Connecticut College Arboretum

Established in 1931 750-acre Connecticut College Arboretum includes their 25-acre Native Plant Collection located in the larger Bolleswood Natural Area.  The Native Plant Collection trail is broken down into 9 main stations with a few additions. The main trail is roughly 2 miles long and can be completed in 1 hour at a leisurely pace.

As we headed down the hill we entered Stage 1, described as a typical forested wetland which has water present at or near the surface for most of the year.  The ground definitely looked like it would normally be swampy but with our current drought the ground was,at best,damp. The Marsh Marigold with its buttercup-like flowers were flourishing.  

As we continued along the marked trail, we entered the second stage filled with various types of  magnolia's. Here two stoic 79yo tulip trees planted in 1936 have grown tall.  The fast growing tulip tree grows perfectly straight and love moist wet forested areas. Around the base of these impressive trees are the Roseshell Azaleas planted in the 40's.

Stage 3 takes us to the conifers. The Gries Memorial Native Conifer Collection was established more recently in 1988 then the majority of the collection.  It's relatively young age is a result of the previous grove of red pines secumming to an insect infestation in the early 80's. The refreshed conifer collection now includes red and white spruce, hemlocks, cedar trees and various pines. 

Along the large Pond is the fourth stage, a dam responsible for the 3' deep pond. The dam built in 1934 allowed the seepage fed pond to devlop its own natural ecosystem and is host to many creatures like crayfish and tadpoles. 

As we continue along the dam we reached Stage 5 filled with many deciduous trees and herbaceous species like oaks, birches, maples, dogwood and mountain laurel. Typically you would also find Eastern Hemlocks but the Asian Hemlock Wooly Adelgid insect has decimated the trees. 

It was here we had an option, we could continue along the main path or deviate and follow the bog path. We decided to check out the bog and took the path to Stage 5a. A bog is a fairly uncommon feature found in Southern Connecticut.  Bogs develop when glacial depressions fill with water and over time plant material accumulated and formed deposits of peat as thick as 3'. Shrubs like cranberry, highbush blueberry, and leatherleaf can be found along the bog edges. The bog was fairly dry thanks to the current drought. 

The sixth stage includes native nut trees like the Hickory Tree. Their hard shell fruits are edible and provide food for many of the local wildlife. Here you could also appreciate the rocky out croppings from which much of the granite buildings on campus are built from. 

As we made our way along the path we reached the one man made  structure. Stage 7 was a gift by the Buck family in 1937 and is known as Buck Lodge. It's used by the college for recreational gatherings and meetings. 

The eighth stage puts you under a massive White Pine planted in 1940 to replace the loss of another large pine in 1938. It sits on the edge of the outdoor theater once used by Connecticut a College for Comomencement exercises. As we admired the open area we discussed the possibility that my Grandmother who was an alum of Connecticut College may have received her diploma in that very spot. 

The final stage, stage 9 is the home to the arboretum's native Holly collection. With both male and female trees I have never seen such big holly trees. The female trees have red berries where the male trees do not. 

That wrapped up our self-guided tour of this impressive collection of native plants on this beautiful late summer early fall day.

Farmington River Tubing

After a roughly 1.5 hour ride from home we finally arrived at our destination. Named for the river we would be rafting down Farmington River Tubing is located in the town of New Hartford in a small wooded state parked called Satan's Kingdom State Recreation area. After parking amongst the trees we stepped up to ticket booth where we signed waivers and paid the small $20 rental fee. 

The rental includes a river tube, life jacket, a shuttle bus ride back to Satan's Kingdom from the take-out point as well as lifeguards at the 2nd set of rapids. They also require a deposit to ensure you return the equipment and they accept car keys which worked out well since you don't want them getting wet. 

For our river rafting adventure the river was running smoothly with a water flow of 370cfs and an average water temp of 56-degrees.  Given the mid 90-degree temperature and sunny skies the  refreshing water was a perfect way too cool down. It would be considered a Class I River since the cfs was below 800.

