By Annie Lane
I recently traveled to Newport, Rhode Island, for a long weekend to attend my brother’s graduation. A Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, he had just completed a stint at the prestigious United States Naval War College.
Basically, he’s a badass. Although I now wonder if he’s the one who was actually adopted since the rest of my family tends to lean on the peace-loving, tree-hugging, hippie activist side of things. My brother assures me, however, that there were as many lessons on communication and negotiations as there were on strategy and tactical combat. Of course this news left my mom considering petitioning the college for a name change. (Tactical Peace College?) But I digress.
The good southern California weather came along for the trip, as the warm sky was often a crystal blue with fantastic cloud formations — a welcome respite from a tiring and long winter, according to the locals.
New England is charming to say the least. Old buildings, older homes, narrow cobblestone roads and more lush greenery on one block than all of San Diego put together. A slight exaggeration, but really very slight.
In the spirit of the San Diego Free Press’ Rich Kačmar, I went equipped only with my cellphone as I visited Newport proper, as well as New Bedford, Mass., and Mystic, Conn. Here’s a little snippet of what I saw.
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The United States Naval War College campus over looking the Claiborne Pell Bridge that connects Newport and Jamestown. -
My brother, the graduate, and my father. -
A cobblestone pathway in Newport, Rhode Island. -
Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Congdon Park, Newport, Rhode Island. -
A typical street in Newport, Rhode Island, complete with characteristic cloud cover, -
The sun setting on a church steeple in Newport, Rhode Island. -
An old wagon. -
One of three historic windmills in Rhode Island that are still in use to this day. -
Graffiti adorning a building in downtown New Bedford, Mass. -
An old fishing boat in New Bedford, Mass. -
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The Figure Head exhibit at Mystic Seaport. Located in Mystic, Conn., this is the largest maritime museum in world. -
Mystic Seaport sights. -
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge -
Wild strawberries found along the walking path at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. The air smelled so sweet.
All photos by Annie Lane
Annie Lane
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Annie, you didn’t photograph any of the grand old houses that Newport is famous for as the turn of the century ultra rich settled here in this enclave for the wealthy. A lot of them are open for tours to the public. They are ostentatious relics of the Gilded Age.
Ah, yes, John. We drove through that neighborhood of old, beautiful mansions the day after I arrived … and I was fast asleep in the car for the whole thing. Needless to say, no pictures were taken. An excuse for another trip, perhaps?
Thanks, Annie. As always, I support whatever your mom thinks is right :) I’m a big fan. Hope you’re doing well.
Thanks, Simon, very kind. All’s well here. Hope the same for you.
Annie,
Nice piece. Great read.
Congrats to your brother. Tree hugging or not, there’s no debate on who’s adopted… your brother looks very much like your father. Gotta love moms!!
I really liked the photos!! Thank you!
Dany
Hahaha, so true. As someone else once put it, my dad is the window into my brother’s future. Thanks for reading! All the best.