OK, this heat is enough. It was (and still is) freaking hot out today! But the hazy, hot & humid day didn’t stop me, and in fact it led to a couple decent photos.
The photos started out on my way into work this morning. With my early start, and the humid air, the sun was quite low and gave some really nice colors on the drive in. The first shot that grabbed my eye was in Lebanon near the green of an old windmill silhouetted by the hazy sunrise.
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Then a bit further south was a shot at Cushman Farms in Franklin of a couple tractors resting before the day’s duties.
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And finally it was into work. Well, almost. Crossing over the Gold Star Bridge, I noticed what looked to be the cranes of the Persenk still at the State Pier in New London. So I figured on taking the Thames Street route to work today. As I pulled down Thames Street, what I saw confirmed my suspicions on the bridge.
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Note how high the bow is out of the water, as compared to yesterday. I guess the front hold is empty!
As I took that shot, I noticed a tugboat heading south from the drawbridge. It was one of the larger seagoing tugs that usually assists the Navy submarines into and out of the Thames River. It was the Paul A Wronowski gliding south on the very calm Thames this morning.
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And I got a shot of her passing the cargo ship unloading
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And a shot of her heading further downstream, presumably to escort an inbound submarine.
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Then it was off to work for the day.
With the heat & humidity, I figured that if I was going to get a walk in today, I should do it in the morning. So I left at my usual time and headed north. I decided on the shot at Stoddard Cove in Ledyard for this morning. Sure, the shot I had in mind involved a bit of a hike south from the parking area, but I figured it really wasn’t that hot. Boy was I wrong…
I got to my spot just as Providence & Worcester train NR-2 reported to the Worcester dispatcher that they were south of MP12 in Norwich. That put them about 5 minutes north of me – just enough time to do a little “landscaping” and get ready for the shot. As I stood there waiting, sweat dripping down my face & back from just standing there, a rumble to the north grew steadily louder, rolling through the thick, still air. Moments later NR-2 came across the causeway between Stoddard Cove and the Thames River towards me. I got a shot of the train getting on the causeway, with a trash to energy plant in Preston in the background.
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As usual, while the train sped past at nearly track speed, Rod leaned out and gave a great smile & wave – one that I promptly returned.
As I got up from the water’s edge, I decided to try a blur shot of the trailing power heading past me. I think it came out OK.
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And the train continued south. Time for me to make the trek back to the car, and thankfully, into the air conditioning to try to cool down and dry off a bit before heading back to work.
Thanks for looking!
Tom
