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June 19 - Essex, CT

Hamburg Cove Mooring

Now that we are officially in New England we are only moving short distances at a time, which means we have time in the mornings to be a little lazy and enjoy ourselves. The mornings are cool here; I usually need a long sleeve shirt to be able to sit outside for breakfast.

Today we moved up the Connecticut coast to the Connecticut River. The Connecticut River is the largest and longest river in New England. We stopped in North Cove by Saybrook and picked up a mooring while we waited for the incoming tide. This river has a strong current and fighting it even for 5 or 6 miles isn't worth it. This is the first completely sunny day we've had in weeks, no rain or chance of rain all day. While we waited for the tide we had a picnic lunch on the deck and enjoyed a beautiful summer day.

Around 3:15 we headed up the river to Essex. We are actually just past Essex in beautiful Hamburg Cove; surrounded by steep hills covered in trees and foliage...the smell of honeysuckle is amazing. One of the prettiest places we've been since the Rideau last summer.

As soon as we got things settled on the boat we took the dinghy and did a little exploring. First we went further into the cove to visit the Reynolds General Store in Hamburg. It's been run by the same family since it opened in 1859, a neat little place, now run by a nice lady that is a descendant of the original owners. Our next stop was across the river to Essex. A beautiful little town filled with buildings from the 1700-1800s. Although Essex is located on a river it has played an important role in maritime history. Over 500 ships have been built in Essex including the Oliver Cromwell, which was the US’s first man-of-war built in 1776. We wandered around awhile and then decided to go back to the boat for dinner. We wanted to enjoy our delightful cove. We sat outside and enjoyed the view, the cool temperature and visiting with a local that stopped by to greet us. Everyone we've met in Connecticut so far has been very nice and informative on where to go and things to see. I think we could spend all summer in Connecticut.

Two of the lighthouses we saw today. Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse in the front and Lynde Point Lighthouse in the back. Both are located at the mouth of the Connecticut River.
Going up the Connecticut River
Going up the cove towards town
Cove Landing Marina in Hamburg Cove
H.L. Reynolds Co. General Store in Hamburg Cove
Hamburg Cove
Essex city dock and Connecticut River Museum
One of the old homes on Main Street in Essex

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