its present grandeur when Andrew and Elizabeth Craigie bought the House and owned the House until 1841.  In July 1843, Henry Wadsworth and his new bride Fanny Appleton was given the House as a wedding gift by her father.  The House was kept in the family until 1920 when the doors were open to the public.  Whew, A lot of History!

John F. Kennedy National Historic Site

This picture of President John (Jack) F. Kennedy's Birthplace was taken at 83 Beals Street in Brookline, Massachusetts.  Following their wedding in 1914, Jack's parents, Joe and Rose Kennedy, moved into their first home here at Beals Street.  At that time it was the last house on the sycamore lined street.  Four (4) of their nine (9) children were born here including Jack in 1917.  In 1920 the Kennedys moved from this location to a larger residence to accommodate their ever increasing family.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

This picture of the JFK Presidential Library and Museum was taken on 220 Morrissey Boulevard at Columbia Point, in Boston, Mssachusetts.  The JFK Library and Museum, designed by I.M.Pei, traces the history of JFK from the time he was a boy to his death in 1963.  There is a 17 minute movie from birth till late 1950s when he decided to run for the President of the United States.  The remaining years of his life is told through exhibits and displays including, Kennedy-Nixon debates, Inauguration, Presidency with a special exhibit on the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.  This is a must see folks!

A Coastal Day - Day 3 (36th)

Temperatures are starting to head South here in September as the low temperature was 61F and the high temperature only rose to 74F today.  It was overcast for most of the day, but again no rain.  Gasoline purchased today was at $3.699/gallon, much better than yesterdays price!  It again was a busy day as I spent a great deal of time in Newport (quaint town), Rhode Island, spent a short time at Whaling Museum (closed at 5:00 PM) in New Bedford , Massachusetts, and completed the day visiting Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Tomorrow my plans are to spend time in downtown Boston visiting JFK Library and then head out to the outskirts for JFK and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow National Historic Sites.
Until Then!

The Traveller!

Plymouth Bay

This picture of Plymouth Bay was taken off Water Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  I thought this made a pretty picture as the sun reflected off the boats buoyed in the bay.  Just a peaceful way to end the quite busy day!

Plymouth Rock

This picture of Plymouth Rock was taken at the Memorial Monument on Water Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Plymouth Rock has always been a symbol for the potential the Pilgrims saw upon their arrival here in December of 1620.  It wasn't until over 120 years later from when the Pilgrims landed here that the Dedham granite boulder became what it is today, a solid, steadfast, and everlasting icon for the birth of this nation.

Fort Adams

The picture of Fort Adams was taken at the end of Adams Road in Fort Adams State Park, Newport, Rhode Island.  Fort Adams is the largest Coastal Fortification in the United States, as the photo shows.  The Fort, built between 1824-1857, was originally intended to protect the entrance of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor.  French military engineer Simon Bernard, a former aide-de-camp of Napoleon,  designed the Fort.

The Breakers

This picture of The Breakers was taken at 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island.  The Breakers was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family who built their family fortune through the shipping and railroad businesses.  The mansion was completed in 1895 and although about one third the size of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, I actually think it was more prudently designed.  This photo is taken of the rear of the Estate as it overlooks Easton Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

A Gorgeous Day - Day 2 (35th)

This was one of the most beautiful days ever as the low temperature was 71F and the high rose only to 77F.  There was nary a cloud in the azure blue sky.  Gasoline was not on my most popular list of things today however, as the price clocked in at $4.059/gallon, this was definitely one if not the highest on the trip.  There was definitely a lot of walking on this day as one of the local residents took me on a tour of the Breakwater area in Old Saybrook.  I would like to send out a special thank you to her!  It was a very busy day.
My plans include visiting Newport, Rhode Island, New Bedford, Massachusetts, and hopefully get to see Plymouth Rock at Quincy Bay.
Keep Sailing!

The Traveller!

Katharine Hepburn House

This picture of Katharine Hepburn House was taken off Nibang Avenue in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.  This house was her place of residence until her death in 2003.  One can see part of the golf course in the area in foreground.  I might add that one of the local residents took me on a tour of the area as most of the area is on private property.  A special thanks goes to her!

Lynde Point Lighthouse

This picture of Lynde Point Lighthouse was taken at the point where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound.  The 65 foot Lynde Point Lighthouse, also known to the locals as Saybrook Inner Lighthouse, was reconstructed in 1838 because the original tower was too short.  The Lighthouse is presently run by the U.S. Coast Guard.  In 1886, the Saybrook Point Lighthouse, also known to the locals as Saybrook Outer Lighthouse, was constructed at the end of the breakwater wall.  The Saybrook Point Lighthouse was the one shown in an earlier photo (Long Island Sound).

Long Island Sound

This picture of Long Island Sound was taken along Route 154, also known as Maple Avenue, opposite  Seacrest Road at Old Saybrook, Connecticut.  One can see what I call a sculptured Seawall and in the distance to the right Saybrook Point Lighthouse.  The drive on Route 154 was just breath taking.

Black Rock Fort

This picture of Black Rock Fort was taken at what is now called Ft Nathan Hale at the South end of Woodward Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut.  Black Rock Fort was erected in 1776 by the Colonists to protect the Port of New Haven from the British.  In 1779 the British, commanded by General William Tryon captured Black Rock Fort with its eighteen (18) defenders after the Colonists ran out of ammunition.  The British burned the barracks and then left.  In 1807, the abandoned fort was reconstructed as Fort Nathan Hale.

Ft Nathan Hale Drawbridge

This picture of a Civil War Drawbridge was taken at Ft Nathan Hale, also known as Ft Hale Park, at the South end of Woodward Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut.  Ft Hale Park is a National Historic Landmark highlighting the American Revolution, War of 1812, and Civil War and as this individual found out is open from Memorial to Labor Day only.  As a result a self tour was taken.  This Drawbridge, originally built in 1865, is a 1976 reconstructed Civil War Drawbridge that instead of moving upwards, retracts back onto the road on what appears to be railroad ties.  Quite unique, I'd say!

Reminiscing the Past Day - Day 1 (34th)

The temperatures have come down quite a bit from the triple digits experienced in the mid west days of the West Trip, the low temperature was 63F and the high temperature was 75F.  It was pretty much overcast all day but hardly any rain.  Gasoline was purchased once today at $3.779/gallon, about average for the trip.  Today was spent traveling back in time to my youth.  Seems ages ago now!
The Long Island Sound, Connecticut side is the area that is on the agenda tomorrow.
Night folks!

The Traveller!

Near The Wedding of the Waters

This picture of the Delaware River was taken on the Eastward heading On Ramp of Route 17 just East of Hancock, N.Y.  The vegetation has really grown up on and around the River.  One can only suspect that there has been a lot of rain for the river to be brown in color as shown in photo.  A month from now the Catskill Mountains will be just radiating of colors of reds, orange, yellows, as well as the greens.  Hopefully, I will be bringing to you some of those colorful photos later in the trip.

Ex-Home of a Blogger

This picture shows what was once the home of one of your favorite bloggers.  Some of the changes that have been made since the good old days are new siding, new windows, window cover on bay window, satellite dish, and the removal of the side door on the front porch.  The vegetation around the perimeter of the house has also grown up quite a bit as well.  Still the Same!

Gateway to the Upper Delaware - Town Square

Can anyone guess where this picture was taken?  It was once the site of at least a Victory Market, a Parking Lot, and a Gasoline Station.  I am sure there were additional structures as well but they escape me at the moment.  The Town Square as it is called today is quite an improvement to the area from what it was in the past.