Newport, Rhode Island, Mystic Connecticut and Runnemede, New Jersey

On Monday morning, Jesse got up early to drive to his job in Groton. Rich and I left at the same time and after a stop for coffee at Starbuck's we drove east to Newport, Rhode Island. While the America's Cup races are just starting in San Francisco, on the other side of the United States, Newport was once the home of the America's Cup. One of the main streets is called America's Cup Avenue. It has a long tradition of sailing and boating. Rich and I walked along the waterfront and stopped for lunch.

I am posing in front of one of the classic boats that take tourists out for tours

Power boaters have creative names for their crafts.

One of the small homes in the area.

 

After lunch we drove around the area and followed the sign that said, "Mansions". These homes are gorgeous. The styles range from Victorian to Georgian to French Chateau. Most have manicured gardens and lawns and could sleep a small family of 20 or more. They were fun to look at but I am glad I don't have to maintain them!

 

 On our way back to New Haven we also stopped at Mystic, Connecticut. This was a ship building center and also the home of the Mystic Pizza shop that was the inspiration for the movie of the same name.. It professes that its pizza is a slice of heaven. We will take their word for it as we did not stop for a slice.

 

Today we drove south to Runnemede, New Jersey to visit with friends and family before flying to the west coast. Rich and I stopped by Marino's for a cheese steak sandwich and a hoagie. Rich and the owner exchanged names of friends from high school looking for common aquaintances. I think this is an east coast thing.

 

As I type this, Rich is napping. Since Jesse is in a new job he is also in a new germ pool and got a cold. During our visit, Rich caught his cold. We were able to travel in central America and not get sick but returning to the US is different matter. I hope he recovers soon.