.
There were two things I couldn’t ignore about Newport, Rhode Island when we visited last month.
First?
The wind. It blew a gale force, every minute of every day, everywhere we went. Seriously, it put Chicago to shame and must be the windiest place on earth. Temps were in the 50’s but rarely felt like it. I brought one scarf and wore it every day. My hair spray screamed uncle. It was nuts.
Second?
The Canada geese. In every field, on every lawn, by the edge of all the highways and on every median strip. You might see three, or three dozen, or three hundred, but see them you will. And watch where you walk, because where there are geese there is … well, goose 💩.
Copious amounts of goose 💩.
.
.
After we settled into the resort, the first thing my husband wanted to do was tour his old duty station.
.
.
I’d never been there, so after clearing the security gate… we drove.
.
.
Past a lovely marina.
.
.
And the Admiral’s quarters.
.
.
With the ever present bridge in the background.
.
.
Did I mention there were geese?
.
.
We drove past a giant anchor.
.
.
And the Naval War College.
.
.
And yes, more geese.
.
.
The husband was searching for his old Marine Corps barracks, where this picture was taken in 1976.
.
.
Husband is on the right, receiving a commendation for saving a young man’s life.
❤️
.
.
We found a big red Marine Corps ball, but couldn’t locate the barracks.
I know he really wanted to chat with someone about his time there in the mid ‘70’s, but there were no Marines to be seen. The office was closed, as was the military museum.
.
.
He recognized a few buildings.
.
.
But so much had changed.
.
.
Vowing to go back again another day, we made our way to Newport’s famed waterfront for dinner.
.
.
The sun was beginning to set on The Reef and we were more than ready to relax.
.
.
The restaurant looked nice…
.
.
And even from the bar where my husband always wants to sit, the view was lovely.
.
.
My spiced cranberry Sangria was perfect.
.
.
As was the husband’s local beer (Whalers Rise APA) and butternut squash soup.
.
.
My coconut shrimp appetizer was tasty but things went straight downhill with our entrees.
.
.
I opted for the wild mushroom risotto which was beyond horrible and literally crunched. Not what one looks for in a risotto. I didn’t photograph the husband’s salmon but it was equally as awful and sent back as well.
.
.
Shame, because the location was wonderful.
.
.
And the sunset just about perfect.
.
River's world..... 
It looks really lovely around there and that sunset is lovely too. What a shame about the meal. It looks a lovely, relaxing place to be with the scenery outside to look at.
LikeLike
That’s an amazing shot of your husband in the black and white photo!
And yes… Geese… And geese poop. 🙄
Yesterday while walking Tucker the gusts coming off Lake Ontario literally ripped the hoodie off my winter coat. I had my hair in a ponytail and no hairspray but the wind messed that up too. 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that old photo. You can’t beat a handsome man in uniform.
❤️
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are definitely a waterbaby. I am impressed that you sent the food back – that is something I have always been hesitant to do – until recently. But unless you are being totally obnoxious about it then I think it is right and proper to do so. Restaurant meals are expensive…
LikeLiked by 1 person
To be honest I rarely send things back. If I don’t happen to like it but it’s cooked properly? That’s on me. But risotto shouldn’t crunch and the salmon was a dried out husk, so yes. Sadly both went back.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As you know, goose poop has been a problem for a while. It was 1963 when The Beach Boys sang about a Little Goose Poop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha!
🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
My childhood best friend lived in Newport for a few years while her then-husband was in the Navy. It’s fun to see what it looks like now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great area. Crowded at times, and traffic can be a nightmare downtown… but well worth a visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful photos. We have the Canadian geese here in the winter. They love the grass soccer fields, especially the one at the local high school.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have them as well, but honestly these guys were everywhere!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a lovely trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was!
LikeLike
It is your DUTY to charm them into giving you that spiced cranberry sangria recipe and then share it on the blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I usually take a picture of the ingredients for future reference when I like a drink … naturally this time I forgot.
😫
LikeLiked by 1 person
When you sent back your meals, did they bring out replacements or were you guys just over it at that point?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were over it. A nice sunset only goes so far.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks like a lovely area and that’s probably why all the Canada Geese are hanging around. 😉
The restaurant looks lovely, but apparently people go there for the Location, Location, Location and not the food.
LikeLiked by 1 person