Episode 1/26

@ Flag of Connecticut
Gem begins his tour of Connecticut. Hi, welcome to the Constitution State!
Flag of Connecticut
The flag of the state of Connecticut consists of a white baroque shield with three grapevines (each bearing three bunches of purple grapes) on a field of azure blue. The banner below the shield reads Qui Transtulit Sustinet ("He who transplanted still sustains"), the state's motto. The Connecticut General Assembly approved the flag in 1897.

Episode 2/26

@ Dunning Lake, Farmington, Ct.
Purple Flower Power Egg
My pets are in awe of these beautiful eggs—they would love to try to paint their own one year. Easter and spring are times of joy as the earth awakens, plants are pushing forth from the soil, and the days are becoming warmer. Many baby animals are born in the spring, and life is burgeoning. May these eggs bring you joy and be a reminder of the earth renewing itself.
Dunning Lake, Farmington, Ct.
The Dunning Sand and Gravel Company—during digging operations—accidentally created this lake. Dunning Lake is now used for private recreation by the Winding Trails (a unique nonprofit organization serving Farmington and surrounding communities dedicated to conservation).

Episode 3/26

@ Stone Fench, Litchfied, Ct.
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Gem!” said Signe. “Can you hold my map while I dig out my gloves?"
Gem good-naturedly took charge of Signe's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a door key, some shopping receipts, a screwdriver, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the gloves right at the bottom. These she donned and then Gem helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
Stone Fench, Litchfied, Ct.
The stones that form these walls were deposited by the Laurentide Ice Shield 15,000 to 30,000 years ago. Initially, stones for walls were quarried, but In the 18th century, during the “Little Ice Age” stones would rise to the surface, so every spring, the farmers would clear the fields of these stones and take them by hand or cart to add to existing walls or create new barriers.

Episode 4/26

@ Pumpkin Patch, Connecticut
The first automobile law was passed in Connecticut (and the speed limit was only 12 miles per hour).
Pumpkin Patch, Connecticut
It's time for the pumpkin harvest! This field makes a colourful sight in the run-up to Halloween!

Episode 5/26

@ State Capitol Building, Ct.
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Gem!” said Punky. “Can you hold my map while I dig out my gloves?"
Gem good-naturedly took charge of Punky's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of sandwiches, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of toffees, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, an assortment of different coloured biros, a bottle opener, a couple of old train tickets, a handful of golden and silver moles, a door key, some shopping receipts, a screwdriver, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the gloves right at the bottom. These she donned and then Gem helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
State Capitol Building, Ct.
The capitol building in Hartford was designed in the Second Empire style—with its roots in France, a very classic and mathematically symmetrical architecture, and High Victorian Gothic—which includes elements from medieval Egyptian, English, Italian, and French architecture. Construction started in 1871 and was completed in 1879.

Episode 6/26

@ Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard State Park, CT.
Tiara Maxwell was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Gem unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking Tiara Maxwell’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Tiara Maxwell, exasperated. “We’re about to pose beside this amazing scene—the picture will be of your map if you don’t fold it up PDQ!”
Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard State Park, CT.
The 1,000 (400ha) acre state park features facilities for hiking, fishing, bicycling, picnicking, and camping. The principal feature of the park, Chapman Falls, drops more than 60 feet (18 m) over a series of steps. A lovely place to spend the day.

Episode 7/26

@ East Haddam Bridge, Ct.
Honey was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Gem unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking Honey’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Honey, exasperated. “We’re about to pose beside this amazing scene—the picture will be of your map if you don’t fold it up PDQ!”
East Haddam Bridge, Ct.
The length of the swing span, while not the longest in the world, is among the longest spans surviving in the U.S.A., with a swing span of 460 feet. The bridge was opened on June 14, 1913.

Episode 8/26

@ Thimble Island, Ct.
The first automobile law was passed in Connecticut (and the speed limit was only 12 miles per hour).
Thimble Island, Ct.
Thimble Island is an archipelago in Long Island Sound on the southeast corner of Brantford, Ct. Known by the Mattabeseck First Nations people as Kuttomquosh, "the beautiful sea rocks." The archipelago consists of a jumble of granite rocks, ledges, and outcroppings resulting from glaciation. Legend has Capt. Kidd burying treasure here, causing a lot of interest amongst treasure hunters.

Episode 9/26

@ Rings End Bridge, Darien. CT
The Hartford Courant in Connecticut is the oldest continually published newspaper in America.
Rings End Bridge, Darien. CT
This lovely low stone bridge was built in 1930, replacing a steel and wood bridge built in 1825. Originally—from 1708— a grist mill stood on the site.

Episode 10/26

@ Connecticut River, Ct.
“Oh hello, Gem!” cried Baile Átha Cliath. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Turkey a couple of months ago? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
Connecticut River, Ct.
The Connecticut River is the longest at–406 miles (653 ki) — in the New England region of the United States. The river flows from the Canadian border in Quebec to Long Island Sound, Connecticut. There are more than 3,000 dams along the river, and scientists, at the University of Massachusetts, are working on making this river flow more naturally to benefit wildlife and improve recreational use for people.

Episode 11/26

@ Fire Escape, Bridgeport, Ct.
Connecticut never ratified the 18th amendment (prohibition).
Fire Escape, Bridgeport, Ct.
Showing the details of a fire escape ladder on a historic building in the warehouse district of Bridgeport.

Episode 12/26

@ Rural Barn, Connecticut
"Wasn’t it worth coming all this way, Gem," said T.C., "for this experience alone?"
Gem, admiring the scene they were now in, heartily agreed!
Rural Barn, Connecticut
Since 2004, the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation has been actively working to document barns in the state, as old barns are fast disappearing. There are probably no barns from the 1700s and very few from the 1800s, mostly seen today are from the early 1900s.

