Friday Finish!

 

While on vacation I couldn't resist getting a few things at the quilt store. One item was a pattern by Patch Abilities. This was a fun one to do and I was able to have something new to add to a wall, that needs a few things. 

I didn't follow the pattern exactly, but I never do. I added some glitter thread in the light for fun and a flower box window on the building. 

Today we finally got out of the house and went for a walk. It has either been too hot or too smoky to be outside. Today we had a break and it wasn't too hot for a short walk at the bird sanctuary. Lots of birds and critters and we had fun standing on the deck and watching 3 snappers, two were males competing for the female.

The Green Heron flew by and landed in the tree.

We also spotted two young Red Bellied Woodpeckers.

It was nice to get out and hopefully we can do more this weekend. It is hard in the summer with all the tourists, and the beaches reach capacity early in the day. I hope everyone is doing well and not stuck in the smoke zone, it is horrid here, so I cannot imagine being in areas with the thicker smoke.

Friday Finish!

 

This week I was busy getting the trailer ready. It seems I take all week with packing and planning and cooking, on top of taking care of the house but I was able to get it all done and not forget anything. During the week I got a chance to finish a small pillow. Another stitchery I never finished off, so bit by bit, I am whittling down items in my box.

Last week we went to the island for some beach combing. I noticed a goose, close to shore and was able to get close enough to see it was in distress. He has wry neck and that can be a sign of Avian flu. It cannot raise its head, so it is unable to fly. I also saw two dead birds on the shore, so it is possible with the large flocks of geese and gulls in the area. I contacted a few organizations in the area, so hopefully they could help it.

Lots of Ospreys have come back and new ones are nesting so not sure if this is a regular or a new one who may be thinking of nesting in the tree.

Today we got to camp. We got a nice spot on the cove, so it's a great place to relax.

After we set up, we went to the beach and enjoyed some time beach combing and the cooler air. A storm was coming in, so we couldn't stay out long.

Back at camp, I enjoyed relaxing and watching the storm as it rolled in. With the tide being so low, I was able to walk out further in the marsh with my boots. Tomorrow is cloudy and cooler, perfect for bike riding. Sunday will be rain, and I paid for the night so we could stay all day, so it will depend on the rain.

I hope you all had a nice week and can enjoy some nice weather, though I saw there are some bad storms in some areas. 

Weekend Camping!

Well, I think I can say, we had a nice time and we had a rotten time, it just depends on how you look at things, lol. We had a beautiful spot, lots of grassy area with trees, so we got to sit in the shade and just enjoy the views.

The tide was low during the day, but I finally got out in my little kayak and paddled around the little inlets. It was windy but I stayed in the calmer sections and enjoyed the variety of birds.

The bad was, we were climbing up the hill to go to the look out point and I slipped on a rock, did a turn around and snagged my leg on the roots, ripping my leg open, and landing on my elbows, so they are sore too. But, I went to the lookout and walked back to camp, cleaned myself up, lots of peroxide and a super size bandaid and I was all set.

We enjoyed some time at the dog beach, Bean's happy place. More exploring at the forts. When I was younger, we came here and we would be able to go inside the entire hillside, but they are filling them in, to keep kids out. And after dinner, a walk on the beach, and a beautiful sunset.

The lighthouse was a nice way to get out and enjoy the views. This female red winged blackbird, was enjoying a day at the ocean. Of course we found some glass at the beach, the tide was high but I still found a little. And it wouldn't be a normal day if I didn't hurt myself, never stand in hard surf with rocks around, especially with bare feet. Nothing serious, just a little cut and bruise, but I think I need to wear my water shoes, next time. And a beautiful end to the weekend, as the sun was coming down, it cast beautiful rays across the sky.

Today was spent doing laundry and dishes. I always leave the camping mess on the last day, and clean them good at home. The rest of the time, I am being lazy and resting, I need it, lol. I was able to see mama and her chicks today. She actually stood at the feeder and looked at me, she remembered me enough to stay close and wait till I threw her a scoop. The sad thing is, the white baby is gone, so not sure what happened, but I think the white ones are the easiest to see, which makes them more susceptible to predators. 

Friday Fun!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We kept dinner simple and just enjoyed the day, food and family, no expectations or stress.

Today we had Nicholas, so we decided to take him to The Fantastic Umbrella Factory. It is a group of stores and artisans in a farm like setting. It is a bit like a throw back to the 70's and in the warmer months they have folk musicians playing in the gardens.

