Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor: August 2007

Headlines from the New Haven Register have caught my eye during the last few days and made me shake my head in amazement at the foolishness of our government leaders.

A local Doctor at Yale-New Haven Hospital that came to this area a few months ago and his sister, an attorney visiting from Germany decided to play a worldwide running game to make friends.

Well... Some frightened fool called the authorities and the equivalent of the Connecticut Ghost-Busters moved into action.  Hazmat crews from surrounding towns descended on the site and with all the wisdom of government agencies decided to evacuate IKEA.  Why would the BRAINS have all the people stand around the parking lot so they could inhale whatever potentially deadly fumes may come from the mystery powder?  Wouldn't they be safer remaining inside the store?

I'm all for caution concern but if a citizen calls the police after seeing a "runner" mark the ground with "flour" I would expect a little "detective" work to determine the credibility of the problem.  The city of New Haven instead calls the FBI and mobilizes experts from all over the state wasting tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars. 

Wasting all that money on the preliminary investigation wasn't enough for the New Haven Authorities.  Two  hours after this fiasco began the Runners returned to the area and tried to clear up the misunderstanding.  Instead of excepting the reality that mistakes happen and allowing the runners to enjoy a little food & drink they were tossed into the clink.

As it turns out the flour was spread to mark the trail for a Hashing.  This worldwide social event brings runners together for a little fun. New Haven is now charging the German Citizens with a Felony so another round of taxpayer money can be wasted by the prosecution. I'm no legal wizard or rocket scientist but I think I can safely say the odds of recovering all the cost of the government's overreaction from the runners are slim.

Does anyone think the government should be more accountably with taxpayer funds?   The Spend, Spend, Spend mentality and endless ability to reach into our pockets for more money has to STOP!

A few weeks ago a comment was left on one of my posts about traveling to Maine for a Lobster Dinner.  Dawned on me that spending a lifetime in New England we take the availability of Lobster somewhat for granted. 

While flipping through a newspaper I noticed an advertisement of Robinson's Wharf saying the ship lobster nationwide so I decided to stop by for lunch expecting to pick up some information on the shipping procedure and cost.  Unfortunately they didn't have any literature and their web site is not the most efficient for placing orders.  There are many companies that will deliver fresh Maine Lobster.

My twin lobster was the special of the day for $21 and the corn was exceptionally tasty. I sat sipping a Heineken as we overlooked the docks and noticed the taps of specialty beers.  In Maine the local drinks include a Fisherman's Brew & a Lobster Ale!

If you are in the area for lunch you can also enjoy many other activities.  After we ate it was off to a Whale Watching adventure but wouldn't you know we choose the roughest day of the year.  Fortunately we were issued standby passes so we can take the trip another time.

Here are some highlights from a different day in Boothbay.

Awakening after only two hours sleep to begin our drive from Connecticut to the LA area for the first Launch of Balloons at 6:00 am Friday Morning proved to be a wise move.  Weather conditions were classified as near perfect and balloons filled the sky.  Later that afternoon the winds picked up so only one pilot ventured into the sky at 6 pm and Saturday morning brought rain so I assume the launch was scrubbed.

So.. What do you do when the balloons are grounded?  Plenty!  The partially inflated balloon gave children a chance to run around inside one of the massive balloons.  Curious kids & adults could get an up-close look at the basket and controls. For the hungry there was plenty to eat.  The nighttime festivities brought out a thick crowd for the crisp summer evening.

There was also an abundance of nighttime entertainment to satisfy the crowd.  Lisa Cummings, known as Imari & The Sahara Desert Dancers put on a show.  All the ladies look like they were having great fun shakin' to the music.  Fitness enthusiasts will find belly dancing offers a good cardio workout along with a full range of muscle toning exercises.

Anyone in the L/A area interested in pursuing the art can take classes this fall.  Instruction is also available in other towns throughout Western Maine & North Conway, NH. 

Next on the agenda that evening was a flashback to the disco days with Motor Booty Affair.  Since I was never known as Disco Dan I was not familiar with the group but heard many people in the crowd reminiscing about the days of their youth.  One couple traveled up from Boston the catch the show because they just can't find great stuff like this in the city.   The band came out dressed and ready as darkness descended so after the first few photo the camera was tucked away for the night.

