Pivot and Pause in New England

CT: New Haven County-New Haven- East Rock Park

East Rock Rocks!

Today’s visit to East Rock Park reinforces my goal to chase the unique beauty found in each of these adventures. Initially disappointed that I found I had forgotten my camera’s battery, I decided to put my cell phone camera to the test.

From where I parked, I had the option of going straight to the overlook or to hike/bike along the Pardee River. As I had an extra hour before sunset I decided to bike along the river.

I loved the options of this park. You could walk or bike on the paved road or you can do the same on a dirt trail along the river. I basically zig zagged between them so as not to miss a unique vantage point: I wish I had recorded my movements.

Turns out this park has six different structures that areon the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1900, East Rock Road Bridge is one of these structures. The bridge recently reopened after a $2.1 million rehabilitation. Below is a link of the history.

https://www.structuremag.org/?p=11009

After seeing a kayak on this Mid November afternoon I took my bike to the dirt trails which were very well maintained.

Watching the hour I realized it was time to head to the summit which was a mile or so up hill. Apparently prior to the pandemic you were able to drive up to the summit but for now biking or walking are the options.

I found that there were three main vistas during the climb to the summit and likely many more if you choose to hike the trails.

As I started up the mountain the sun rays lit the road paving my way to the top. As I reached a ledge the road curved with a huge rock ledge that I would never have thought would be found in the middle of this city. The curve continues to a stone fence with an expansive overlook with mountain, water and city views.

The second Historic structure then appeared which is the Soldiers and Sailors monument from 1887.

The summit then appears beyond the monument and once again there’s a degree of camaraderie felt that transcends all the potential differences between the people observing. I saw a biker enjoying the sunset and took the below shot with my cell and notwithstanding my disappointment of not having my real camera shared it with the biker. I started running around the summit looking for other objects with which to share the beautiful sunset. The cell did pretty well!!

Since I only had my cell I decided to use its unique capabilities and record a time elapse of the setting sun.

It was a fulfilling and highly recommended visit coupled with a great workout biking to the summit. The view was amazing! Below is a map of the park.

To replenish your energy after this adventure I recommend a restaurant called Lorcio a couple of miles away in New Haven. The food, ambience and service was wonderful with a safely distanced and warm outdoor seating option. L’Orcio has its own related blog.

CT: Fairfield County-Bridgeport-Black Rock Harbor Lighthouse

No longer a secret if you’ve read my other blogs, I can now go where I had previously been forbidden – resident only town beaches since it’s post-season!

During the early fall, I took a bike ride over to Seaside Park with a couple of my friends to see the Black Rock Harbor lighthouse. I was excited to see there was a parking lot right at the water with a view west – where the sun sets. I knew I had to get back with my camera.

Now on November 5, 2020, with the weather in the mid-60s, a clear sky and the work day ending, I knew this was my opportunity. When I saw the lighthouse and blended colors in my lens there was a moment of peace.

Black Rock Harbor Light, also known as Fayerweather Island Light, marks the entrance to Black Rock Harbor. Below is the link to its history.

https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=789

TIP: Note there is 1/4 mile rocky reef walk to the lighthouse. It is not even in parts and is unforgiving if you fall. If you choose to walk to the lighthouse ensure you have the proper shoes and avoid carrying anything heavy.

I watched my footing to get over the rocky reef to arrive at the lighthouse sitting in the suns shadow which was lit up by the sun’s glow.

I then prepared for my 1/4 mile jaunt back to the parking lot in time to meet the darkness. I secured my phone, keys and camera and paused only long enough to pivot and look back as the final gifts of color were shared.

During tonight’s respite, all those watching regardless of race, gender, religion or political alignment were smiling and unified. We were at peace.

CT: Fairfield County-Stratford-Lordship Seawall

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/

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CT: Fairfield County- Westport-Compo Beach

Shhh . . . want to know a secret?

Many of the beautiful shore beaches that are otherwise expensive to access for a non-resident is available to non-residents off season.

What fun is that off-season? Wait, did you really think that? Let me show you. . .

Activities: Beach, Walk, Bike, Sunset, Picnic

Compo Beach is a 29 acre park with a beach along the shore of Long Island Sound and borders the Saugatuck River.

The beach is open year round. A daily fee is charged to park from May 1 through Sept. 30. from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

During that in-season period I recommend you include Compo Beach as part of a bike tour around Westport- there’s no restriction here to enter on foot, just to park. I do plan on posting recommended biking routes which leverage the East Coast Greenway.

However, from Oct. 1 through March 30 leashed dogs are permitted and non-residents can park for free!

The parking lot faces the sunset. Now that’s a gift to be present

CT: Fairfield County-Ridgefield-Seth Low Pierrepont State Park

There were several unique gifts in this forest.

Seth Low Pierpoint State Park is in Ridgefield, CT. It offers a lake with car-top boating, fishing and hiking on 300 acres. The parking lot holds about 20 cars and is close to the lake and the main hiking trail.

