It’s about finding calm in the chaos.
For me that calm can be found in appreciating the colors of the sunset. Along the Connecticut shoreline there are only so many places that face west to get the direct view. One of those places is Lordship Seawall in Stratford.
I shared in a recent blog my secret of grabbing a hot chocolate and driving my car to a shoreline in view of the sunset when the weather is cold. This happens to be one of those places.
Fortunately on this day in November 2020 it was warm enough for me to walk the shoreline. It also happens to be the day after the presidential election. Today much of the world is waiting for the results and people are at odds watching such a close and contentious race. It felt like the perfect time to find a moment of solace in a sunset.
I gave my attention to the fire of tonight’s setting sun reflecting on the rock-filled shore. The bright yellow sun and the contrasting fiery red rays seemed oddly appropriate as we all wait for the shadows to clear and the new president be declared.
Although only a brief respite, I continued my walk along the shore and down the rose gold stairs through an opening of the seawall which led to raging waters splashing against the glowing boulders and rocks. The waves crashed against the shore beneath the fiery glare of the setting sun with periods of calm. Seemed oddly illustrative of the tumultuous day.
As written in the Lordship Seawall history, “anyone who grew up in Lordship during the 1960s through the 1970s remembers The Wall. The Wall is the name for the seawall which was the most popular gathering spot in Town for the youth. “
I had been to this location about three years earlier where I captured the below.
The link below includes an expansive history of what was once a thriving beach community, just outside the city of Bridgeport, that people use to reach by trolley!
http://www.lordshiphistory.com/SEAWALLwebpage.html
In addition to viewing the sunset there are several restaurants along Beach Avenue. Often packed during the season but with a large outdoor patio, I decided to stop for a drink as the colors painted the sky at Riley’s by the Seawall at 14 Beach Drive in Stratford.
Felt like I was on an island somewhere. I will be back to try something on their food menu.
https://www.rileysbythesea.com/
Enter your email to receive new postings on outdoor adventures, tips and moments of inspiration!
Pivot and Pause in New England 