Today was beautiful, perfect for walking and browsing the stores and no crowds. They have pathways and a fountain that we stopped to get a photo of Nick. I was unaware of the surroundings, and just took a photo, then noticed what I had missed.

Can you see what put that goofy grin on Nick's face?

We went to the animals first, they have ostriches and a goat, as well as chickens and various birds, running around the grounds. We took him to the bamboo forest, he was a bit apprehensive and then amazed at all the bamboo and how high it went up.

While we walked, we picked up a few buddies who followed us around. We also shopped small and bought Nick a wool hat and some gloves.

After that we went to Ninigret park and walked Nick in the stroller and then let him out to play on the beach. Throwing rocks is still his favorite sport.

Nick needed to eat and there weren't any kid friendly places in the area, so we got him a fresh sandwich and enjoyed eating at Charlestown Beach. The perfect way to end the day and just enjoy the beautiful day.

Four more days and the Christmas Hop begins. My day will be friday. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the weekend.

Weekend Wanderings!

Another beautiful weekend and of course the perfect weekend for paddling. Saturday was cooler, so we did a river paddle. Except for a few people passing by, we had the river to ourselves and the critters who crossed our path. We saw a beaver, a blue heron, hawks and lots of turtles but nothing that would sit still long enough for a photo.

The river is long and winding and passes under several roads and railroad bridges. This is an old trestle bridge.

We always stop at the state park, wilderness canoe campground. I think it would be fun to camp there, but it is really buggy at the sites which are up on the hill.

The blueberry bushes are all empty but their are grapevines lining the river.

Sunday was warmer so we went to the salt water marsh and paddled out to the breakers. We bought our umbrella and just enjoyed sitting on the beach.

We had our own little spot to sit and cool down in the water while we watched the boats go by.

The ocean is just over the dunes, a perfect place to walk around and enjoy the cool breezes.

On the way back, we passed this guy. I am glad I didn't meet him while we were swimming in the water. It is called a Lion's Mane jellyfish and they can grow up to 120 feet long with their tentacles.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, as well.

Hurricane Sandy...The effects continue and Giveaway!

It was a beautiful day out yesterday, so we decided to go for a walk at the Trustom Pond bird sanctuary. It is a salt water pond that is closed off to the ocean by a barrier beach. If  you click on the link, you can see an aerial photo of the pond and the small sand bar that separates the pond from the ocean.

It is home to over 300 species of birds and we arrived at the first platform, just in time to hear and see a flock of geese coming in.

We also noticed the water marker. It is used to mark the highest waters, due to flooding from storms. I guess it isn't needed now. This was our first indication that something was wrong.

The path we were on, takes us to a point which passes by the inlets, which are inaccessible. Not today, it is now a beach. This area was once covered in water.

At the point we go onto a raised platform to see views of the ocean and Block Island. The pond usually reaches up to the platform. Now, it has wider areas that stretch out into points and the shallows have revealed rocks, all through the pond.

And here is why, the storm broke through the barrier beach and it is now an inlet to the sea. The pond is now affected by the tides. The islands that provide safe harbor for the nesting birds, have land bridges which can be crossed by the foxes and other critters. I have no idea what this will mean for the future of the sanctuary and have heard that they plan on leaving it, as is and let nature take it's course.

We decided to go down the road, to the beach and see how the houses along the shore, fared. It looks like this house is a goner, there is no more support for the house. This is a house that has been there for years, built when there was more land. It shows you how much the ocean has worn away the coast and this storm took even more.

I spied this critter, hiding in the bushes, when we were leaving the beach. What do you think it is? Give me a guess and I will draw a name from the comments and one person will receive their choice of a free epattern from my ecrater shop. I will draw a name on Wednesday at 10pm and announce it that night, along with something for everyone.

The storms are still affecting so many people who live along the coast lines. There are a few places that are looking for help with quilts, blocks and monetary donations. If you have the time, or a spare quilt, or even a few dollars, those who have nothing right now, would appreciate anything you can do to help. Below are links to sites and information on how you can help.

Bumble Bean Basics is still looking for quilts to help those in New York and the New Jersey area.

Phoenix Quilts has rerouted quilts that they have received to help those on the coast, but funds are needed to help out with shipping costs.

The Rock Center has a list of those requesting help and organizations that are helping with the relief cause.

Quilting Gallery is looking for help with their block drive.

Stitch This has a list of places for quilters and other craft needs.

