Victoria gave me a trip to Mystic for Christmas,
2002, payable in May. This winter was a hard one
and so we both looked forward to a trip with a nautical theme and the potential
for lobster. Mission
accomplished!
 It was rainy as we arrived. We didn't eat here. |
 But, since it wasn't quite time for supper, we stopped off for a quick clam strip roll and a cup of tea. |
 Victoria enjoying same. It was a 'dine outdoor' joint and it was rainy so we ate in the car. |
 This is where we stayed, a couple of miles upriver in Old Mystic. |
 We had the Mark Twain room. I bet he enjoyed the whirpool bath. |
 Full Country Breakfast the next morning was cinnamon french toast with layers of cream cheese and strawberries with some sort of orangey syrup. |
 Our main objective was the Mystic seaport. Here were lots of old sailing vessels, lovingly restored along with the village that went with it. |
 Stack of dory boats alongside the whaling ship Charles W. Morgan. |
 Oyster dragger next to the Oyster House. |
 Nellie oyster sloop. |
 They used to deliver lobsters right here. For lunch we went down to where they still come in at the dock. |
 Another oyster/clam boat. |
 During the season they rent out a fleet of sailing dinghies. |
 Masts and spars seasoning in a long shed. |
 The Shipsmith Shop. |
 The Smith, showing us how it's done. |
 Whaler Morgan during a sails and rigging demonstration. |
 Made-on-premises whaleboat. |
 Just steps from the dock...there is also a church, equally close. |
 Aboard the Morgan, where the work was done. |
 Beautiful yachts, everywhere. The Silver Heels. |
 Where the figureheads and name boards are made. |
 Mystic is a working shipyard and they've kept all the skills alive. Here are some oaks waiting to be turned into masts and spars. |
 Abbott's is not easy to find. Noank is a tiny little finger of a village beyond Mystic. It's worth the getting-there. |
 The sun was shining and it was just barely warm enough to sit outside. Off to the left is the boatyard. |
 Looking out across the water. |
 Hot lobster roll...drenched in butter and that's all. |
 Another pair of diners, enjoying lobsters and the view. |
 After lunch we visited the Mystic Aquarium. A quartet of Beluga whales and their keepers. |
 Beluga whale in action. |
 Victoria enjoying the penguins in action. |
 Seals and their keepers. |
 Sunset over the Mystic river. |