I first learned of this park biking around Ridgefield. Later I hiked it and then it was the first place I launched my kayak. Nice small safe flat waters to learn and practice.

For hiking, the trail borders the lake so starts out flat. It is a forest trail (not paved) so be aware of roots, rocks and debris. The park’s main trail is the white trail, which goes along Pierrepont Lake from the parking lot and ascends to the highest point in the park.

I recommend pausing by the water and enjoying the reflections and look for any wildlife. Continuing in the trail you’ll find a long stone fence. I am uncertain as to it’s history. I enjoy going on hikes a couple of hours before sundown to watch how the light angles and shines different areas of the forest.

At the peak I was a bit disappointed by the overlook as there is a lot blocking the views. However I enjoyed finding a tee pee which was in the direct trajectory of the sun setting.

It was cool to see the sunsetting through the teepee.

On the return from the hike, I noticed this tree which looked to me like hands making the shape of a heart. Friends also saw a finger pointing up and legs kneeling. I have to go back and mark this tree somehow as I have received requests for its exact location.

What do you see?

As for Kayaking, the lake is small but is a crescent shape with a little island in the middle with flat water so its easy yet fun to paddle around. There is wildlife along the shore such as turtles and ducks to swim with.

This park and area is great to have a day of kayaking, hiking and biking together with a picnic in between. Since this park doesn’t have big draws other than nature, you decide what you make of your time here. Be present and you’ll find much more than if your mind is too busy with other things.

Inspiration: Suddenly I See

How I learned to pivot and pause.

I started going outside and better appreciating my surroundings due to the pandemic. At first I didn’t leave my house at all, concerned for not only myself but also my family.

After some time, I would work on the property around the house, then started walking the neighborhood. I later took out my bike and went a couple of miles in each direction.

Then I would finally drive but only within 5-10 miles . . . the concentric circles slowly continued to get bigger over time but there was so much to find within.

Expanding my proximity from home during the pandemic

While I went mostly to places I had been or passed by before, now I paused since I wasn’t going any further. I felt so happy when I would see something beautiful within such close proximity and yet it had always been there. I had missed it before.

I found horse farms, preserves, gardens, waterfalls, markets, ponds, and even a forest-focused scavenger hunt.

I now remind myself to take more time to look around and take a breath as I do. As I take in the air I more intentionally think about what I see around me and how the environment smells and how the wind feels. I learned to appreciate the currents in the water which I can now sit and watch for quite a while.

I no longer just look straight at what’s in front of me and think about that problem that I need to solve – that’s the obvious and easy.

I now intentionally pivot and pause and suddenly I see the unexpected and I learn something new.

When working from home with only a few minutes to spare, I decided to take a moment to go outside where I have walked for over 25 years. On this day, however, I paused and this time I looked up!

I laughed to myself as in 25 years I don’t think I ever just looked up. I had not realized the differences between the trees and their complementary transitional colors. I enjoyed the way the shadows danced down the trunk to better capture its height. The trees appeared to gather at the top chatting in the wind and looking down at me to say, now finally you see.

I did venture out on a small hiking vacation, but cautiously, to take pictures of the harvest moon rising in Maine. But having taught myself to pivot and pause, I turned around and saw the onlookers silhouetted by the sun setting from the other side of the mountain – each shadow its own story captured in that moment.

It’s one of my favorite pictures as it would have previously gone unnoticed had I only focused on the obvious moon rising (I did capture the moon too 🙂

I love finding opportunities to look through my new eyes – places I may have been before but I barely recall as I wasn’t truly present.

It took me so many years to learn such a simple thing that I now seek it out almost every day no matter if I have been there before- after all, I just need to face a different direction and to be honest I probably didn’t really see it. Now with the second wave of the pandemic starting, I need to stay close to home again. But that’s ok as I still have so much to find with my new eyes.

I hope you have found this simple joy – pivot and pause and suddenly you’ll see!

CT: Fairfield County- North Stamford- Newman Mills Park

On Riverbank Road in North Stamford is a 7 acre park with a beautiful waterfall steps from the parking lot. Note that I read that you need a resident beach parking sticker to park here in-season.

I should share right from the start that I have known of this park for 25 years and was warned it to be a hangout spot for some questionable behavior so was not one to which I would have encouraged a visit. However, I have heard it’s not that way anymore. Regardless I would not go alone unless you have the savvy to handle any shenanigans.

My understanding is that the grist mill was built in 1726 was owned by Nathaniel Newman and operated into the mid 1900s. In the 1960s it was restored and in 1969 destroyed by vandals (perhaps that’s the source of the rumor that the place isn’t safe).

The above notwithstanding, I have always enjoyed stealing a few photographs of the waterfall at various times a year as part of a bicycle loop I do in North Stamford.

