First.. thank you. Your outpouring of support for our upcoming new adventure totally blew us away. It’s always a touch scary approaching a new chapter, and announcing it is a big step. In the past, we’ve gotten mixed reactions to what seemed like departures from our course. Perhaps this led to over-explaining our decision which helped pre-empt the naysayers. Regardless, we’re overjoyed to have heard back from so many of you sharing in our excitement. So thank you thank you thank you!
Now, it’s time to get back to recording the current adventure, and the next stop on the route was a deeply meaningful one to me.
My mother was born and raised in Groton, Connecticut. A small coastal community at the mouth of the Thames River as it enters the Long Island Sound. The home of Electric Boat, Pfizer and a submarine base.
Heck, her mother was raised there too. My father was in the submarine service, stationed out of Groton – which is where my parents met.
Much of my family still lives here. My grandparents are buried here. My fathers ashes spread here.
Let’s just say, if i have roots anywhere – Groton is it. But I’ve personally spent so little time in the area myself.
My parents pursued their own path, and left the area before I was born – and Groton always remained this mythical storybook place of where they came from.
Only a few times in my childhood we returned for family reunions and events.
They, jokingly, referred to it as Rotten Groton. It was the place they left to find new horizons.
And that impression for me always stuck. Even when we returned three years ago for my father’s services.
So when my mom told me she had booked a trip up to Groton in late September, there was no doubt I wanted to take the opportunity to see this area and connect with family.
This post covers September 22 – 30.
Groton Elks Lodge
There’s not too many campgrounds in the area. But it turns out the absolute closest place to stay to my uncle’s house, where my mom was staying, was the local Elks Lodge.
Which allows dry camping for traveling Elks members. Thanks to having completed the process earlier this year, we are.
Not only is this location a quick half mile walk to my mom, it’s also the Elks Lodge where my grandfather was a member of since 1958. So it was extra special to stay here and see his name on the wall.
We were so comfortable parked along the backside of the lot, with our own private yard – that we ended up extending our stay a few nights after my mom left.
At a $10/night donation- you just can’t beat the location.
Not to mention cheap drinks in the bar getting to know locals.
We were walking distance to Eastern Point, viewing distance of the airport (where there was a warbird exhibit going on) and easy driving to visit Mystic, the Naval Submarine Base, New London and anything else we might like to check out.
And it made it super easy to casually get together with family in the area.
Lighthouse Exploring
My mother is a lighthouse nut, and it’s no wonder why. She grew up within sight of 10 (on a good day).
Ledge Light is the most iconic in the area if you ask me, right at the mouth of the New London inlet. My mother wouldn’t date my father until he got out of the service, even after he pursued her for years.
With his discharge papers in hand, he took her sailing around Ledge Light and proposed to her. So the lighthouse has always had a special meaning to our family.
My mother asked if we’d join her for two special adventures – a lighthouse cruise on a fast cat ferry around the sound, and a tour of Ledge Light itself. Heck yes!
First up was the Lights & Sights Cross Sound Ferry Tour – taking us out to all 10 lighthouses visible in the area. It was pretty amazing and well worth the $28.
Just as we were leaving the Thames River to start the tour, we approached Ledge Light just as a submarine was coming home after its tour of duty. Ledge Light is known as ‘Point Alpha’ to submariners, the beacon telling them they are safe, they are home.
We waved to the men returning home, with tears in our eyes as we took in the fullness of the moment. Thank you, Dad. Rest your oars.
The rest of the tour was awesome of course, and so glad to have seen so many of the other lighthouses up close and personal. But it’s kinda hard to top that moment.
The next day we had booked a tour out to Ledge Light with the volunteer docents of the Ledge Light Foundation, who are actively working to preserve this iconic structure in the middle of the sound.
We got to spend a couple hours out touring the structure, which was beyond magical. I’m so thrilled we got to experience these moments with my Mom and aunt Kathy. Priceless.
Touring & Family Bonding
We ended up staying 8 nights in the area, one of our longer stops this season. It was much needed and allowed for a more casual pace.
We went out and visited the memorial brick we had laid at the Nautilus Museum for my dad, visited the gravesites of my grandparents, enjoying local dining and explored Mystic.
But mostly, it was about family. Getting to know my aunts and uncle and cousins, and this unique place on the planet that my biology is tied to.
I could think of no more meaningful way to wrap up our amazing summer exploring New England and officially switching gears to our next adventure. I am a sailor’s daughter, after all.
And without a doubt, there isn’t a thing Rotten about Groton.
It’s an absolutely stunning area of the country seeped in history. I can’t wait for a slight diversion off the Loop to return in our boat!
What’s Up Next?