After collecting a life jacket and river tube from the mountain or tubes in the pile we made our way down a small hill to the rivers edge where we one at a time entered the water. from the rocky shoreline. Refreshing it certainly was. Once we were all in our tubes we allowed the river current to pull us down river. It wasn't long before we reached the first of the rapids which was just before the Route 44 bridge. 

We enjoyed the serenity of the river for a little while before reaching the second set of rapids They are the largest and everyone should expect to get wet going through this section of river. Given the more aggressive nature of this set of rapids they have a couple life guards stationed to help any rafters who might get into any trouble. 

Once past the second set you casually float along the river for a while  floating along with many other rafters dotting the river.  As we made our way we passed a rocky out cropping where a small group had set up camp and where having what appeared to be a BBQ. They were launching themselves off the rocks into the cool refreshing waters and clearly having a great time. 

They didn't appear to have Farmington River Tubes and it appears that you can lunch a tube on your own should you want to. As we continued on we took a break along the rocky shore to take a few photos with the beautiful scenery behind us.

A short distance farther down river was the third set up rapids. The river was wider then the last two sets of rapids but appeared shallower and as a result the rapids slightly more rough. I nearly flipped when I passed over one rock and came down into a wave it was a blast.

As we wrapped up the third set up rapids we traveled along the river to a fork where you could go left or right. We decided to go left since a large group of rowdy kids where going right. The water level here was very shallow and we could feel the rocks below us rubbing. Once we joined back together we could tell that our side was a shorter distance since we had increased the distance between us and the other group.

The water here was moving fairly slow and you could just lean back and enjoy the sun and scenery. about a third of a mile father down was our take-out location denoted with a red inner tube suspended in a tree. We also found ourselves trying to come ashore with a large flock of swans who seemed less interested in us then we were in them.

Once ashore we made our way to one of the dark blue busses and loaded both ourselves and our tubes neatly inside. Seats on the left and the right for the tubes to line up. It was a short ride back to Satan's Kingdom where we turned in our rafts and retrieved our car keys. After a quick dry off we were on our way.

The experience is advertised as 2.5 mile ride down the wild and scenic Farmington River with three sets of rapids. I really enjoyed the relaxing nature of the river most it was a nice way to de-stress and cool off on a hot summers day. The rapids added a bit of excitement that made the entire experience a blast. I would recommend Farmington River Rafting to anyone looking to have fun outdoors on a hot summer day.  Suitable for ages 10+ and those comfortable in the water since you are mostly on your own. The water depth stays fairly shallow and occasionally you do rub along the river bed. (no white swim trunks). 

 

 

New London, CT Sailfest 2015 Fireworks

Every year we spend the Saturday after the Fourth of July at Fort Trumbull for the annual Sailfest Fireworks Extravaganza. This year we returned once more for a family tradition that has been occurring for most if not all of my life.

We set up along the river bank just below Fort Trumbull in an area for many years was ignored and sparsely known providing amazing views of the harbor and the exploding fireworks above. This previously hidden gem of a location has increasingly found more and more visitors.

Being outside the park the rules and regulations about loud music and open flames allow grills and amateur DJ's to set up and blast music and have barbeques. These character's and their parties leave the air heavy with the wafting smells of burnt food and terrible vocals of wannabe heavy metal singers.

All that combined with inconsiderate people who show up at the last minute and stand along the edge of boardwalk blocking the view of many who came early to get great seats has turned this previously family friendly event into a much less appealing activity.

Thankfully the fireworks never disappoint and generally make up for the added and unpleasant changes we have witnessed over the years. Please take a moment or 20 to watch this years presentation sponsored by the Mashantucket Pequot Indians'.

