CT- Fairfield County- Westport- Compo Beach

I usually chase sunsets, rainbows and colorful scenes. I changed it up and chased the storm. It was cool to watch the clouds overcome the moon and the clear skies.

The rain chased me from capturing the angry waves, birds skirting the white caps and the leaves forming mini tornadoes.

There was a surprising number of people contemplating the same. Several came together to comment and observe as the sky darkened and opened up.

November 13, 2021

CT: Hartford County- Southington- Cava Restaurant

Cava in Southington is definitely worth a special family night or date night.

They offer elaborately dressed and themed rooms in which to dine from their Italian menu.

The food was very well prepared. You are paying a bit of a premium but they have clearly gone to an effort to entertain you in addition.

When it’s nice weather out, dining or drinks on their outdoor rooftop is simply a fairytale. I

also confirmed that the main kitchen meals are nut free which is what I seek for my son. They do have desserts with nuts but prepared separately.

https://www.cavact.com/

CT: New Haven County- West Rock Ridge State Park

I love a loop.

Went left to the Judges Cave side of the park. Blue trail, to teal/white and back on red.

I found kids climbing around and through Judges Cave in which judges were hidden after issuing the King a death warrant in 1649 (pictured below upper right). This named Regicides (the act of killing a King) Trail.

This was a perfect Fall easy walk as it started along a road and continued along a dirt path along a ridge. At the end of the path you teach a baseball field with a rewarding view of West Rock.

Across a small bridge from the baseball field is a contemplative memorial for gun violence with names engraved by year along the path whose lives were lost.

The trail offered several scenic opportunities with a river, teepee, stone walls and stairs.

In a year when the Fall colors were muted, I was pleasantly surprised by the golden forest.

Next time I will try going right to the overlook.

For lunch try Katz’s Deli

I really enjoyed Katz’s Deli for lunch. Everyone was treated well, it was very clean, the food was plentiful and excellent and the waitstaff attentive. Prices reasonable too!

November, 2021

CT: Fairfield County- Stamford Nature Center

I feel fortunate to have the Stamford Museum and Nature Center near me but it’s one of those places that’s certainly worth the drive if I weren’t.

The property is very well maintained and the animals are too! So lovely to see them about in such comforting surroundings.

While they offer many activities for kids, I’m impressed by their efforts to also offer adult events!

Additionally they have a beautiful pond which attracts all different types of ducks that were relaxing all around.

Visiting during the Fall peak of course is ideal most especially due to their offering of beautiful nature trails around the property.

I spent a couple of hours and still didn’t see everything it has to offer. I became a member as I knew I’d return again and again . . . And again!

Had fun with some animal bloopers too!

CT: New Haven County- Meriden- Castle Craig

A 72 degree day in late October in CT and the full harvest moon is to rise on a clear night at a reasonable time.

There’s so much to be done – work, cooking, cleaning and a list of to dos.

But the town of Meriden was keeping the access road open to the Castle on the mountain top. Mmm which means I can drive instead of hike and I won’t need to trip over rocks with a flashlight.

I’m not a photographer so I admired all the tripods lined up awaiting the moon rise and knowing the exact trajectory and time it would appear.

What I lack in camera expertise I try to make up in finding unique perspectives.

As I do, I scurried from area to area trying to find colors through the trees, fun shadows and reflections and take in the perfect evening with the sun to my right and the pink moon to my left.

This affords me a bit of respite to refocus and overcome the challenges of the day.