New London

After touring the Mark Twain house, we headed over to Groton to stay at the Navy Lodge at the New London Naval Base. Throughout the country, at countless US military installations, there is on base temporary accommodation available for active duty and reserve military, retired military and their dependents to stay at whilst they travel around. The accommodation is fantastic, very cheap and I think most come with a self-contained kitchenette.

The New London Submarine base is located at Groton. This is where all US Navy Submariners undergo training at various times throughout their career. While we couldn't have a look over one of the current submarines, we did have a look through the USS Nautilus, which was the first nuclear powered submarine in the US Navy. The USS Nautilus was first put to sea in January 1955 under nuclear power and I believe was the first submarine to go under the ice pack at the north pole. While it was good to have a look through, we both decided that life on a submarine is certainly not for us. periscope

	The Ward Room (Officers Mess)	Up periscope	Well someone has to drive the boat!!
They certainly aren't built for tall people			The propellers from the Nautilus

Cider Mill

After the submarine, we headed to the oldest steam powered cider mill in the US. Unfortunately they weren't manufacturing cider while we were there but we did sample a few of the products. It's a wonder we were able to fit back through the door, they were amazing. The apple cider, though sweet was sensational and you could have drunk it all day. They had more jams and spreads than you could poke a stick at and we're slowly working our way through those.

Of course the pick of the drinks was the hard cider (alcoholic). We did pick ourselves up a bottle but because Carol was pregnant at the time, we're still yet to crack it open. Maybe we'll find a reason to try it soon.

We were there just before Halloween so there were some of the biggest pumpkins in the yard that we had ever seen. Despite their size, they are quite light .

Mystic Sea-Port

We stopped by the Mystic Sea-Port very briefly for dinner the night we stayed at Groton and the returned the next day to have a better look. Unfortunately due to cost and time we didn't end up touring through the area but have heard that it's certainly worth a look. Maybe that's something for next time we're up that way.

Old Sailing Ship at Mystic Sea-Port