Meigs Point Nature Center Canoe Trip @ Hammonasset State Park

Named after Johnathon Meigs a American Revolutionary hero and recipient of a congressional sword for the Battle of Sag Harbour, Meigs Point Nature Center offers a weekly 2-hour guided tour of the Hammonasett River. The tour is by reservation

Dan and I brought our own kayaks for the tour while my parents reserved a canoe. The cost of the tour was $5 and departed at 12:30 from the Nature Center. After a brief drive down a trail we arrived at the launch zone. We were almost immediately uninvited by mosquito's and horse flys. Dan and I unloaded the Kayaks while tour leader Mike and his helper unloaded 9 canoes and related life jackets and paddles. As they reviewed safety rules Dan and I launched the kayaks to escape the attacking insects. 

Once on the water we were thankfully left alone and the first canoe to launch was my parents. Having canoe'd before they had no problem and we made our way out the small canal towards the Hammonasset River. As the remaining tour participants joined us we crossed the channel and followed the salt marshes with our tour guide Mike pointing out the various birds and other wildlife we encountered.  We traveled roughly 1.3 miles up river to the bridge at route 1. There Mike told us a story about the history of the area before we began the paddle back to the launch spot. 

It was a beautiful day on the water. When we reached the laugh ramp we quickly got the kayaks out of the water and on the roof rack.  We moved quick as the mosquitos and horseflies were still hanging out.   We thanked Mike the tour guide for the experience and headed out. 

Frank Pepe Pizza

As a child I have fond memories of Frank Pepe's Pizzeria in New Haven.  They are famous for their coal fired brick oven pizza made with the freshest ingredients. We would go as a family and sometimes wait hours in line to enjoy one of their famous pies if we could even find parking on the small Wooster Street.  You know you have arrived when you pass beneath the Wooster Stret arch.  

This New Haven institution has been operating since 1925 and celebrate its 90th year this year and not much has changed. The interior looks just as it always has for the past 30+ years and is comprised of two large rooms.  

There are a half dozen booths in the first room along the right wall with a large counter along the left. The oven are along the back wall.  The second room is to the right and both walls of that room are flanked with booths. The walls are covered with historical photos of Frank Pepe memorabilia. 

This time I wasn't with my family and was sharing the experience with a few friends. We selected the fresh tomato pie which is a seasonal pie they make every summer with fresh local tomatoes. I also chose to get a bottle of Birch beer soda which I can't say I have found anywhere else but Pepe's pizza.

The pizza pie is served on a standard half-sheet and is the quintessential example of how a pie should be. The chewy charred crust surrounds the fresh sliced tomatoes and secret cheese blend that oozes and bubbles flavor. The sauce is sweet and tastyand couldn't be more perfect.  They also don't slice a pie into perfect slices some look like you might expect while others are not triangular.  It's part of the experience to have different sized slices of pizza here. 

It didn't take us long to polish off the pie and one large was more then enough for the three of us. Sometimes as a kid I would get an Italian ice next door but today it wasn't meant to be since I was stuffed with the perfect pizza. 

If y find yourself in New Haven around lunch or dinner don't hesitate to stop by and if there is a line it's worth the wait.  

Thimble Island's Boat Tour

The Thimble Islands are an archipelago of more than a hundred islands (depending on the tides), just off the coast of Stony Creek, CT. The Thimble Islands are mostly privately owned and contain some truly spectacular real estate.

My parents and I decided to take a boat ride around the islands. Our captain for the day Captain Dave Kusterer's and his 26-foot port launch, The Islander, carries eighteen passengers on a roughly 45 minute tour. Our tour lasted about 50 minutes. Captain Dave prefers to use a smaller boat since he says it can reach many areas of the Thimble Islands that cannot be accessed by larger vessels. The Islander can only take 14 passengers at a time for both safety and to provide a comfortable less crowded cruise for all its passengers.

After a brief safety speech we began our voyage around the islands. He starts off with a quick listing of the statistics of the Thimble Islands. We learn that there are 365 charted rocks and islands contained in the 5sq miles known as the Thimbles. 21 of those islands are inhabited and have a total of 95 homes built. 120 families share these homes but only 2 people live here in the winter.

