Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard

Becks and Rob are presently writing a blog which is their A to Z of Connecticut State Parks and they have reached the letter E so today Becks drove us out to two state parks, one of which was next on their list: Eagle Landing. Before we arrived there we parked up in the very pretty town of Chester and had a delicious lunch at Simon's Market.

The strange thing about state parks is that they are often bequests to the state and so may be left alone to fade into obscurity or developed as tourist trails and attractions. It took us all of five minutes to explore the grandly named Eagle Landing as it exists only in the form of a very large, and today empty, car park next to the Connecticut River! There was, however, a good view of the Goodspeed Opera House across the river and the amazing swing bridge which opened as if on cue as we stood there.

Back in the car we moved on to Devil's Hopyard State Park and took in the very pretty Chapman Falls before taking a hike on the forest trail to a viewpoint and then down to a covered bridge. Although the best of the Fall has passed, the colourswere still glorious and we very much enjoyed our walk. Heading home we stopped in Madison for coffee and cupcakes at RJ Julia's bookstore. Final stop of the day was at the supermarket where Becks and Tony bought vibrant orange t-shirts to ensure they don't get shot by hunters when they are putting out controls for Becks' orienteering event at the weekend. Apparently you have to wear orange to avoid such!

Those of you who have been following our US holiday blips may recall my concern about coming face to face with a bear orienteering last weekend. Well Becks' friend Neil blipped this in the assembly area just moments after the end of the event on Sunday!

So today's blip is of Becks and Dad Tony at the foot of Chapman Falls.