Pivot and Pause in New England
A Photographic Journal of Opportunities
I am sucker for a good sunset. Gulf Beach in Milford is a resident only parking beach but in the Fall the sunsets a bit earlier and parking is open.
A year ago today, before this blog, is when I went. A reminder of the pandemic times on display to keep everyone safe at entry.
I certainly get exercise when I go to this small beach as I run beneath and on top of the boardwalk to find unique perspectives of the colors and shadows of the setting sun.
September 30, 2020
Inspiration can come from a variety of places. If you pause and take in your surroundings suddenly “it” appears.
While focused on work I received a message from a beautiful young colleague sharing a song she wrote, sings and compiled – Human Doing. It immediately made me relax and reset and I was better prepared for the rest of my day.
Her message is to pause and do nothing, I have found that’s the only way to see the sparkling hearts in the sea. Listen to her message in the YouTube link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZbqTjcfW8U
At just 30 years old, Devan Tracy, has a great deal to offer professionally and personally. I look forward in continuing to follow her.
I’m glad I paused to listen.
A beautiful just into Fall day in the mid 70s while still awaiting the fall colors, a bike ride along the now available beaches was a good way to go.
I started at Jennings Beach in Fairfield (880 S Benson Road). Once it gets past Labor Day you can park in the lot. I saw the Bridgeport lighthouse from a far and decided that would be my goal for the day.
From there I followed the East Coast Greenway signs along the shoreline roads and biked to St Marys By the Sea. I walked my bike along the boardwalk.
Soon thereafter, I noticed some other bikers turn into an area called Captains cove so I followed out of curiosity. What fun to find all these cute little stores and a nice restaurant by the water. Turns out it was their last day of the season.
Continuing to follow the bike route signs, I arrived to Seaside park. I rode down to the fishing pier and was taken by the twinkling waters, sailboats and boardwalk. Not sure about you but I spy a heart within the plants . . . ?
Now for the rock scramble to the Fayerweather lighthouse. I locked up my bike and started the moderate hike.
Finally made it! I am a lighthouse!
I am also happy to report that there had been graffiti that has been nicely painted over.
I then rode back to Jennings Beach. Route was approximately 10-12 miles with fun stops along the way.
I have enjoyed kayaking from Lovers Leap through the waters into Harrybrooke park and finally made it into the park on foot.
It was welcoming from the point of entry as it sought to create a dedicated mile for a peaceful walk for its residents.
The park offers dedicated pavilions for events as well as a large lawn with picnic tables. On the day of my visit the lawn was flooded from the rains but offered fun pictures of the submerged playground equipment and trees with the geese swimming by.
The former estate home is now a museum and is also available for rentals. It overlooks still river falls which I have admired from my kayak excursions.
Should you wish to have a peaceful picnic after a hike at Lover’s Leap next door this would be the spot!
100 Still River Drive, New Milford, CT
Every place you go can turn into its own fairytale if you allow yourself to be taken in by the folklore and step into the tale.
Lover’s Leap is one of those places which I feel even closer to my friend professed her love to her husband with a lock on the bridge.
Not far from the bridge you can walk about 1200 feet to the overlook to Lake Lillinonah where it’s said a princess gave up her life for her lover.
One of my favorite paddles in the Fall is through this gorge which I did last year on this day and there were already colors around.
This was a lovely and fulfilling short hike on Lovers Leap Road in New Milford. Come back for a paddle and/or have a picnic next door at Harrybrooke Park.
https://btographytravels.com/2021/09/25/ct-litchfield-county-harrybrooke-park/
One of the few places I visit in every season is Southford Falls.
Its easy to get to and there is so much bang for the buck.
I almost didn’t stop this time as I thought I wouldn’t see anything new. So not true!
Each time the surroundings are a bit different.
The colors and thickness of the leaves, the sound of the water, the angle of the sun.
The water was pounding against the rocks. The mist was rising and suddenly a rainbow.
I lost myself for a while sitting and being part of this special moment in nature.
September 2021, 175 Quaker Farms Road, Southbury
More background on the site in my original blog last year.
https://btographytravels.com/2020/10/30/ct-new-haven-county-southbury-southford-falls/
Not many of my friends and family have a similar love as I for hiking and kayaking in new places with a degree of frequency.
One thing I have learned is to not let that stop me from doing something I enjoy. I still love my family and friends but it’s ok to pursue your interests and hobbies and connect with new people.
Most especially during these pandemic and disconnected times I very much enjoy finding “common ground” in hobbies rather than politics and vaccinations.
With that said, I had my first experience night hiking on a perfectly clear evening with a lovely anticipated sunset and the harvest moon.
Fortunately I had great confidence in the guides from the moment I arrived – Steffan and David. I have gotten lost in smaller hikes and have also heard coyote howls in an at dusk experience with a friend so I was wary. I even carried my kayak whistle with me just in case. It was also comforting to have Lobo the dog around with his lovely owner.
When we got to the overlook to see the sunset it was shared that there’s also a cave beneath the overlook. Mmm . . . I hate feeling closed in. . . Rough terrain to navigate and it’s getting dark. . . The colors in the clouds are getting more pronounced . . . So easy to convince myself not to do it. GO!
The whole evening was so close to not happening for me. Yes it was an hour and a half away, yes it was a work night, no I wasn’t familiar with the town nor the mountain trail and yes it was 5 miles with likely most if not all younger then me!
Yes. . . No. . . GO! I’m so pleased I went.
Side story: We got wind that there was a search and rescue going on for an unrelated party while we were hiking and when we got back to the bottom we found many fire trucks. They were found and ATVs went to rescue them.
What an adventure!
Knock, knock, I’m looking for the great and powerful wizard!
Remember to bring out the wizard in you!
You’re stronger than you may think.
Share your wisdom; strengthen it by learning from others.
Enjoy yourself through the journey.
Saville Dam, Barkhamsted, CT, September 2021
On September 18, 2021 there was an open Farms day in Granby which fostered a day of patronizing the local growers of the area.
They had a detailed map and calendar of the day events and while it was my first time, my understanding is that this is an annual event.
Nice environment with decent wines. You can bring your own picnic and they periodically have outdoor music.
Cool stop to see all the tobacco hanging mostly used for cigar wrappers.
Learned that Hemp is the second fastest growing plant only behind Bamboo
While I don’t frequent nurseries, this one was more of a landscaped park!
Has an apple orchard, farm animals and a full service cafe.
In addition to the great garlic had beautiful vegetables and some fruit.
Up the road from the Vineyard, offered a bakery with fresh soups.
A place where wishes may just come true.
My any season choice visit to a series of waterfalls is this one.
Set inside Ender State Forest in Granby, CT is this magical walk beside a series of waterfalls.
Each visit has offered me a magical experience when I allow myself to immerse into my surroundings.
I’ll keep this blog to few words so you can experience the walk with your own thoughts.
A slow pace offers opportunity to share in the spider’s view of the sun’s rays upon the mossy rocks.
The twinkling waters remind me that the day is coming to a close.
As I balanced on a rock to capture the sun’s reflection on the water I thought to make a wish or two as they may just come true.
It’s a short hike and easy if you stay on their designated stair path. Some of the shots did venture off path a bit. For that please consider proper footwear.
Parking lot is on Barkhamsted road about a 1/4 mile past the lot GPS would direct you to.
My visit after a snow fall in Winter 2021 is linked below.
https://btographytravels.com/2021/02/12/ct-hartford-county-granby-enders-falls-winter-hike/
Pivot and Pause in New England