Moodus, Connecticut

We arrived in Moodus last Sunday and enjoyed our first week here. We have done a little bit of sightseeing but seemed like I couldn't get my act together and we went to the grocery store four days in a row. Part of that reason I will share with you in the "Keeping it real" segment. 

I saw a fire tower on our way to Moodus.

This is our site for two weeks.

The flowers here and the views are amazing.

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." 

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

"They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; 

You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy." Psalm 65:8 (NASB)

Prior to its purchase by English settlers in 1662, the area around Moodus was inhabited by Native American Algonquians. The names of three of the inhabiting tribes are known. The Wangunks, the Mohegans and the Nehantics were their names. The name was derived from the Native American name for the area. The name was "Matchetmadosett" or "Matchitmoodus". It can be translated to the place of noises. Its name possibly because of the frequent earthquakes in the area. Numerous earthquakes were recorded in the area between 1638 and 1899. Loud rumblings, possibly the "Moodus Noises", could be heard for miles surrounding the epicenter of the quakes near Mt. Tom. The land, which is now the towns of Haddam and East Haddam, was purchased by settlers from the Indians in 1662 for thirty coats. In today's money, it is worth about $100.

The 1791 earthquake that was CT's largest ever recorded

During the nineteenth century, Moodus was advertised as the "Twine Capital of America", with twelve mills in operation. The most successful was Brownell & Company. Moodus was in an ideal location for textile production since it had access to ample water power and shipping via the Connecticut River and the Connecticut Valley Railroad. It was also close to an enormous trading center and market, New York City. Moodus's mills primarily manufactured cotton yarn, cotton duck (a heavy, plain woven cotton fabric), and twine, and that production lasted from 1819 to 1977. The mills also produced certain related products, particularly fishing nets and pearl buttons. A part of that textile mill history is preserved in the Johnsonville historical section of Moodus, named after one of the mill owners. Brownell was a pioneer with DuPont Corporation in the production of nylon products, and Brownell still manufacturers specialized textile-related products in Moodus such as archery bowstrings, helicopter cargo nets, and tennis nets.

In 1825, Edward Brownell started a company in Moodus, Connecticut to supply 

twisted linen and nets to commercial fisherman.

Moodus had many local resorts that operated during the course of the early and mid-20th century. During the summer seasons of the 1940s and 1950s, people visiting the more than 30 Moodus-area resorts quadrupled East Haddam's population to about 20,000 people. Nearby Bailey Beach on Bashan Lake was popular with local residents and vacationers alike. The resorts, boarding houses and camps of Moodus attracted Christian and Jewish vacationers primarily from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and other parts of Connecticut.One of the last resorts to remain in operation, Sunrise Resort, was purchased by the state of Connecticut in late 2008 to be incorporated into the adjacent Machimoodus State Park as a campground, and to protect "4,700 feet of additional frontage along the Salmon River".

Looking across Bashan Lake

Sunrise Resort in 2013.

Back in the days of family fun at the resort.

"Keeping it real" last Tuesday Amazon delivered our newest kitchen gadget. A juicer. In reading about celery juice and all that it does for us, I decided to start drinking celery juice. We drink it first thing in the morning and then do not have anything to drink or eat for about 30 minutes afterwards. I must say, I care for it more than hubby. Why, you might ask yourself, are we doing this? Fun fact: celery juice lowers inflammation, support weight loss, help heal digestion, reduces bloating, helps Eczema and Psoriasis, fights infections, helps prevent UTI's, healing for acne, prevents high blood pressure helps lower high cholesterol, helps prevent ulcers and protects liver health. I found out that it takes more celery than I previously thought (hence more trips to the store). We started drinking last Wednesday and I think each day I feel better. I juice it at night and then it is cold in the morning when we drink it. 

Here is the newest addition to the kitchen.

The juicer recommends cutting the celery into 3 inch pieces. Hubby started cutting 

it up smaller and it does work better.

The final product. This is 16oz and we share. In the background is part of 

my lettuce spinner. Even living in an RV I have to have my important kitchen tools.

Friday, we went to the Comstock's Bridge, also known as the Comstock Covered Bridge, and it is located in East Hampton, Connecticut. The bridge was built in 1840 to span the Salmon River, and is one of the only three historical covered bridges in the state.

The Bridge across the Salmon River.

Pretty flowers.

The entrance.

Inside

The Salmon River.

I liked the rapids.

My phone says this is a Great Blue Heron.

This is our picture for the map.

Saturday, we went to Haddam Meadow State Park, the Gillette Castle (you will find out more about that on the next blog) and then had lunch at Rusty Rail Tavern.

You are looking at the Connecticut River.

The park was pretty nice and a lot of people were on the river.

Lots of trees in the water - beware boaters.

It was a good day.

We were able to sit outside in the shade and enjoy our lunch. 

Very fun place and good food.

Today, we head out to Hartford to look around the capital and a sporting goods store so I can get new tennis shoes for walking. I got some last year for Mother's Day, and I have worn them out. Still not walking every day like I should be, I need to start that up again.

I hope tomorrow you have a truly blessed Memorial Day! Memorial Day actually became an official federal holiday in 1971; and today, we take is opportunity to honor all military personal who died while serving our country. 

Another new state! Here are the state bird, tree, flower and motto for Connecticut. 

 
*Connecticut: American Robin (Bird), White Oak (Tree), Mountain Laurel (Flower), and "Qui Transtulit Sustinet" (He Who Transplanted Still Sustains) (Motto).

Hubby came up with a great idea, he told me I should add pictures for the bird, tree and flower. So here is your first look at the bird, tree and flower segment.

American Robin

White Oak

What the leaves and acorns look like. Bonus Fun fact: wildlife like to eat 

the White Oak acorns more than the Red Oak acorns.

Mountain Laurel

If there is something special you would like me to take a picture of, please let me know!
 
Drop a comment for me and let me know your thoughts on the blog.
 
God, the RV & me...