Known only to the Indians until discovered in 1614 by Dutch explorer Adrien Block while mapping the CT Shoreline. They first appeared in British Nautical chart in 1701 and they were called the Hundred Islands. 33 years after that they were renamed the Thimble Islands after the wild berries that grew all over them. Those thimble berries are known today as the common raspberry.

The first island we approached is called Wheeler Island. It’s so close to the shore during low tide you can wade through the waist high waters to it. Today is has been redone top to bottom. The old house on Wheeler Island was in such disrepair when purchased that the new owner had an exact copy built in its place. It’s called the Old New House. It has never been lived in since being redone 10 years ago. The rumor is that the new owner a wealth widow has been slowly purchasing up the islands as gifts to her children. When they are old enough she will hands them each a key to their very own island. She currently owns 10 of the major islands.

The original owner of Wheeler Island was Captain Frank Wheeler. As history goes the house was so run down that the kids on the main land thought it was haunted. He would wear all black and walk around the house with just a single lantern playing his violin which were heard by kids and thought he was a ghost. This act was witnessed by Charles Adams’s of the New Yorker Magazine and was inspired by this a painted a portrait of the house that landed on the cover of the magazine just in time for Halloween.

He explained that all the stone work you see around the islands is pink granite. Stony Creek pink granite is a favorite amongst monument builders and has been used like the Grand Central Station, George Washington Bridge and the steps of the Capital Building in Washington DC.

We learned that they have a 6.25 ft tidal flow on average except during unusual events like last night’s unusually close moon that resulted in a 7.25 ft tide which left one of the three main tour boats grounded for several hours in the harbor. The tides play an important role when weather turns. During September 23, 1938 it was calm but by the end of the day two storms a hurricane and a nor’easter had converged on each other creating a perfect storm. It blew across the islands sent many of the inhabitants fleeing during high tide only to discover that it would continue to rise over 8 ft past the high tide line. During that storm 9 houses were lost along with 27 souls in the Thimble Islands.

Evidence of hurricane damage can still be seen between Cut-in-two East and Cut-in-two West which were once connected by a foot bridge. The bridge was never rebuilt because the owners at the time disliked each other. Like Wheeler Island the same wealthy owner purchased both of the Cut-In-Two islands. One of the two islands Cut-In-Two East was owned by the Warren family whose daughter Lavinia was very short in stature at 3’ tall and went to work for PT Barnum. While working for him she meet and married Tom Thumb the shortest man on earth. Rumor has it each time he and his wife would visit the island he would bring a circus poster with him and to this day one of the rooms is wallpapered with these posters. These posters are priceless and are worth more than the house and the island combined.

Only 6 of these islands have electricity (wire) and 9 have running water (hose) and most have neither. Electricity was brought to the islands in 1961 but not all islands opted into getting the offered services. Since not all islands have electricity today if an island owner decides to get it they can no longer run power in under water conduits and must go over the water. For example the new owner of Cut-In-Two East and West want electric on both islands they are reconstructing the foot bridge to bring power to the second island from the one that already has it.

Captain Dave told us that his favorite island was Dog Fish Rock at ¾ of an acre. It had both wire and hose and was just the right size. He explained that if the island is too big you are always working on it and if it’s too small you get rock fever and can’t wait to get off the island.

As our voyage continues we passed Davis Island which he described as the most luxurious of the Thimble Islands. On Davis Island is what is called the summer White House since President Taft had stayed there for a few season. It includes a man maid harbor where it keeps the boats and toys safe from the surf. Another interesting factoid about Davis Island and the Summer White House was that our captain kissed his first girl on the widow’s walk of the house. It also has solar panels that not only cover their electric needs but pays them back.

