Day Tripping for FREE. Sorta.

For those of you who are following the story, I need not tell you, Joey is recovering from having his tonsils taken out. The doctor scared us into agreeing to stay home for two weeks, with the threat of post-op bleeding that would require another trip to surgery. Yikes.

"Yes, Doctor, I will keep him home for two weeks, and make sure he sits perfectly still, and doesnt eat any toast or pizza. You have my word." No post-op bleeding for my kid.

And then things got a little tense around here, and it was clear we needed to get out, or some one was going to get hurt. Sorry, doc. I gave it my best shot.

So, our first stop was Castle Craig at Hubbard Park in Meriden. Cost: FREE.
There are a variety of ways to get up to the 'castle.' First you can hike in the woods. Second, you can walk the road that leads up the the castle. Third, you can be lazy like us, and DRIVE.

Its actually a beautiful little drive that ends with one big ass hill. Which is why we didnt walk it.
The road is totally paved, a little narrow, a little curvy, but lovely. It goes around a large body of water, a reservoir perhaps? And then it goes through the woods. When we drove through, it was after a rain, and the woods smelled fresh and intoxicating. Fresh air is a wonderful thing. I cant get enough of it. Its pretty scarce where we live.

Once we reached the top, we were the only people there. There isnt much up there other than the castle, (Read: tower), a flag, and one heck of a jagged cliff. We walked up the stairs (ouch.) And, enjoyed the view. It was a hazy day, but still the scene was breathtaking. And back down to the bottom we went.

On to stop number 2.

This one isnt free. But we cant resist stopping in when we are in that neck of the woods. Off of 91, in Meriden, is a little German Deli called Noacks. Oh boy, is it a find. Bologna, hot dogs, kielbasa, knockwurst, bratwurst and the legendary smoked pork chops. All made fresh on the premises. And my new discovery the GERMAN POTATO SALAD. Mike tried the Blood Wurst. Basically, its all the parts of the animals that they didnt use, add some pork blood, stuff it into some intestines and smoke the crap out of it. He says its one of the best things he has ever had.
I say, "I'm not eating that. Period."

On to stop number 3.

This one is in the Cheshire, off of the beautiful Cheshire/Farmington walkway. Cost: FREE!!

There is a little place called Brookvale Park. And, actually I think its considered Hamden, not Cheshire. Anyway, it looks like a just a parking lot next to a baseball field. But, if you notice, there is a little sign that says ZOO. Again, lets use the term ZOO, loosely. Its more like a glorified farm. To my little kids, its the best place EVER.

So, you walk over to where the animals are. Rabbits, chickens, a peacock or two. There are some quails..Some sheep, goats and some tiny horses. There is a flower garden area, and some swings. Its quiet, fun, and free. Perfect for us.
And that ended our day out.

We came home, got the charcoal going, and grilled up our goodies from Noacks.
It was a great day.