TRIP IS N OW FULL

June 15, 2019 Saturday Gillette Castle, Essex Steam Train Run.

Meeting Location: McDonald’s in front of the Lincoln Mall 622 George Washington Hwy, Route 116 Lincoln, RI 02865

Time: 8:00 AM

Trip leader: Les Barton

Contact information: cbmiata@verizon.net or (508) 725-9045

Our trip will include a stop a Gillette Castle for a picnic lunch and time to stroll the grounds or tour the castle. We will then board a ferry boat for a short trip across the Connecticut River. Then a short drive to the Essex Steam train for a two and half hour combined train and scenic boat trip. Afterwards dinner for those interested.

Gillette Castle State Park straddles the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut in the United States, sitting high above the Connecticut River. The castle was originally a private residence commissioned and designed by William Gillette, an American actor who is most famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. Gillette lived at this estate from 1919–1937.[2] The estate was purchased by the state of Connecticut in 1943 for a price of $5,000.

About the Train

Essex Steam Train & Riverboat’s 2 1/2-hour journey begins at the historic 1892 Essex Station for a 12-mile, narrated round-trip into the heart of the unspoiled Connecticut River Valley. The steam locomotive pulls vintage coaches through the quintessential New England towns of Deep River and Chester. A natural highlight is the undeveloped Selden Neck State Park, accessible only by boat. Essex Steam Train offers unique access to several coves and preserves, immersing passengers in an on-board eco-excursion. The train travels near the tidal wetlands of Pratt Cove and Chester Creek — bountiful, natural habitats for birds including Cormorants, Ducks, Swans, Greenland Geese, Blue Heron, Egrets, and Red-winged Blackbirds. In February and March, the majestic Bald Eagle is the star of the show when it migrates south to the Connecticut River Valley from Canada and Maine.

About the Riverboat

At Deep River Landing, passengers are escorted onto the Becky Thatcher riverboat for a 11/4– hour cruise along the Connecticut River. The visual serenity of the river valley is on full display from Becky‘s multiple decks. The deep water, coves, inlets, marshes, wildlife, and rocky shoreline are, all at once, simply breathtaking!

Just as impressive are the historic sites, including Gillette Castle, Goodspeed Opera House and the Haddam Swing Bridge. Upon Becky‘s return to Deep River Landing, the steam train welcomes passengers for the return trip back to Essex.

After the train/boat trip dinner at Lenny and Joe’s Fish Tail in Westbrook Ct.

Costs:

Gillette Castle tour: $6.00 per person

Ferry Boat: $6.00 per vehicle

Train/Boat trip: We have a group rate of $24.00 per person providing we get twenty people. The fee will be collected at the driver’s meeting, please bring exact change.

Please contact Les Barton by Wednesday June 12th if you plan on joining us for the day.