Goodbye Summer of '09

The time has come to say farewell to summer. Honestly, I'm not a big fan. I like summer, don't get me wrong, but I hate heat and despise humidity and bugs. I love the wildflowers along the roads and I love the smell of cut grass. I also love lazy evenings just sitting out and watching the junebugs light up the yard. And vacations! I do love vacations! Enjoy the memories everyone.

Note: That dark blue strip on the horizon is Long Island.

Willington, Connecticut

I found this little wildlife preserve while driving along Moose Meadow Road. It was a very peaceful spot and I enjoyed just sitting by the water and listening to the crickets. We had driven down a dirt road that took us through the woods and soon we arrived at a fork. Choosing the left fork we eventually landed in someone's front yard. Talk about secluded living! I later found that the right fork was suitable for walking and reaching hiking trails into the woods. Maps are available in the parking area at the park entrance.

Simsbury, Connecticut

Abington, Connecticut

Abington is in "the quiet corner" of Connecticut and the whole area is full of wonderful rural scenery. Travel route 44 and jump on route 97 or route 244, either way you'll find peaceful roads and plenty of summer beauty. This general store is a nice stop, with wide plank floors, old style wooden shelves and local milk in reusable glass bottles. If you're wondering, they have brewed coffee and snacks too.

Marlboro, VT

Green River, Vermont

When you explore Vermont you have to like dirt roads. When it comes to pavement it's a "now you see it, now you don't" kind of proposition. On this drive we ran out of pavement in about two miles. Approximately an hour later we made it back onto a main road, but we were rewarded with sights of beautifully serene farmlands, dense shady forests and some great views of the Green Mountains.

Damage in Old Wethersfield, CT