Lamentation Mountain

Amy and I hiked Lamentation Mountain in Meriden today - a great little ridge hike.

The views stretched from Massachusetts to Sleeping Giant. We could actually see the hill we live on, too.

Ran into this little guy - American Carrion Beetle - along the way.

And this fallen beech tree on the way back. All in all a great little hike. I recommend it for beginners and if you are more advanced, you can do a double loop with Chauncey Peak.

Hubbard Park and Castle Craig

Hiked up to Castle Craig the other day, since Amy had not been there since she was a child.

Despite being a crisp, cold day, the views were a little hazy (see Sleeping Giant below).

I had never taken the white trail to the castle, usually approaching it on the Metacomet (or one time going straight up the cliffs by accident). It was a fine little hike. A couple of ladies were heading up just as we reached the bridge across I-691 below. They were already tired, and I'm afraid I lied and told them it was an easy walk. Sorry ladies!

The Little Rendezvous

Finally made it to the Little Rendezvous on Pratt Street in Meriden the other day. The oven (pictured below) has been in operation since 1880, and in 1938 it began baking pizza pies. That makes it possibly the oldest (operating) brick oven in the state.

It is one of the best places in the state to get coal-fired, New Haven style thin crust chewy center pizza like the one pictured below.

It was delicious. The Little Rendezvous is clearly one of the state's best pizza joints. And it is a 'joint' make no mistake. It is no fancy restaurant, but who cares when the pizza is this darn good. Next time we'll try their anchovy pie.