Being a gal from New York City, I admit, I can be a bit of a city snob when it comes to a nice restaurant.
Restaurant and dock
Seating can be indoor or out, seated or by boat! The environment was very relaxing and the service superb.
Halibut, Paella and Chocolate Molten Cake
The food was delicious and I felt good about going for a lower calorie fish and make up for it with the chocolate molten cake! I paired my fish with a wonderful Napa Valley cab. The staff sought to confirm that everything served met to our satisfaction.
Even the seating outdoors was partitioned and the bathrooms updated to ensure the faucet, soap and towel dispenser was all touch less.
The sunset views were perfect. They must have even sent the swan my way for additional photo ops.
I had a perfect evening. The food, the wine, the service, the environment all highly recommended by this NYC gal.
My work day starts early. I’ve learned to schedule a 10 minute work break at the time of the morning sunrise.
It’s different every day in so many ways:
The time it rises;
The placement of the sun;
The colors of the sky;
The reflections of the light;
the shapes of the clouds.
It rejuvenates my energy for the day to better prepare me for the challenges I anticipate. I keep the image in my mind’s eye throughout the day. I was fortunate enough to capture a piece of that image today and start the new day fresh.
As a Type A, I try to get the biggest bang for my time and energy. Bike riding with scenic views is one of my favorite outdoor adventures. I take the time to map out routes which offer moderate effort rides with photo ops and good food stops. This 10-12 mile ride in Guilford provided just that!
I started at the Guilford green around the library. The restaurants around the green were quaint and plentiful. It would offer a great ending upon the return from my ride.
Directions: Turn left onto Broad St, Turn left onto River St
After turning the corner I couldn’t help but notice an impressive tower on private property.
Pursuant to the Shoreline times, “The water tower, known as Cranbrook Tower, contains a 4,000 gallon water tank encircled by an iron staircase. It was in use until Guilford established its own water system in 1915 and the windmill was removed in 1927, according to the Guilford Keeping Society.” The Guilford Keeping Society adds that the, “Cranbrook Tower is a cylindrical stone tower built in 1869 to supply water to the Chittenden estate at 1 Broad Street. In World War II and 1955, the de-commissioned tower served as an aircraft observation post and was manned day and night by civic “spotters.””
Directions: Turn right onto CT-146 W/Water St, Continue onto Jacobs Ln, Turn left onto Wild Rose Ave, Turn right onto CT-146 W/Water St
I reached Westwoods trail at the Sam Hill Road lot. I locked my bike to a tree and started a short hike.
Not far into the trail I heard loud nature sounds in the marsh. As a NYC gal it took some deduction to realize it was frogs mating! Hundreds of them hiding throughout the water and in and around the logs and leaves. I took a short video clip for recall below and got only one decent picture of a frog. I literally saw about six on top of one another!
Continuing on you reach the overlook to Lost Lake. A wonderful place to pause and reflect. I saw a heart shape in the marsh!
Time to continue on!
Directions: Turn onto CT-146 W/Sam Hill Rd.(left of you didn’t stop at the Westwood’s lot or right if you did!) Turn left onto Old Quarry Rd. Turn right to stay on Old Quarry Rd, Turn right onto Andrews Rd
Turn right onto Old Quarry Rd, Turn left to stay on Old Quarry Rd, Turn right onto CT-146 E/Leetes Island Rd, Turn right onto Shell Beach Rd. Continue onto Beach Rd
This route is basically out and backs to the shore line amongst beautiful homes.
Continue onto Shell Beach Rd. Turn right onto CT-146 E/Leetes Island Rd. Turn right onto Sachem Head Rd
From there I grew hungry and turned on my navigation back to the Guilford Green. Stopped at Ballou’s wine bar for good food and wine and then a cup of coffee around the corner.
It was a perfect Bike, Hike, Drink and Eat kind of day engaging gifts for all of your senses!
Elizabeth Park is a municipal park in Hartford/West Hartford and is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
For one week in the beginning of Spring the Conservancy hosts a springs bulb show in the greenhouse.
As I was in the area I stopped by to take a quick peek. Most impressive was that the original greenhouses were built in 1898 and renovated in 2004.
Just outside the greenhouse is the famous rose garden. I took a picture now in anticipation of my return when the roses are in bloom. it is the oldest municipal rose garden in the United States.
Stone Bridge built in 1905
Beautiful stone bridges and ponds with ducks and geese encompass the park which are the subject of many local artists and photographers.
Boulder Bridge – an engineering feat
While it was still a cool day before Spring there were many kids climbing trees and friends picnicking. I think my favorite spot was by a brook beside Boulder bridge. It is truly an engineering feat to create this bridge with the boulders appearing to be free standing.
