Submarines

Yogi's Tiki Bar

A glorious day of scenic back roads took us from Yogi's Jelly Stone experience near Sturbridge MA to Mystic CT. As it turned out our campsite at Yogi's was very quiet. The music from the neighbors soon gave way to crickets and other night noises. Still, it maybe one of the oddest places that we've camped. There may be people that live here year round. A campsite sporting a Tiki Bar is but one example of the eccentricity of the place. Enough of Yogi's and on to Mystic and the Connecticut coast.

Rope Art

Mystic Seaport is not THE Mystic Connecticut of the movies -although it is close ...very close. It is an historic attraction focused on the area's ship building history.  In fact where the exhibits are, were once shipyards. A fascinating place and well worth the stop. The main attraction are two old whaling ships -tall ships- but visitors are guided through various aspects of life in coastal communities. From making ropes and rigging and navigational equipment, to the general store, everything seems to be well represented. Of course we closed the place up, and then went looking for a campground. The options are limited at this time of year, since many/most places close after Columbus Day weekend and  KOA was the only option. After Yogi's a KOA seemed like the Ritz.

Charles Morgan

We got there in the nick of time as the office was about to close. With the directions to our site in hand, the clerk made sure we knew of the wedding on the grounds. The Big Fella said," really a wedding at KOA -the reception too?"  It begged the question which he asked, " so did they meet at a KOA or what?" Not my first choice for a wedding venue but hey who are we to judge?  I grabbed him and slinked outta the office. As it happened the wedding guests stayed at the KOA, and were only mildly obnoxious. Everything quieted down by about 11:00PM  -probably liquored up and needed to lie down. We made a point of getting up early to grab a shower before the morning rush.  The breakfast menu was blueberry pancakes and bacon. This brings me to food...

So the trip is winding down and the realization hits that there is a bunch of food still untouched. The philosophy of the Big Fella is to consume as much as possible - and he does.  At this evening's Miller Time he brought out more cheese than the two of us could possibly eat. My response was the usual-that seems like alot. In his very matter- of- fact way says, well don't we need to eat it up?  Well, you know waste not want not and we will be going on a strict diet once back home.  This is not likely to be well received -if you know what I mean.  More digressions...

Today's activities included a wonderful museum in Stonington, CT.  Housed in the old light house that guided ships into its harbor, it was a treasure trove of local history. However, the natives do not make it easy to find. A sign on U.S. 1 directs visitors to turn, but after that you are on your own. We drove around nearly giving up but, finally found a street into the old town. From there we followed our nose to the most likely spot for a light house and voila!  I loved it but the Fella was anxious to get moving to the next stop  - the U.S. National Submarine Museum and the Nautilus. Yes, there really is a National museum devoted to submarines. The Big Fella was in paradise.  I was bored beyond belief. The Nautilus was cool -first nuclear powered submarine and the first ship to reach the North Pole and cruise through the Arctic Ocean to Greenland. I am sorry but the rest of was well, boring. We closed the place  -of course.  Sigh.

Nautilus

Tonight we are at Riverdale Farm Campground near Clinton, CT.  No freeway noise, no wedding stuff, no Yogi or Boo Boo, the only sound is a creek.  A wonderful campfire built by the Fella warmed our spirits on this cold and clear night.  The extra quilt is on the bed and the long johns will be deployed -once again. And yes, museums aside, it is still about the leaves.

Riverdale