Someday Island was a lesson in not waiting. During the ’38 hurricane the house that was there was unceremoniously washed off the island. It got the name Someday because the owners talked about someday rebuilding. It never happen and now with the rules having changed in 1973 they can no longer build since they do not meet the requirements for septic systems. They sold it for what they could get and the new owner built a dock and nothing more. The dock was washed away during hurricane Irene and it was never rebuilt.

Money Island is the most popular island and had many community amenities like a general store, a chapel, post office and even at one time a bowling alley. Many of those buildings were turned into more summer homes or just simply torn down. Currently there are 21 homes on Money Island. The biggest threat to the island is fire and the community spirit is alive and well and they are all part of the bucket brigade.

Money Island is also one of the supposed places that Captain Kidd buried treasure. Having lived on the island our Captain has never found any of the suspected treasure. Our Captain who grew up on the island has himself searched and found nothing but poison ivy.

Greyrock is another of the many islands. The house was built from 1900-1910 and built the house foundation from rock quarried from the island and the lumber brought out on a barge. They even used the wood from the barge for the heavy timbers as the framing of the house.

Mother-In-Law’s Island is another small island with a fun story. As rumor has it a couple decided to honeymoon camp site. The first night the mother of the bride showed up in a rowboat. When mom didn’t leave and fell asleep on the island the newlyweds left and took her boat with them leaving her stranded. She tried to capture the attention of people on Money Island they brought her food but left her. This is how it got its name.

All the islands where formed or reshaped by the glaciers. Glaciers left potholes that would trap water when the tides went out and the Indians used the islands as campsite and bathed their children in these potholes. Pot Island where many of these pot holes were found. In 1846 a hotel was built here. It was after the completion of the hotel that the new owner renamed it Treasure Island to draw more attention to it.  It was a very popular place until the depression hit and it never recovered.

There are no hotels any longer because of the clean water act of 1973. Septic system are a problem and light use is the only thing that keeps them alive.

One of the smallest islands is called Exton’s Reef Island. The house is built up on pilings leaving much of the island underwater. It has no grown and as a result no septic but because it was built before 1973 he is grandfathered in.

The next island is called Horse Island and it was here our Captain worked as a kid clearing debris for an upcoming wedding. He was to be paid at the end of the summer but when the wedding day arrived the groom’s wife wouldn’t let him come as it turns out he was already married. The bride and her family were so upset they tossed all the silverware in the ocean. He never got paid since they left the following day and never returned. He dived for the silverware but as it turns out it wasn’t the treasure he hoped since it was all silver plated. Today its owned by Yale University for research.

The furthest island out is called Outer Island. It’s a public island and is only accessible by boat and many people kayak out or take one of the ferries. There is no camping or glass allowed on the island. It allows you to be an islander for the day for free.

We learned that our Captain was born on the next island called High Island. His family was tasked with opening up the house and they didn’t make it off the island before his mom gave birth. It’s the tallest island of them all and was a rumored hide out of Captain Kidd. People say he buried treasure here but he wasn’t a pirate he was a bounty hunter. His crew went after three cargo vessels flying the French flag but actually owned by the British East India Company.

When the crew discovered this they over powered their captain and took the bounty. Accused of being a pirate he his out in the Thimble islands while he tried to sort it all out and get his name cleared. We know for sure that he was here because in what’s known today as Kidd Cove because etched on a rock was the name James Dimmons’s who was a crew member on the Adventure Galley.

The island doesn’t have electricity or water. Today they use propane and collected rain water. They stored their water in cisterns. The cistern’s provided both water for living but also as water to battle fires.

Taxes are a big problem and a source of argument. 2 million in taxes are collected but only about 5000 of that is used for trash collection. Other than that there are no town services on the islands. Governor’s Island was the most popular location for the Indians’ because of the shallow waters around them. Made collecting clams and casting nets easier. Most of the island’s homes were built by the 1930’s. it is the 2nd most populated island. What makes it special is the 40 different trees found here all planted by Charles Weed. It was his hobby to see what would grow.