If you missed your opportunity to see the 15th Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival this year mark your calendar for mid-August next year.  More information can be found on their web site.

Those of you from the old days may remember the the series F-Troop that aired in the mid 60's.  The character Chief Wild Eagle used the line "It is Balloon" quite often when he saw a hot air balloon.  For the younger crowd I'm sure L/A brings to mind the Lewiston / Auburn area of Maine.  The twin cities are always referred to as LA and this weekend was the 15th annual Great Falls Balloon Festival.

We travel to Maine quite often during the summer months and have been in town on several occasions during festival weekend.   This year we decided to do the overnight run so we would be there for the first launch scheduled at 6:00am  Friday morning. 

Launch conditions were perfect and the first Balloon was in the sky at about 6:15.  The field at the newly named Simard-Payne Memorial Park was filled with Balloonist preparing for lift off.  Below a female crew hustles to get their balloon ready for lift off.  It is bit of work to roll out the balloon, use fans to fill the massive area and heat the air so it can lift the pilot and passengers into the sky.

As more and more balloons filled the sky it was noticeable that most seemed to descend shortly after take off.  We were wondering if the Hot Air Balloon Rides were that short so we wandered over to a foot bridge crossing the Androscoggin River between Lewiston and Auburn we found our answer. 

No, they were not dropping off passengers before continuing their journey, the Balloonist were dipping down to allow spectators a photo opportunity over the river.

Normally Maine is a weekend destination for our mini-vacations but most of the time we avoid the tourist attractions and relax on our lake.  For a change of pace we decided to spend the day at Boothbay. 

In addition to poking around in little shops or having lunch there are a number of water activities.

Kayak rentals are available, various fishing charters are based out of the harbor and there are plenty of scenic cruises.  Since the day was a little on the cool side for mid August we choose to spend a few hours on Cap's Combo.

Boothbay Harbor is both a tourist destination and a working port so we saw plenty of Lobster Boats mixed in among the pleasure vessels.  Lobster enthusiasts can even go out on a Trap Hauling trip that lasts just over an hour.  Other short cruises include Whale Watching or Seal Sighting adventures.  You can easily fill a day, a weekend or even a week hanging around the harbor. 

Nearby Reid State Park has sandy beaches for those that just cannot resist the temptation of swimming in the cool waters of Maine's Mid-Coast.  It has been a number of years since I've taken a plunge but I recall the thoughts of Bone Chilling Cold crossing my mind as I exited the Atlantic waters of Maine.  There is also a protected lagoon area where the water gets quite warm.

Here are the Lighthouses we saw on this trip - Ram Island Light,  the Peraquid Point Light or the Burnt Island Light.

Everyone needs a little summertime break from the work week so today I am heading north for a little rest and relaxation. The one downside, or blessing is that I will be without Internet access and cell coverage is spotty. If you just cannot wait call my cell and leave a message if I don't pick up 203-676-5947.  It may take a day before I'm back in an area to retrieve the message but I will return your call as soon as possible! 

When you are Coming to Connecticut -  Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.

Here in Connecticut the utility companies are never shy about requesting rate increases.  This year the United Illuminating Company that provides us with electricity decided they needed a 50% increase. Somehow the regulatory committee that oversees this electric monopoly agreed that whatever hogwash they were fed sounded good enough to justify the huge price jump.  To ease the pain new rates were implemented in three steps with the full amount effective as of July first.

The summertime months of July, August & September bring the largest electric bills since air conditioning is in use.    We have been conserving this year and instead of running the air constantly we pop open windows whenever possible. The July bill came and since our consumption was down the total charges were similar to past years.

Well... Mother Nature struck with uncontrollable force delivering many hot humid days during the past month and the damage report just arrived.  In years past the typical bill in August would be a little over $300 but thanks to the big jump in electric prices it is now nearly Five Hundred!

I run around the house turning off lights and keep the curtains closed all day to minimize the hot sunlight.  Our hot water & clothes dryer is fueled with Natural Gas so I cannot find any ways to reduce usage.... Any ideas?   

