wildlife – Pivot and Pause in New England

CA- Carmel By the Sea

Carmel by the Sea is a lovely upscale town. It has 18 tasting rooms and a robust option of stores. It also has Fairy houses around the town. I would look for a restaurant with an alcove in which to sit and absorb your surroundings. I didn’t have that opportunity. Down by the shore you’llContinue reading “CA- Carmel By the Sea”

NY: North Salem: Mountain Lakes

I met a kind man on my hike today who has been going to this park since 1965 and was smoking a sweet smelling pipe (Captain Black Wild Cherry tobacco). He shared where the beavers build their dam and how he comes by often to watch the changes. He was genuinely happy to share thisContinue reading “NY: North Salem: Mountain Lakes”

NY: Catskills of Sullivan County Shout Outs

While I love the Catskills, I found Sullivan County hit or miss so I share my favorites. Entertainment – Bethel Woods – cooking demonstrations and tasting – the home of 1969 Woodstock Dinner and Wine – Seminary Hill Vineyard Cattail Brook Falls- Livingston Manor – a bit hidden in plain sight. Livingston Manor Covered BridgeContinue reading “NY: Catskills of Sullivan County Shout Outs”

CT: Madison: Hammonasset State Park

Enjoyed a wonderfully tranquil walk beach side. For several years I have gone to the Meig’s point area of Hammonasset in hopes to see a glimpse of the winter seals that are said to come near the shore. Fortunately I came upon a woman with binoculars to improve my view. The picture is at aContinue reading “CT: Madison: Hammonasset State Park”

CT: Hartford County- Ragged Mountain (Fall)

Mind, body and spirit can all be improved with a fulfilling walk in nature. Having previously been on an exciting moon hike at Ragged Mountain I decided to try a Fall walk on what turned out to be a perfect 70s weather day in October. I paused to recognize the efforts of the many volunteersContinue reading “CT: Hartford County- Ragged Mountain (Fall)”

CT: Norwalk: Norwalk Aquarium

A perfect respite for a hot and humid day. I took the kids when they were young and decided to check out what’s new since. I enjoyed learning about the seals, walking as the butterflies flew all around, waving back at the turtle and watching the kids pet the stingrays! I was honestly thinking ofContinue reading “CT: Norwalk: Norwalk Aquarium”

CT: New Canaan: Grace Farms

We were treated to the Eastern approach of the respect given to drinking tea and had a wonderful meditative stroll around the property uncovering baby birds, bunnies and butterflies. The architecture, while famous, is a catalyst to understanding the mission of Grace Farms. Enter the pavilion as a transition to start your journey letting goContinue reading “CT: New Canaan: Grace Farms”

NY: Catskills- Peekamoose Bluehole

For a couple of years I read about a small swimming hole with a blue glow within the NY Catskill preserve. It would get so busy that now it requires reservations and is manned to ensure it’s kept clean. I met a really nice 25 year old ranger named Eli who checked us in. HeContinue reading “NY: Catskills- Peekamoose Bluehole”

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 ofContinue reading “CT: New Haven County- West Rock Ridge State Park”

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,Continue reading “CT: Fairfield County- Stamford Nature Center”