Newport, Rhode Island

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Well, not all is sunshine and roses when you’re on vacation. This was definitely not my favorite day. I should have stayed in bed when I heard the rain on this tin roof when I woke up this morning. What’s with all these hurricanes in New England? I thought they were the domain of Florida, and I’ve moved from there. Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ophelia dumped rain on us all day, and even wants to linger a couple more days with us.

I’m at the blue dot in Mystic, Connecticut, catching the outer bands of Ophelia centered in Virginia.

The day started with me going down to the bus stop and finding it completely void of bus and any of my fellow travelers. I walked up to the office thinking I got the wrong spot, then walked back to the wagon-masters RV only to find a dog barking. I texted and was told they didn’t do their usual roll call and also didn’t get the count right. I guess I was lucky because the first stop was only 7 miles down the road instead of the usual hour away. After they dropped everyone off they sent the bus back to get me.

Originally we were scheduled to go on a sailing ship in the harbor, but because of the rain and wind it was cancelled. Instead, we went to the Mystic Aquarium. It wasn’t my favorite aquarium, but I always enjoy a going to one.

Beluga whales.
Feeding the penguins. One feeds, the other records how much each penguin eats.
Oh look! I found Nemo!
It was Mermaid Day at the Aquarium, and all the little girls were pressed tight to the glass saying Hello to the Mermaids.
The had a really nice collection of jellyfish.
We had time to catch the sea lion show.

After the Aquarium, we backtracked up the coast and went to Newport, Rhode Island, apparently the playground of the rich and famous. We were dropped of in the rain at Bowen’s Wharf to get lunch and shop for 3 hours. After looking and not finding anything under $20 or gluten-friendly, I did some expensive Christmas shopping instead.  Then I found a spot out of the rain to wait for the bus.

Rain at Bowen’s Wharf.

After lunch, we went to the Breakers Mansion, the summer home of the Vanderbilt’s. Keeping my mood positive in the face of so much wealth and extravagance was challenging.  Mind you, this is just the summer home on the oceanfront.

The Breakers Mansion, summer home of the Vanderbilt’s.
The Grand Entrance Hall of the Breakers.
The dining room. Two dozen roses were cut from their greenhouses daily and delivered to the mansion for use throughout the rooms.
The library.
The bath. The marble tub was so thick that it would take 4 fills and emptys before the water would be warm enough for a bath. Also notice the 4 taps – 1 fresh hot, 1 fresh cold, 1 salt hot, 1 salt cold.
The back porch overlooking the ocean.
The gate to keep the commoners out.

This went on and on through a morning room, a music room, a breakfast room, a billiards room, and several bedrooms, baths and closets.  And we were only on the 1st 2 floors – there are 5 floors, and 70 rooms in this mansion,

Tomorrow is a travel day. On these East Coast RV caravans in the past, they used to go into New York City. But the camping around NYC is scarce with the only acceptable campground now at least 2 hours away. So tomorrow, we’re headed to Poughkeepsie, NY instead.

When I’m stuck in a day
That’s gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh

Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!

You’re always
A day
A way!

2 Replies to “Newport, Rhode Island”

  1. Just a few days before you were at the Breakers Mark and Iwent to the Hearst Castle. And I don’t understand the necessity of building these huge homes when their money could have done so much more good. It was just a hobby and showing off!

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