I have one more travelogue to finish which will officially wrap up us leaving the area. We’ll then share how our expectations of RVing in the Northeast converged with reality – navigating tolls & low clearances and costs.
But to bring you quickly up to date in real time, we’ve rejoined with our dear buddies Nina & Paul of WheelingIt at the amazing Assateague National Seashore.
We’re both headed to Florida for holidays with family, and are on a similar pace to spend a month heading down the coast to get there. They’re on a pursuit of touring lighthouses (huh, what’s with all lighthouse nuts?) which conveniently meshes quite well with our boat hunting.
We’re thrilled to be back with friends, and we look forward to our paths intersecting more closely over the coming weeks.
Forgot to comment on this, but I just LOVED this post. Lighthouses, memories and family all in one. So touching, so special.
Nina
Thank you for sharing your time in Groton. I served on the USS Nautilus from 1970-1972. I also have a brick out front of the museum. I may have been there about the same time as you as I was attending the Nautilus Reunion in late September.
Hello Chris and Cherie. I just became a member of Rvillage because of your vlog with Curtis, but I’ve decided to begin my transition to becoming a full time rv’er because of your other videos as well. You two have provided the answers I’ve needed to make a change and your videos are the tools I’ve been using to convince my fiancÁ© to come aboard. I’d love for you to check out my profile and maybe say hello. You’re literally changing lives and I just wanted to say thank you.
Awww.. thanks. Congrats on the steps you’re taking to live your dreams!
I fell for the airship quest last time,… hook line and sinker. Been waiting a while to make sure the “Loop Trip” is for real. Looks like it’s a go! Sue & I are sooooo happy for you two. You are masters at carving out a life others want to do as well,……but can’t, or don’t. Always look forward to your vlogs and blogs. Thanks for allowing us a peak into all your adventures.
Hahaha… Chris has a knack with his April Fool’s posts, doesn’t he? This time, it’s for real. the boat hunt is on!
How wonderful to spend time with family in a place with such meaning for all of you. I could really feel how special this stop was for you. The lighthouses are magical. How fun to get the band back together for your southern sojourn – can’t wait to read what you all get “up to”!
It was very much so a special visit, and so glad our travels made it possible.
I spent a good portion of my life in Stamford, CT. Glad you finally got up to the NE. I was closer to the NYC and spent most my time there-I was younger then too. There is so much that CT has to offer-it could keep you busy for years. The big downside are the winters. Hee Hee
For sure.. we only got a brief glimpse of the areas we visited. We could spend several seasons up this way, and that’s the plan. In a boat 🙂
What a wonderful time you must have had with family…always a treat…your traveling plans and partners sound great…I see lots of fun in your future as you travel south…good luck with finding a boat….can not wait to see what you choose…
It was a great stop, and it’s been so fun hanging out with Nina & Paul (we know you know that well too!).
I know you wanted the airship but doing the Great Loop in your personal submarine has to be a close second. Good luck on the boat search this winter. Cheers.
Thanks.. we’re so excited to be finding our next vessel!
Love Assateague! Don’t know if you are still camped there, if so, you guys had an almost ringside seat to the the Antares rocket launch from Wallops Island this evening..Did you catch it?
We indeed had an amazing view of the launch this evening! And a beautiful moonrise.
Love lighthouses, never pass an opportunity for a tour. Last was the one at Cape of Good Hope. There is an amazingly short one in Or, only 5 1/2 feet high from the landward side (it is elevated by a high headland).
So excited to read about your new adventure. I always wanted a boat, but was dissuaded by my wife’s motion sickness. Motorhome was the functional compromise. Works for us, but I do love boats and have a tickle of envy.
I do have a soft spot for lighthouses myself, and we so enjoyed being volunteer docents at one in Oregon two years in a row. We’ll have an all new appreciation for them from water too.
So many Lighthouses, so little time! I lived in Florida for 25 years and never toured a lighthouse until I went back for a family visit. That was at Ponce Inlet. I’m hooked!
For sure.. there are so many of them. And each with its own unique history and beauty.
Cherie if you all get down to the Punta Gorda area of florida, you all are most welcome to driveway surf with us for a few days. It would be a pleasure to meet you both. We are charter members of Boondockers Welcome and totally support the idea of boondocking. Pauline and Virginia
Thanks so much! That area of Florida may be prime boat shopping, we’ll mark this spot on our invitations map.
I have followed your blog since you bought the bus. We are on our 4th motorhome but are mostly vacation RV’ers, and do mostly one really big trip each year. I always read your blog to get information about different areas of the country, and the techie stuff is also welcome. Good luck with your floating adventure!
Thanks for joining in the adventures.. hopefully you’ve been able to add a spot or two to the wish list.