The Summer of "Staycation"

After realizing I was going to be on a tight budget this summer, I was a bit bummed out (to put it mildly).  No festivals, no big trips, no drinking on the patios at my favorite bars.  But after a lot of thought, I realized I didn't have to make grandiose, expensive plans to enjoy the glorious weather that lie ahead.  With everyone at work taking their vacation time in July and August, there wasn't much of a chance of me doing the same anyway.  But that's okay...I've got a free vacation to Las Vegas coming at the end of October, so, I don't mind saving my vacation days until then!  In the meantime, however, I will be taking my fair share of "staycations" in Connecticut and the surrounding states.

Connecticut has so much to offer in the way of parks, museums, historical sites...and the best part is that most of it costs $0 to enjoy!  I sat down and made a list of all the free - insanely cheap things I could do throughout the course of the next few months.  When I finished, I was hit with an overwhelming sense of relief; my summer could still be incredible.  In addition to fireworks displays and BBQs with friends (which I've been taking full advantage of!), there are so many ways I can enjoy the season without depleting my bank account.

Sunday Fun-day at Bearerhawk!

West Haven fireworks!

I'm happy to say that my plans for an inexpensive, yet awesome, summer have kicked into high gear.  I wasn't feeling so hot at the beginning of the weekend and wanted to just lay in front of a fan all day, but I'm so glad I eventually dragged myself off the couch and got started on my fun "to do" list.

This past weekend, the New London/Groton area was abuzz with activity and a whole lot of sails and ships!  Both Sailfest and OpSail were in full effect on the Thames River.  I had every intention of going up Saturday, taking advantage of the festivities and stuffing my face with seafood at Fred's Shanty.  However, my immune system got the better of me and I ended up going on Sunday, with a pretty late start to boot, but that may have actually worked out to my advantage.  I headed to Fort Trumbull in New London and, instead of waiting in ridiculously long lines on the dock, I was able to breeze through the bag check and make my way out to the remaining tall ships.  The replica of the Amistad was there, along with a few small ships and tugboats, as well as the U.S.C.G.C. Eagle and a Brazilian ship, the Cisne Branco.  The latter two ships were amazing tall ships, masts and rigging going way up toward the sky.

The conveniently empty dock.

Foreground: Cisne Branco.  The U.S.C.G.C. Eagle is located on the far side of the dock.

 The U.S.C.G.C. Eagle is a barque ship, which means it is comprised of 3 or more masts.  In her case, it's three.  Three glorious masts holding up a number of sails.  Built in Germany in 1936, she was originally commissioned as a German training ship, the Horst Wessel.  After World War II she was acquired as a war reparation by the United States and recommissioned as a Coast Guard Cutter.  She found a new home in New London, which has served as her home base and a training location for countless Coast Guard cadets.  I had the opportunity to wander around her decks and it was a sight to behold.

Figurehead on the U.S.C.G.C. Eagle

Heading up to the upper deck on the stern of the ship.

Rigging as far as the eye can see!

I was pretty much in heaven.  Unfortunately, by the time I exited the Eagle, the Cisne Branco had roped off its entrance and I was unable to board.  But I was still able to enjoy the view from the dock!

 

Fort Trumbull, where these lovely ships were docked, is a place I plan to explore again this summer.  The few times that I've been here were always during off season or off-hours, so I never got to see as much of it and learn as much about it as I would like.  However, even just for walking around, it's a great place.  I snapped a bunch of photos but I feel like I shouldn't go overboard (no pun intended!) in this post and save Fort Trumbull shots for a more informative post somewhere down the road.  But, just to give you a taste...