In 1901 one visitor decided he wanted an island of his own but none were available. He bought a rocky out cropping and made and island of his own. Today it’s called Potato Island. The island got its name because the 5 rocky out cropping’s were called the five potato’s. He used them as a foundations and built a sea wall which he filled inside with soil and built two homes. In 1938 one of the two homes was wiped out. The last remaining home was repaired. Today it has a swimming pool where the old house stood.

The biggest island is Roger’s Island at 11.2 acres. Its history started as a granite quarry. The stone taken from the island is the base of the Statue of Liberty. It was sold to Captain John Kelps. He built a Tudor mansion. His was involved in copper mining. After his death his daughter inherited the island in 1936 but didn’t want it. She once said if she knew how much to sell it she would. A guy named McCloud helped her figure out its value sight unseen and concluded it was worth $56k. He purchased it having never seen it he was surprised to find the house and the inside filled with valuable antiques and paintings. He sold them off recouping his initial investment and then sold the island 6 months later for $1.2 million.

Today it’s the home of the widow who has been buying up the other islands for her children. She paid 22.3 million to purchase it. It is currently covered in palm trees that in the winter are put in their private green house. She spends 2-3 weeks a summer on the island and has over 31million invested in the Thimble Islands.

They also own Belden Island where they are currently filming “the Love Prison” where people who meet on the internet are put on the island to see how they get along. Its scheduled to be on A&E in the fall.

Currently there is 1 island for sale. It’s called Cedar Island. It can’t be built on but it has a small gazebo and is used as a backyard. Those that visit can sleep on a boat docked nearby. Its currently listed for $285k. The next cheapest island is over $2million.

With that we finished our loop through the islands and headed back to dock. We had a great time and learned a great deal about the Thimble Islands.



2014 SailFest Fireworks Extravaganza

Sailfest is one of the biggest events in Southeastern Connecticut’s during the summertime and attracts over 300,000 people over the course of its three-day’s. This is its 36th year. Like most festivals it includes amusement rides, free entertainment and over 200 vendors. It includes a visit from at least one Tall Ship but sometimes many that travel from around the globe. This year’s Tall Ships are the Schooner Virginia and the Amistad.

In addition to all those activities if you prefer to participate you could have taken on the Charter Oak Federal Credit Union 5K Road Race that made its way through downtown New London.

The highlight for my family and me is the Sailfest Fireworks Extravaganza. Every year my family and I find a good spot to watch. Sometimes we enjoy them by boat and other years from Fort Griswold or from Fort Trumbull. It happens every year and is almost always the Saturday after the 4th of July.

By night fall the crowds really started to fill the area in anticipation of the 4th largest firework display in the Northeast, sponsored by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. This year the Fireworks Extravaganza scheduled to start at 9:00pm actually fired off closer to 9:30pm.  As is customary I set up my camera to capture the dazzling display. They didn’t disappoint with an over 20 minute long show. Rumor has it that the cost was in excess of 1 million USD to light up the sky over New London.

Sadly the music meant to accompany the fireworks were drowned out by a group of people who had a live band playing. Some of the songs meant to be heard included Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, Eye of the Tiger by Katy Perry, Born in the USA and other classic and popular favorites.

This year the fireworks were orchestrated and produced by Garden State Fireworks. Garden State Fireworks is run by the Santore Brothers and is a family owned and operated business since 1890. Just this past 4th of July Garden State Fireworks celebrated with a fireworks presentation over our Nation’s capital, Washington, DC. For over 120 years, the Santores have been dazzling audiences around the world. The Santore Brothers have won 4 International World Fireworks championships during their 4 visits to San Sebastian, Spain and Monte Carlo, France. Each time the displays were regarded as incomparable.

Kayaking to Old Saybrook's Breakwater "Outer" Light

I woke up to the sun shining and Long Island sound smooth as glass and decided it was a perfect day to kayak to the Old Saybrook Breakwater Light. I didn't load up the new roof rack for nothing and it was time to get the Kayaks in the water. The Breakwater light is known locally as the Outer Light and is one of two lighthouses marking the opening to the Connecticut River.

