Everyone was asked to rise very early on Saturday morning, October 6th to meet Juan and our bus at the BWI Long Term Parking Lot A for a 6:30 am departure on a very foggy morning. We had a very quiet ride enroute to the pickup location for the New Jersey “6-Pack”; The Herman’s, Loomis’s and Rhine’s. With everyone now aboard and still in a fog (the weather and our group,) I made a quick call to Capt. Frank DeSantis to check the weather conditions at our first day’s destination, Stamford, CT. He was deadheading from Brooklyn, NY to meet us and told me that the fog was starting to burn off and that we would have a good day on the Long Island Sound to view and photograph 10 Connecticut lighthouses; Stamford Harbor, Great Captain Island, Sheffield Island, Peck Ledge, Greens Ledge, Penfield Reef, Fayerweather Island, Tongue Point, Stratford Point and Stratford Shoal Lights. AND, it was indeed a good day and cruise with lunch and dinner served aboard the American Princess.

After our long day traveling and cruising we arrived at our lodging, the Radisson New London Hotel, where we were staying for the duration of this trip. Both Juan and everyone aboard appreciated staying at one location; the luggage comes off and on the bus once; plus we don’t have to live out of a suitcase.

Since we had a 10:00 am appointment with Joan McCormick of the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association; who is in charge of the station’s upkeep; we had an opportunity to sleep in and catch up on some rest. Since this lighthouse sits behind a very private community; we had to leave the bus out on the main road and hike the paved lane leading to the light. Currently, because of lead paint, you cannot enter the keeper’s house and tower; but Joan did open the grounds and a small museum for us. After everyone had their opportunity to enter the museum, chat with Joan, and get their photos, we headed to Mystic Seaport where everyone was on their own to eat lunch and shop.

Our main and important destination for Sunday afternoon was the University of Connecticut in Groton, CT and a cruise out to the New London Ledge Light with the people of Project Oceanology. After a briefing outside on its ledge, we entered the light in two groups for a narrated tour; one group started at the top, the other started in the basement. This was one of the highlights of this lighthouse trip. Although I was originally told that only 40 people could enter the light; which later changed to 45, all but three of our participants (who did not want to chance the boarding from the boat to the ledge) were able to take the tour and go inside. We spent a few hours out at the light; were then picked back up, returned to the dock; and walked over to the Avery Point Light to meet Jim Strickler and his wife who were opening that tower for us to climb. Ten people at a time were allowed to go up the ladder to the first landing; where Jim gave a brief history of the light and the restoration done by the Avery Point Lighthouse Association. Then, in smaller groups, they continued the climb to the lantern room. The Strickler’s, by our request, brought along some of the society’s merchandise for our shopping pleasure. This light concluded our lighthousing for this day so we headed back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner at the hotel.

Monday morning, with another opportunity to sleep in, we arrived in Waterford at Capt. John’s Sport Fishing Center for a 10:00 am cruise for 5 hours aboard the Sunbeam Express to view and photograph 11 lights in the Eastern Part of the Long Island Sound; Saybrook Breakwater, Lynde Point, New London Harbor, New London Ledge, Morgan Point, Latimer’s Reef, North Dumpling, Race Rock, Little Gull, Plum Island and Orient Point. It was a cloudy day; the water was a little rough, but safe enough to still go out on the sound to cruise and see lights. It was a very rocking trip; particularly when we slowed down at some of the lights to take our photos. Although some were feeling a little queasy, all made it through the trip and lunch without any incidents (if you know what I mean.)

Returning to the dock a little later than scheduled, we headed over to the Stonington Harbor Light to climb, visit their museum and shop in the gift shop. It was here that we were able to gather everyone in front of the lighthouse for our group photo. Then it was back to Mystic Seaport to visit the Brant Point Replica only to find that they were closing in 10 minutes and would not let us enter the village. We tried to find a place along the road where it could be viewed, but were unsuccessful. So, we took the bus down Pequot Avenue to try to photograph New London Harbor; which is on private property and unfortunately hidden by very tall, tall trees with no trespassing signs posted everywhere on the property (evidently not owned by a lighthouse lover.) Again, we were unsuccessful in finding a clearing where we would be able to catch a photo of it on land. We then returned to our hotel to rest, pack for our morning departure, and freshen up for dinner.

Tuesday brought an early departure (no sleeping in this morning) and clouds; when Petty Officers Gresham and Statler of the U.S. Coast Guard, came to the hotel to escort us and our bus to Lynde Point and Stratford Point lights. These two lighthouses are located in residential areas, are on Coast Guard owned grounds, and have Coast Guard personnel with their families living in the keeper’s houses. They are not open to the public; but were opened for us to climb. You should have seen the look on the faces of the golfers as our “purple bus” drove through their golf course to reach Lynde Point. From the grounds of Lynde Point, we could also photograph Old Saybrook which sits out on the breakwater in front of this lighthouse. Petty Officer Gresham was very gracious to plan these climbs for our Society; and we will always be grateful to him and the U.S. Coast Guard for opening their doors. As you know, we always make donations to the various lighthouse associations who maintain the lighthouses for opening their “closed” doors. Since these two lights are on Coast Guard grounds, we made our donation to the Coast Guard Foundation in honor of their hospitality afforded us on this visit.

From Stratford Point, we backtracked to Lighthouse Park in New Haven to see Five Mile Point and Southwest Ledge, also known as New Haven Breakwater. Here we were greeted by Park Ranger Terry McCool, who opened the Five Mile Point lighthouse for climbing. Since the park is officially closed for the season, Terry arranged for Scott Longyear to open his concession stand on the boardwalk so that we could have lunch while at the park. Scott told us to order what we would like to have off the menu and if I have it, I’ll make it for you. As an added treat, he made a pot of his special clam chowder for us which was delicious. This was our last lighthouse and destination for this long awaited trip; but before we left the park to head home, Terry opened the Carousel house and we were given the opportunity to have a double ride on their 1916 Carousel (one of less than 100 in use today.) This Carousel is a unique and magnificent treasure and is a rare and important example of American folk art. It was restored to its glory back in 1980 after suffering from its age, hurricane damage and gradual deterioration. We all became “kids” again as the Wurlitzer Band Organ played its tunes and we went round and round. What a way to end a great Chapter trip before heading home. However, the actual ending of our trip was not a treat; as the last piece of luggage came off our bus; the skies opened and we were deluged by rain (a thunderstorm to be exact.) Some made it to their vehicles before they got wet, but many were soaked. BUT, as you look back on that, remember we stayed dry in Connecticut.

As always, our “Loft” was made available to everyone (many times) and we wish to thank all of you for your purchases. Featured on this trip for the first time was our new Chapter t-shirt. Special appreciation and thanks goes out to Lauren and Paula Liebrecht for packing up and bringing the “Loft” on this trip, setting it up and selling our merchandise. As you all know, these 2 ladies are a big part of the backbone of our organization. We also had our usual “Chinese auction” and thanks to all of you for your generosity and participation in this fundraiser. These monies help to keep our preservation projects going. During the trips, with so much always going on, it’s hard for me to keep track of everyone who jumps in to help us; so I want you all to know that I always appreciate your helping hands.