TR: Mystic Seaport (8 July 2013)
(Last Updated On: June 30, 2017)
After NYC, we headed to Connecticut and spent some time on the beach along the Long Island Sound. But, Frank and I were going a tad stir crazy. So, near the end of our trip, we rented a car and headed north to soak in a bit of maritime history at Mystic Seaport.
I grew up as a sailor. So, I love all things maritime and I usually take time to visit old ships at various seaports. But, I’ve never been to anything like Mystic. Mystic Seaport simply has the most extensive collection of ships and other maritime trades that I have ever seen.
This seaport museum is expansive, and is home to many historical ships, like this training ship, called Joseph Conrad, built in 1882.
Aboard the Joseph Conrad.
Another view of the Joseph Conrad.
Frank in front of another historical ship.
Sailboat cruises were possible.
Mystic seaport housed many types of boats, not just sailboats. This is an old steamboat called the Sabino, originally built in 1908. It is an old steamship that used to cruise up and down the rivers of the east coast.
Oyster ship! Oysters could be considered America’s “first fast food”. Protected in their shells, oysters could be shipped easily (alive) and cooked on demand. Due to their popularity, conservation efforts began early.
The museum had several areas dedicated to educating about shipbuilding. This keel was on display from the whaleship Thames an old ship that had been condemned and blown to pieces. But, the keel still remained- the “backbone” of the ship.
All ships need regular maintenance. Old ships need it even more. The ships circulate through the dry dock, seeking the maintenance they need. The ship getting worked on at this time was the Morgan.
Visitors were still allowed on parts of the Morgan. The cabin below.
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It’s hard to imagine sleeping in these tight quarters!
Not far from the museum, an old ship was at port. Notice the two crewmen high in the rigging.
Mystic had it’s place for small boats too! Dinghy’s and other small yachts were kept inside.
Before visiting Mystic, I’d never seen a ship like this- a mini-steamboat! I suppose you could say they were our first power boats!
A look at part of the shoreline of the Mystic Seaport.
The museum was not just about ships and shipbuilding. They wanted visitors to learn everything about what goes on to a ship. Hence, this building & display dedicated to rope-making.
Sailmaking.
Navigation tools.
Barrels are important on ships to store food for the crew, and fish to take back to port.
Several historical buildings had been moved on site and were dedicated to showing life as it was during the heyday of ships, such as this church.
After spending several hours visiting the seaport, we grabbed lunch at at local fish shack.
Then we headed north to Rhode Island. Why? I’d never been to Rhode Island before. It was time to visit our smallest state, as it was less than 30 minutes away! We headed to the beautiful town of Watch Hill.
We walked out on to the beautiful beach. This view shows the beach extending to Napatree point. I believe Fisher Island is visible on the horizon.
The historical and attractive Watch Hill light house, surrounded by beautiful blue ocean.
Another view of the harbor.
The Watch Hill area is very affluent, and we took time to admire the architecture. A hotel.
Just another home along the scenic coast.
From there, we headed back south, back to our cottage in Madison.
View other Blog Posts from this Trip:
Sea Kayaking
Madison, CT
Mystic Seaport
NYC, Part 2
NYC, part 1
Brittany Walker Konsella
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