The “keep beautiful” sign below is new. Likely as I have seen a bunch of trash around. I think the area often has fisherman and kids like to stand under the falls.

Pieces of the foundation remain and you can carefully walk it and see the falls from above.

I got such a kick out of seeing that huge yellow leaf waiting at the top of the waterfall enjoying the view in the photo below.

On the way to the car I could not resist finding another angle to photo the falls from the bottom. What a great way to spend 15 minutes!!

I would recommend combining this stop with visits to Fort Stamford (1/2 mile) and Mianus River Park (1 mile) – blogs pending for both

Newmann Mills Park, 310 Riverbank Road, Stamford, CT

NY: Westchester County-Katonah- Lasdon Park

If you’re looking for a low key walk in the park alone or with kids, Lasdon Park offers different paved areas to include explanations of the surrounding trees and plantings as well as interactive areas for the kids.

Lasdon park is a former estate of a philanthropist that enjoyed birds and nature. The property was purchased by Westchester county and beautifully maintained for the public. It is open seven days a week until 4.

I have walked about half the park and can share that each of their destinations are interactive and have something to learn for kids or adults.

In the Fall of 2020 I went for a walk on the Tree Trail and the Chinese Pavilion trails.

In prior years, I went to a couple of their events where it appears year round they have a display of something seasonal to share in their greenhouse (for example rainforest in the spring, a train show for the holidays or orchids in the winter). It may be small but it is very well done.

I have also been in their memorial garden as well as their Dinosaur trail

I see they also have a scavenger hunt! I love those! I look forward to returning with kids to play and enjoy the dinosaur trail and have a little picnic (#ROLA)

If you have a young family, enjoy nature walks or just seek a place to be present and chase chipmunks, I recommend Lasdon Park. Close to Fairfield County Ct and a lovely day trip. Please know this is intended to be a quieter type of park so pets, bikes, frisbees, drones etc are not permitted. Link to site below the silly picture 🙂 Made ya look! 😉

Home Copy

CT: New Haven County- Southbury-Southford Falls

Small park with a lot to offer!

Southford Falls State park is on the edge of Southbury and Oxford (hence the name Southford!). It offers a short hike to a watch tower with a ravine, Papermill pond with fishing and a picnic area with a gazebo on top of waterfalls and a covered bridge.

When I saw the light snow on an early Fall morning in October 2020 that’s where I decided to head. I feel the pictures tell the best story of this small park.

Apparently the Southford Paper Mill had been here which was later bought by the Diamond Match Company until it burned down in 1920.

I really enjoy coming here after a rainfall as the falls roar so proudly.

Oct 2020 Video of Falls

Just passed the falls the water continues into eightmile brook beneath a covered bridge which is a replica of the original. This is a popular place for event photographers.

In the early Fall in September I had also stopped here for the hike to the watch tower. While I admit the watch tower itself and its overlook was not my favorite, the walk along the ravine with foot bridges and various foliage offered loads of gifts of being present.

Since the park is small, as you return there are more opportunities to take in the small park’s big beauty.

Depending on the season, I recommend the next stop being Rich Farm for great fresh ice cream as it’s just around the next bend on Route 67.

#ROLA

CT: Middlesex County-Chester-Hadlyme Ferry

Next door to Gillette Castle is the ferry crossing between these two towns.

As per Wiki, the Chester–Hadlyme ferry is a seasonal ferry crossing the Connecticut River between the town of Chester, Connecticut and the village of Hadlyme. It is the second oldest continuously operating ferry service in the state of Connecticut and is a designated state historical landmark

Beside the waterfront section of Gillette Castle you will find a small parking lot next to the ferry. There’s even a small boat launch at the lot which was a nice spot to watch the ferry cross the river.

Coincidentally, this was the last day of the season for the ferry which in 2020 had an abbreviated run from around June to October 25 although normally April to November. There is a fee as well for cars, bikes and pedestrians. The crossing takes about five minutes.

The ferry began operation in 1769 often used throughout the Revolutionary War to transport needed supplies across the river.

Along the fence of the ferry launch is a sign which references the most notable floods of the Connecticut River. While I was unfamiliar with the history, apparently these floods resulted in most of the dams or coves which I seek out today. I have included a link to the Hartford Courant’s article on these floods below.

https://www.courant.com/courant-250/moments-in-history/hc-flooding-weather-250-20140105-story.html

The boat holds only nine cars and since the pandemic is only allowing three so it can take a while to cross this way. The approach to the ferry (the road on which you would likely be waiting) is lined with old houses close to the road beckoning you to look upon them and respect their wisdom. .

On the boat itself is a copy of the original rate card. It’s amusing to see the types of transports listed to include horses, sheep and kine (apparently a collective word for cows).

Combine this visit with Gillette Castle and a picnic lunch from the Cooking Company (see related blogs). Have you yet crossed the river and have something I should see? Hope to do that one day soon.

Fall 2020