CT Flickr Meetup - July Meetup in Groton July 11, 2008

Saturday, July 12 is our next official meetup, led by Julia.

This meetup was originally scheduled for New London, but was moved to Groton due to the New London Sail Fest.

9:30am - Bluff Point - Groton - Directions
There are some picnic tables right near the parking lot, before you get to the trail entrance. Let's meet there, or in that general area if the tables happen to be taken.

Bluff Point is my favorite spot in the state. The main trail is wide and well-maintained. It is shady but goes along the water. There are a couple of little beaches along the way and some little side trails. If you walk out to the bluffs (at the far end of the trail), you can watch the waves crash against the rock. It's a very peaceful and relaxing place to sit for awhile. I'm going to have to remind myself that I'm here with the marathon photography group and not with the holistic health group. ;-) You can either walk back along the water, or continue the loop which will take you into the woods.

The full loop is a bit of a distance (approx. 3.5 miles), but there are side trails and beach areas so you'd find plenty to do even if you didn't do the full loop.

Lunch - Because Bluff Point is the type of place where you can lose track of time, we're offering a few options for lunch. This should give everyone a chance to shoot at their own pace.

1. Bring a picnic lunch to eat at Bluff Point. I often eat on the bluffs, looking out at the water and watching the waves crash on the rocks. But there are a few beach areas where you could eat, and also the picnic tables by the parking lot.

2. Julia or I will put together a list of nearby restaurants, from Subway to Applebees.

Approx. 1:15-2:30 - Fort Griswold - Park Ave., Groton
A Revolutionary War battlefield which is interesting even for us non-history buffs. We were here in November with a small group of members and everyone enjoyed the stop.

Approx. 2:45 - ??? - Avery Point - Groton
This place is new to me, but when I drove by last summer, I knew I had to go back with the camera someday! All I can say is that the campus is gorgeous and it is right on the water.

When Julia called for parking info, they told her the Branford House is a popular wedding spot and asked that we are respectful if there is a ceremony or reception in progress. As usual, I don't expect this to be a problem, but we've got to pass along the info!

* Directions for the Day: These are from points along I-95 and to all three stops.
From I-95 North
From I-95 South

Official Website: http://www.flickr.com/groups/ctflickrmeetup/discuss/72157605689264480/