Connecticut

For Photographs go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30520769@N06/ September 13th, We let LaFawnduh rest as we drove the Jeep (Kip) back to Groton and the National Submarine Museum. There we boarded the Nautilus (SSN 571) where we enjoyed walking the passageways and learning of life as a submariner. The museum was a great learning tool as we learned the history of submarines in America, dating back to the "Turtle" of 1776. From the museum we drove a short distance along the Thames River to the WWII Submarine Veterans Memorial to pay our respect to those who lost their lives and are on "Eternal Patrol". Finally, we crossed the bridge to New London where we toured the USCG Academy. The morning was one that reminded us of Port Angeles and home. We recalled seeing the Ohio Class subs as they pass by our home and the kids spoke of classmates who are the children of Coast guardsmen stationed at Coast Guard Base Port Angeles (Ediz Hook). Making our way back to LaFawnduh we attached Kip to her partner and the RV carried us westward toward New York City. West of Yale University (New Haven) the traffic increased dramatically. Con remarked, "We're not in quintessential New England anymore". She was right as we entered into quintessential Metropolis. The GPS did a great job of guiding us through New York City (along the top deck of the George Washington Bridge) into New Jersey and our camping location at Liberty Harbor Marina. It's kind of a misnomer to say, "camping" as even grass, let alone trees are hard to come by. The drive was shall we say, "harrowing". At one point we were headed towards the Lincoln Tunnel where a sign warned "Cars Only". Our designated route was a block short of the tunnel and entailed a right turn. The problem was we were in the far left lane (something like12 lanes of traffic that were at a stand still). So, I acted like a New Yorker. I simply started moving to the right with my 55 feet of bulk. Moving to the right, to the right, to the right; and somehow we made it. (There were good people who allowed it, Con said that there were good people who didn't want to be crushed). Along the way were cut off by real New Yorkers (mostly taxis) who forced their way in front of us and others and didn't smile, or wave, or mouth a simple "thank you". They merely maintained their scowl and gave one fingered salutes. In Jersey City I had asked a worker at a toll booth how she liked New Jersey? She answered, "It sucks!" I thanked her for her honesty. Con asked, "Why do people stay here?" Audrey said, "I miss Port Angeles." Hannah laughed and said, "Yippee!" Quintessential New England is now a place in our rear view mirrors and now only occupies our memories. It is an almost magical place that I highly recommend for all to experience. September 12th, Quintessential New England continues to amaze us. As we drove west (Yes, we are actually on roads that say "West" right now instead of "East"!!!!) we left Rhode Island and entered into Connecticut. Jim Mowry had suggested that we stop at Mystic and spend a few hours. We did and it turned out to be the entire day. What a marvelous "museum" it turned out to be. The museum claims the title, "The Museum of America and the Sea" and their claim is not an overstatement. We learned about rope making, sail making, barrel making, ship building, ship design, fishing, whaling, crabbing, lobstering, lighthouses, navigation, astronomy, arctic exploration, Inuits, sea mammals, etc. All while surrounded by a Colonial village set on the water. Very picturesque. During the day the dry, very pleasant, almost Autumn weather became muggier and by evening it was raining a steady, constant, almost Pacific Northwest in November rain. So, we spent the evening reading, playing chess and enjoying the local fare. Hannah and I went to the grocery store where we purchased "chicks" (1-1/4 pound lobsters) for all. While there we inquired as to whether there was a local high school football game, and unfortunately, the East Lyme Vikings were playing in an away game so there would be no football tonight. Tomorrow, we are hoping to tour the Groton US Naval Submarine base, take a tour on the Nautilus (the world's first nuclear powered submarine) and then continue through New York City (yes, New York City) to our new camping location at Liberty Harbor Marina, in New Jersey (next to the Statue of Liberty).