Day trip to Connecticut Part 1

 Way back in the dark days of 2020, Drew and I spent a few days vacationing in Connecticut.  One of the highlights of that trip was our  visit to the Essex Valley. It was a time to mask up and to social distance, and the day we visited was rainy and gray, thanks to a hurricane.  But we had a blast.

So when we were hanging out with some friends, we convinced them to come with us to Essex Steam Train and Riverboat.

The trip starts  on an old fashioned train, with a coal-fed steam engine and Pullman cars dating back to the 1920’s.  In 2020 Drew and I road in a  a regular car:

But this trip, our little group paid the upgrade to sit in first class.

Swivel chairs, much more comfortable.

If you want views of the river during the ride, sit on the side of the train that faces the station.  My friends got a wonderful river view.  I got a view of woods and streams that lead to the river,

The train takes you to Deep River, to board the Becky Thatcher.

Here’s video of the river boat from our 2020 trip, I didn't get any photos of the boat this trip.

But I got a few nice views of the river. (Sit on the starboard side of the boat,)

That’s Gillette Castle.  William Gillette was a popular actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. He built this castle in 1914.

That’s a historic building, Mount St. John School. Primarily used as an orphanage and boys’ school.

That’s the East Haddam Swing Bridge.  It pivots to allow boats to sail.  

After the boat ride you re-board the train and return to the station.  Overall a pleasant excursion.