Great Times with Great Friends

We were beyond excited to have Kristee and Richard Roach visit us in Connecticut.  We love them so. They were so kind to us while serving in Chicago and our friendship really blossomed there. They arrived in a rainstorm on October 5 but they brought the sunshine with them.  Above is a picture of us at the front gates at the Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island.

To maximize their time in New England, we literally went North, South, East and West. The first day we started at Kent Falls, which is about 1.5 hours west. The falls were flowing heavily due to the rains.  We also took them the covered bridge of Cornwall Bridge (it's the name of the town) and dined at the Wandering Moose Cafe. Below is a picture of us at Kent Falls. We didn't let the rain dampend our activities We took them to some of the near places like Elizabeth Park, the Bushnell Park carousel and Mark Twain's home and museum.  The day was complete with a build your own burger at The Counter in West Hartford--way good!

The second day we drove Southeast to Newport, Rhode Island and the mansions, the Breakers and Rosecliff.  The Breakers was built as a summer home by Cornelius Vanderbilt II.  They don't allow photographs inside any of the mansions but believe me, they are incredible.  The above photo is us outside of Rosecliff. It can actually be rented out for parties and receptions.  The view in the back is the Atlantic Ocean. 

This is a photo of one of the Cliff Walk entries. The mansions all have spectacular ocean views from their rear balconies and a walking path skirts past the manion lawns.

After the mansions, it was off to the lighthouse cruise.  The tour took us by 11 lighthouses of varying shapes and sizes. Just before we finished and were heading back to port, we cruised by a group of sailboats practicing regatta moves.  It was incredibly beautiful! I think I'm turning into a sea lover.

After the tour, I stopped a person in the parking lot with Rhode Island license plates. They were great to have us follow them to the BEST seafood restaurant ever--Tavern by the Sea!  The clam chowder and lobster bisque were scrumptious. 

The third day we headed North to Vermont and Brigham Young and Joseph Smith's birthplaces. On the way we stopped at Hogsback to view the Autumn leaves.  We also got a chance to taste true maple candy.

Joseph Smith's birthplace was dressed in its fall attire. Summer blooms had been replaced with mums. The Spirit is strong in this sacred place and we enjoyed sharing it with our friends. Before we left, we drove to the home sites of Lucy Mack Smith's brother and uncle.  The only thing that remains are moss-covered stones that line the cellars. I couldn't help but imagine what life was like for the people that called those areas home.

On Saturday, we headed East to Massachusetts. Our first stop was Plymouth. Behind us is the Mayflower II.  This ship was built in England and sailed across the ocean in reenactment of the original voyage.  The people on board were all in period costumes. It was hard to believe the ship carried 102 passengers and 25 crew. We also learned they lived on the ship for more than a year.  Sadly almost half died from diseases like scurvy and pneumonia. If it weren't for the Native Americans like Massasoit, the pilgrims would have all perished.  They taught the immigrants how to fish and plant the correct crops that would grow in the New England weather conditions and soil.

This is a rock that lies on top of the original Plymouth Rock.  The rock is important because it was the stepping stone to America and new found religious freedom.  Plymouth Rock is a part of the National Parks Service.

Then we drove to Cape Cod. Kristee suggested we wiggle our toes in the Atlantic Ocean.  I jumped at that chance, literally. Well, the first wave came in and it came to our ankles.  The second wave came up a lot higher and soaked our pants.  Both of us squealed.

Our good friend from Chicago, Dr. Kolbaba, told us we just had to try Arnold's for true New England fish and chips.  Cape Cod is his favorite place in the whole world.  He knew his stuff.  We were fortunate to eat on their last day of the season.  Oh my, was the fish and chips yummy.  Kristee enjoyed fresh shrimp.  Lots of the other customers were enjoying fresh lobster.  What an adventure!

When Sunday rolled around and it was time to say goodbye, our hearts were full with the great times we shared and the treasured memories.  Life is good in New England when shared with loved ones and friends.