Sunday Stroll and Giveaway!

Today it was cool so we decided to go on another drive. The weather was beautiful and it was a perfect day to stroll the beaches and enjoy the larger waves.

Today I will show you a few photos and then a few more on Tuesday, when I announce a winner.

I took a lot of photos, but birds and people do not stay still for long, so I get a lot of fuzzy shots and just use the ones that come out the best and the ones, that I hope you will enjoy.

Today we went to a beach called East Matunuck Beach. The area is surrounded by salt marshes and opens to the ocean. It ends at the breach way at Galilee where the fishermen and ferries port.

We started in the middle of the beach, they have a nice new beach house and platforms to stand on, if you want to just relax and take in the view.

As we walked up the beach, the waves were crashing against the shore and the sand pipers were running back and forth to get food. They are so funny and so quick, but I got one shot that came out nicely.

We hit the breakers just as a fishing boat was coming out.

It wasn't long before another came by, I guess they start late in the afternoon.

A few minutes later, the old ferry came by. We also have a high speed ferry, but I think the ride to Block Island is part of the fun.

I saw this guy on the beach and walk towards him to get a shot, love his coloring. What do you think it is? Give me a guess and I will enter all guesses and one winner will win a free epattern or booklet. I will draw a winner at 10pm on Tuesday, so you can enter until then and I will announce it that night. 

                                       

X-Rated Walk!

Today we went for a walk at Trustom Pond. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze.

The first trail goes around a field and into the woods, then it comes out on a point with water on both sides, it is the perfect place to exercise and relax.

The views from this point, stretch out to the ocean and Block Island. The ferry was making it's way to the island.

This area is a bird sanctuary, so the trees were filled with the sounds of birds. There are a lot of varieties, but they tend to fly out and away, before you can get a shot. This guy sat still just long enough for me to get a shot.

After we finish enjoying the view here, we walk down the path and down a long side path to another point. At this point we noticed an osprey flying by with a long stick in his mouth. He was building a nest.

He was quite proud of himself and was showing off for his wife.

Then his wife decided to get some materials for the nest and this is what she came back with. Well, kid you not, she dropped it in and he started squawking at her and I would swear he was saying, "That is all you got". LOL

This is a view of the area that they are nesting, they own their own little island. Most of it in in the water, the heavy rains have raised the water levels.

After we enjoyed watching the Opreys, we headed back down the trail towards the cars. There is a small pond on the way and I was hoping I would get to see the old snapping turtle. I was thrilled to see he was there and before I knew what happened, he was jumping on another turtle. I guess he isn't as old as I thought;) At first I thought he was hurting her, lol. He smacked down on top of her, dug his claws in and pushed her underwater. He had her down for a long time and finally he started rolling around and she pushed up to get some air. We watched them until they quit, I'd say it was at least 15 minutes, lol. What I will do for entertainment;)

I kept this photo large so you can see the details of their skin and shells. 

And what would a pond be without frogs.

It was a wonderful walk today, we saw a lot of different birds, chipmunks, and snakes. I hope you had a wonderful weekend, as well.

Sick of the Sea?

Today we went to Ninigret park, which sits on a salt water pond. On the opposite banks is a barrier beach and the ocean.
It was high tide so we could paddle around the inlets, without having to worry about hitting bottom.

This was from our start point. Another beautiful day, sunny with a cool breeze.



We stayed on one half of the pond, since I didn't want to go to the breakers when low tide hit and have to paddle against that, to get back out. Even half the pond was quite the paddle, since we stuck to the shores, we put in a few miles today. This is from one end of the pond, looking back to where we started. Way, way off in the distance, past the last bend in the farthest distance.



Once on the barrier side we could stop at one of the sandy spots that connect to the ocean side. It is too much to drag the boats down the path, so Bill watched the boats so I could walk to the dunes and get a few shots. It was so beautiful and I really wanted to just sit on the beach for a few hours;)



Unfortunately I fell into the water when I went to get out of my boat. My legs were tired and weak today, so I got drenched in the pond. Today I was glad my camera was waterproof, since it went in with me, lol. I think my body is trying to tell me something, but am I listening? Nooooooooooo

Here is another view, going down the beach, it goes on for miles and there is a state campground at the end for trailers only. I would love to be able to spend a weekend, camping on the beach. I hope you have enjoyed my week in the kayak and in a few days I will be getting back to my daily routine and finish up some projects and starting new ones.