If you are looking for some outdoor adventure Sleeping Giant State Park in the Mount Carmel section of Hamden, Connecticut offers an abundance of hiking opportunities.  The easy to get to location is just 15 minutes from downtown New Haven off exit 10 of I-91.

The hiking trails throughout the park offer something for all skill levels.  By far the most popular hike is the easy to navigate Tower Trail.  From the base of The Giant the ten foot wide trail gently weaves up 600 feet to the summit. Young children especially enjoy the 1.6 mile walk but remember it is a hike, rocks and ruts fill the path so a stroller does not work very well. 

An observation tower it the treat at the end of the trail, well the end for most people, experienced hikers can pick up the Blue Trail and go in either direction but the difficulty increases.  The castle like tower is four stories and offers a view as far as Long Island on a clear day.

There is no charge to enter the park but they do impose a parking fee on the weekends.  There are typically about 30 or so spaces available on the street for free parking. Facilities are minimal, at the base there is a water fill-up spout, picnic area & restrooms but no concession stand. 

If you are interested in other adventures in New Haven County feel free to browse my blog.  Real Estate information pertaining to this area can be found on my web site. Dan Cummings, Realtor 203-672-2455 or Dan@CummingsTeam.com

Everyone needs water to survive but if you want to enjoy the water of Long Island Sound the newly refurbished boat launch in Guilford Connecticut offers easy access for a modest fee.  The Boat Ramp is cconveniently located at the end of Whitfield Street about a mile south of the Town Green.                                                      

For a nice lunch or dinner The Stone House Restaurant is within a few hundred yards of the boat ramp. During the summer months if you'd like a bite to eat in a less formal setting the Little Stone House Cafe offers soups, salads & sandwiches with live entertainment from local singers.  Sit outside and enjoy a leisurely lunch, glass of wine or a beer while you relax.

For More Information About:

Guilford Real Estate Agent

Historical Home Prices in Guilford

A few Good Places to Eat

Dan@CummingsTeam.com 

When you are Coming to Connecticut -  Contact Dan Cummings - The Running Realtor for help with Real Estate.

Ever wonder how much people are willing to spend for a really special summer cottage? In Branford Connecticut where the Thimble Islands are counted among the pricey shoreline properties the largest amount ever paid occurred over 5 years ago for the astonishing figure of $23.500.000.00 or simply $23.5 Million Dollars.

Rogers Island, which is a 7.75 acre parcel holds the trophy house of the islands, a 27 room tutor style mansion and the amenities on the land includes a tennis court & swimming pool with a bath house. Gardens and golf greens also adorn the landscape. This is just one of many islands in the owners collection. A wealthy widow from Westchester County in New York has been buying up islands during the last decade. She may own eight or more now with houses and a few that are just rocks. She considers them "little pieces of art" and refurbishes them to the grandeur of yesteryear before the Hurricane of '38 swept so many cottages away.

If you are traveling through Connecticut and have an hour or two to spare you can tour the Thimble Islands on one of the many boats leaving from the Stony Creek town dock. Take Exit 56 off I-95 and head south to the Sound, about 5 minutes. Tours lasting about 45 minutes leave a few times during each hour in July & August. Here are a couple of links to Captain Bob's or the Sea Mist piloted by Captain Mike.

If you like what you see along the Connecticut Shoreline contact Dan Cummings for all your Real Estate needs. We have a vast array of inventory including Waterfront Mansions & Country Estates, everyday homes or weekend retreats. Dan can be reached at 203-672-2455 or via email sent to Dan@CummingsTeam.com

Dan Cummings can help you find a home or condo for sale in Branford, CT 06405 - Guilford, CT 06437 - Madison, CT 06443 - North Branford, CT 06472 - Northford, CT 06471 - North Haven, CT 06473

Buy or Sell Real Estate in Branford, CT 06405 - Guilford, CT 06437 - Madison, CT 06443 - North Branford, CT 06472 - Northford, CT 06471 - North Haven, CT 06473

The Running Realtor covers the Connecticut Shoreline including Branford, CT 06405 - Guilford, CT 06437 - Madison, CT 06443 - North Branford, CT 06472 - Northford, CT 06471 - North Haven, CT 06473