The Breakwater/Outer Light is the youngest of the two and was constructed 75 years after its older brother known as Lynde Point Light on a rocky jetty. I knew the history of the lighthouse well having watched its green flash in the distance every 6 seconds and when foggy a blast of the horn every 30 seconds. Many a night I watched its green light pulse from my bedroom window. It was lit for the first time in 1886 and stands at only 49 feet. While I have never been in it I am told it has 4 floors with a tiny staircase inside.

It had even made the local news when it was reported that it was to be sold by the federal government and the local town had been rumored to be interested in buying it. I don't think it actually happened however and I had heard that it was bought by a private family.

The lighthouse is a prominent feature along the shoreline and even graces the state license plate. It has survived numerous hurricanes and stands as a beacon to any who venture up or down the Connecticut river.

After a healthy breakfast I pulled the kayak's out and carried them down our new fortified sea wall to the beach which its self had survived many a hurricane until Hurricane Sandy did some damage a years ago.

Once in the water I began the roughly 2 mile trip along the Old Saybrook shoreline passing the Knollwood & Fenwood Pier's before paddling straight out to the Outer Light. The sea stayed calm and in no time I was bobbing around as I relaxed and took in the Light House.

A few guys had set up shop using the breakwater as a fishing spot. It was a little choppy since many boats were going up and down the river. The current was also keeping us moving. Having forgotten a hat and not put any sun lotion on we decided to head back. This time we must have been fighting the tide since the current made it more difficult to return. We opted to paddle along the breakwater and along the shoreline passing Katherine Hepburn's old summer cottage along the way. I have heard that the house is back on the market minus a portion of land for $15 million.

It took about 55 minutes to paddle back compared to the 35 minutes it took to get there and it was obvious we were both a bit tired and maybe a little burnt. Round trip it was 4.11 miles and took my just over an hour and 30 minutes to make the trip. I got some great pictures and enjoyed the paddle.

Train to NYC

If you have ever been to NYC then you know that traffic and parking in the city is terrible and can make for a very long and stressful trip. Ever since I was a kid we avoided all the honking horns and hunting for a parking spot and or garage by taking the Metro North. Usually we pick it up in the little sea-side town of Old Saybrook where for year I spent my summers. We didn’t always start there though and when we didn’t it was usually from New Haven. New Haven offers express trains so you avoid the stops in each of the little towns and makes the trip shorter.

With that in mind we all converged on New Haven to catch the first off-peak express train at 8:30. That put us arriving at Grand Central Station at 10:30 with plenty of time to wander before our 12:00 appointment at the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial. The ride was smooth and uneventful and filled with conversations about what we might want to do and see while in the city.

With plenty of time before our appointment we walked for a while and enjoyed central park and the NYC Library where we took a few pictures with the lions. We also walked along 5th avenue and enjoyed the Lord and Taylor window where you could take a picture and have it sent to you.

After the 9/11 Memorial we wandered down to Wall Street for lunch at my favorite Cuban shop and the obligatory photos with the bull. Next we wandered around stopping in a variety of shops as we headed back up town to the Empire State Building. Debbie and I couldn't resist putting on the Asian masks in one of the stores and had a good time with it.

After the long walk we were glad to have express passes at the Empire State Building. Read that entry for more on the experience. Exhausted we decided to catch an earlier train home. On our way back to Grand Central we found ourselves walking past a live shoot for a TV crime show filming. we are not sure which one it was but it was interesting to see

Although we had bought off peak tickets getting on the train was not a problem. We just had to pay a slight additional charge for a peak train. Finding a seat however on a Friday night train out of the city proved a little more of a challenge and we stood for a few stops before finally finding a seat to relax in. This train was not an express train and we made many more stops on the trip back to New Haven.

Below are a few pictures from the train and our NYC adventures.