October 9, 2013 Connecticul

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Good night.  Tide still low in the morning.  We drove to Falmouth at the far southwest corner of the cape to see Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and aquarium, only to discover that it is federally funded, so was closed because of the shutdown.  Pretty area, though, with lots of big older homes, sailboats, etc.  The ferry to Martha’s Vineyard leaves from here.

Woods Hole Novelty

Bade farewell to Cape Cod and headed through Rhode Island toward Hartford, Connecticut.  Stopped at a McDonalds for breakfast and a wi-fi break, then visited the Mark Twain House in Hartford. Samuel Clemens lived here for 17 years, raised his family and wrote many of his books, including Huckleberry Finn, Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, Tom Sawyer. He was a fiery redhead whose wit and charm excused some of his excesses. His only direction to his architect (who mostly built churches) was that he wanted a red house.  Which he got.

We watched a brief film and then enjoyed a tour of the home, which cost $45,000, paid for by his wife Livy.  Twain was terrible with money, invested poorly, lost the house, declared bankruptcy and moved the family to Europe for several years.  He paid his debts by going on a world speaking tour and had someone help him with finances in order not to squander his second fortune.   Our British guide was very knowledgeable and sprinkled Twain’s witticisms throughout.  There were also displays in the Visitor’s Center, including this Lego Twain – and we thought a pirate ship was challenging!

Next stop was the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol.   It was in a very old brick warehouse-type building, along with a Firefighter Museum and a small room of Greek art.

The carousel museum was great, with displays as to how horses were carved as well as information on different styles and stances.  Some were from the 1800’s and some more current.  I got to ride on a carousel from Venice which was donated to the museum (but cost $90,000 to ship, assemble, and fortify the structure where it is located).  The up and down motion with the music brought back memories!

carousel menangerie

Free ride!

beautiful carving

One of many miniature carousels

They were holding an event there that evening, and were busy arranging tables, flowers, etc.  so our tour was a bit truncated, but we were free to roam.

The fireman’s museum had lots of equipment, alarms, clothing, photographs and other paraphenilia! 

We decided to push on a bit to Danbury, where we found a lovely Lowe’s which provided a great out-of-the-way but secure parking spot as well as free wi-fi which reached the Trek.

Thursday, October 10

Leisurely early morning, taking care of business, getting caught up on email, and Greg plotted our course for the day.

We headed north to two State Parks that sounded quite lovely, and were – even in the cloudy, drippy day.  As we got into more rural countryside, there were amazing homes , huge horse farms,  cattle and more.  With assorted lakes and streams and many stone fences, it was quite lush and lovely!

Our first stop was Lake Waramaug State Park.  It was closed for the season, but the roads and picnic areas were still open.  The park was very lovely and as we left the park and continued around the lake there were beautiful homes, some with boathouses, gazebos, docks, rolling lawns and gardens. Shades of Great Gatsby settings.

 Leaving Lake Waramaug, we put Kent Falls State Park into my map ap  and wound our way there.  Except that we were told to turn down Dugan Road, which ended up a very narrow, windy dirt road that did NOT go to the Falls.  It did have some lovely homes, including one with dozens of metal animal sculptures on the grounds!  Greg managed to turn around and exit Dugan Road, and we found the correct road to the Falls just a few yards later.

Greg heading for the Falls trail

There were at least a dozen falls with a rocky stairway climbing beside them.  The colors, smell of fall leaves , musical water, cool fresh air – a delight for the senses!

 We decided to head into New York and Letchworth State Park, which was one of my mother’s favorite places.  Quite a drive – 6 hours and it was very cloudy or rainy most of the way.  Someone "enhanced" these rocks near the highway with this fine fellow which was about five feet tall.

Finally, about half an hour from our destination, we saw a few patches of blue sky – hurray!

Taking no chances after the morning map escapade, I called the park and got easy directions.  We arrived about 5:30, found a campground, used the dump station and drove a bit to see the sun setting.  Spied this fox eating what I think was a bird and a few deer as well.  Lots of geese flying their noisey v’s overhead .

Red Fox having dinner

Geese at sunset - look closely!

Hoping for clear skies tomorrow.

Electric hookups and hot showers.  Steak, baked potatoes and salad for dinner!