Gift of being present
My site visit was a success. I will be sure to return with the roses for a picnic by the pond. I drove nearby to the stores in West Hartford which was a great coupling to the park visit.
For the park set the GPS to: 1561 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford
After so many years, my first walk around the Yale campus felt like a trip to London.
One fun activity is to locate the four secret societies of Yale. One pictured above is “Book and Snake.” Fortunately for me my cousin was familiar with them.
With the pandemic most quads and museums were unavailable to the public. I look forward to the opportunity to return with those reopening.
I would imagine every time one returns there must be a new unique perspective or nook and cranny to see – as grandiose as the architecture or as delicate as the locks in a gate.
We later enjoyed a great lunch outside at an Indian restaurant called Sheerkaan Indian Street food. I had a great chicken biryani which was beautifully presented in a bowl with a naan cooked on top.
While I have frequented Silver Sands for sunrise and sunset, today was a stroll.
A clear blue sky allowed the sun to glow through the wheat grass and reflect against the boardwalk.
Birds directed me to the lone famous tree to share the sun which cast the shadows in the Sound.
Today I spoke with a man who takes pictures of apparitions over Charles Island. You can walk there during low tide. He claimed he sees a cross bar in different positions over the island each day. He feels it is directing him to specific areas around the island.
Each visit I go to the sand bar to see how far I could go. The tide quickly was coming in as I watched the water closing in on my lens ball. After the story I was told perhaps I will keep my distance!
Finding new outdoor adventures and capturing unique photo perspectives has been my respite through these challenging and historical times. What I hadn’t anticipated is the wonderful response I have received and the positive energy it promotes. Introduced in my last adventure, I share another poem written by a lovely young lady with a beautiful free spirit to complement the pictures to better convey the aura of the experiences.
Poem by my new friend, Savannah Lynn Prezioso.
Weight of the world On those shoulders of yours Still all you see Are wide open doors The steady rock For those flailing The wind that sustains Those that are sailing
Pause on the ridge
Though they don’t notice When you need support too Though they don’t notice When it’s too much for you
Spring thaw breaking through
Though they don’t notice No one can hold it all And they won’t catch you When it’s your time to fall
Water falls with nature’s ice sculptures
The patriarchy demands We give and we give And sure it is kind But we, too, must live What does your heart say What do you need Here is fertile ground Let us plant a seed
Rhythm of the Boardwalk
Here is your pulse A rhythm all its own We are all searching For a place to call home
Let the moon soothe you Let me hold you too We will lay on the Earth And just enjoy the view
Thank you Savannah.
The Housatonic Overlook and Tuckers Ridge is in Orange, CT. The ridge is easily viewable steps away from the parking area. Below is the trail map.
The sun took a while to set. It shared so many colors and seemed to brighten further before finally saying good night. I took advantage of its hesitation.
There were many vehicles parked along the Seawall waiting for tonight’s sun. I loved catching the sun’s reflecting in the beach houses.
The water was crashing against the rocks as the colors reflected on the water. Then of course there was the lighthouse in the other direction responding to the sun’s advances. I was pleased to capture its light.
I decided to play with my lens ball to capture the full scene. I laid it on the stone wall facing the sunset and beach houses.
It’s always sweet to see young love. This shot was not staged. They left before I could offer them the photo. I do love giving the surprise photos away. It’s very fulfilling. Maybe next time. Good night.
I posted some of the pictures above on Facebook and another group member shared she was inspired to write a beautiful and touching poem. She gave me permission to add it to this blog. This is a wonderful and perfect example of the unexpected gifts received by outdoor adventures with a bit of increased focus. Thank you Savannah Lynn Prezioso for sharing your lovely poem and for allowing me to post it here. Stay Safe!
Belinda Havdala Sheets you inspired me to write this poem this morning:
the sun hesitated to say goodbye she kissed the horizon made an electric sky and when she left the moon did glow whispering secrets only she could know she danced across the sky until she too bid me goodbye and once again the sun returned the sky was fire my heart did burn the birds cried out and i did too the world woke up the sky was blue the crows sang from high above me the ground was steady the earth she loves me i hesitated to say goodbye tears of joy i did cry
A warm clear night in March 2021, I drove to Compo Beach while I still can (in season it’s for residents only). This time I sought a new perspective for the setting sun.
One sunset, four perspectives.
I parked and walked on the perimeter of the grounds.
I saw a patch of wheat grass and while most may have taken the shot in front of them, I decided to walk behind them. I loved the glow of the sun’s reflection on them.
I returned to the main beach to the blue and purple hues post sun down.
It’s magical. I’m officially a sunset chaser. This one was fun as I went where no one else was. The crowd was in the typical spot at the shore.
Pivot and Pause in New England 