Episode 13/26

@ UBS Building, Connecticut
The smallest natural waterfall in America, Mill Pond Falls, is located in Newington, Connecticut.
UBS Building, Connecticut
This is the Stamford Cone—at the UBA AG (Swiss Bank) building in Stamford, Connecticut. The Pavillion is 14-meter-high and made entirely of stained glass, designed by British artist, Brian Clarke, built in 2010.

Episode 14/26

@ Shoreline Reeds, Connecticut
“What have you got in your rucksack, Choose a?” asked Gem. “It looks very full!”
“I’ve come prepared for anything, Gem,” responded Choose a. “There’s canvas deck shoes, tennis shoes, flip-flops, sandshoes, walking boots, sandals, loafers—you name it, I’ve got it!”
Shoreline Reeds, Connecticut
The golden grasses and reeds make a fine display in the sun on this Connecticut shoreline.

Episode 15/26

@ Rocky Shoreline, Connecticut
“Seeing these places makes me want to go to stay for a week or two, Gem,” remarked Unitee. "It's so different!"
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Gem. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
Rocky Shoreline, Connecticut
Not a sandy shoreline, but plenty of rocks, so do be careful not to turn an ankle if you go wandering about. You could find a nice rock or two for your garden if you are permitted to take a few. The water looks fine, so maybe a spot of fishing?

Episode 16/26

@ Saville Dam, Connecticut
"Would you like a piece of Almond Joy, Gem?" queried Grayson.
"What is it, Grayson?" askedGem.
"It's a milk chocolate coated coconut sweet, a bit like a Bounty bar in Britain, but with an almond on top."
Saville Dam, Connecticut
This picturesque little building is the gatehouse of the Saville Dam, also known as the Barkhamsted Dam, which creates the Barkhamsted Reservoir. This reservoir is the primary water source for Hartford, Connecticut. It was named after its creator. Mind you, in this picture it looks a bit like something out of a Harry Potter film!

Episode 17/26

@ Walnut Beach, Connecticut
"Our tour leader was saying this morning that although English is the most widely spoken language of the USA, more than 350 other languages are spoken regularly, the most common being Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and French," remarked Fyzbana.
"Wow! That's impressive!" replied Gem.
Walnut Beach, Connecticut
A wonderful place to watch the sunset, go for a swim or walk, or to generally enjoy the pleasant outdoor atmosphere.

Episode 18/26

@ Clinton Town Marina, Connecticut
Gem and Aki had shaken paws and took some time to enjoy the super view in a companionable silence!
Clinton Town Marina, Connecticut
The Clinton Town Marina offers a unique and picturesque setting with a view of Clinton Harbor and has convenient access to Long Island Sound. The marina, known as the "jewel of Clinton" is located in a protected harbor.

Episode 19/26

@ Woodland Stroll, Connecticut
It's illegal to walk on your hands in Hartford, Connecticut.
Woodland Stroll, Connecticut
This is just the place for a good walk in rural nature, combining the benefits of a proper path with the healing calmness of surrounding woodland.

Episode 20/26

@ Night Scene, Hartford, Connecticut
“Oh hello, Gem!” cried Mystery. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Turkey a couple of months ago? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
Night Scene, Hartford, Connecticut
Hartford is one of America's oldest and most historic cities. This splendid colourful night scene with the city lights shining on the Connecticut River shows the Connecticut Science Center, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and the Dartford Marriott Downtown, among other notable buildings.

Episode 21/26

@ Cove Island, Connecticut
“Seeing these places makes me want to go to stay for a week or two, Gem,” remarked Hansi (Icky Bird Who Can't Fly). "It's so different!"
"Well, I guess that's the point of travel, isn't it?" said Gem. "To broaden your horizons and so on."
Cove Island, Connecticut
This lone tree is on Cove Island, Long Island Sound in Connecticut. This wintry scene looks to be very bracing in the cold, crisp air!

Episode 22/26

@ Stamford Public Library, CT.
"Our tour leader was saying this morning that although English is the most widely spoken language of the USA, more than 350 other languages are spoken regularly, the most common being Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and French," remarked Minerva.
"Wow! That's impressive!" replied Gem.
Stamford Public Library, CT.
Ferguson Library opened its doors at the end of the 19th century, becoming a free public library in 1911. The library was named for John Day Ferguson, who was passionate about education and helped establish and promote the Stamford Public School system.

Episode 23/26

@ Tranquil Dusk Scene, Connecticut
The Hartford Courant in Connecticut is the oldest continually published newspaper in America.
Tranquil Dusk Scene, Connecticut
The colours of the sky blend from blue, grey and white to turquoise and butter-yellow in this peaceful scene over the water at sunset.

Episode 24/26

@ Lighthouse, Connecticut
Mr. Dylan was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Gem unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which he succeeded in knocking Mr. Dylan’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Mr. Dylan, exasperated. “We’re about to pose beside this amazing scene—the picture will be of your map if you don’t fold it up PDQ!”
Lighthouse, Connecticut
There are 14 active lighthouses and 6 inactive in Connecticut. In many places around the world, automated lighthouses have replaced non-automated ones—in the U.S.A, they are all automated. The solitary nature of the work would not have suited everyone, but for those who relish solitude, it would be a great job.

Episode 25/26

@ Yantic Falls, Norwich, Connecticut
The Hartford Courant in Connecticut is the oldest continually published newspaper in America.
Yantic Falls, Norwich, Connecticut
As the legend goes, Yantic Falls was a favourite camping spot and battleground for the Mohegan Indians in the 1640s. The Mohegans were in a battle that occurred in the area against the Narragansetts, a major rival tribe. Legend states that during the battle, a group of Narragansetts chose to leap into the turbulent cascades of the chasm of the Yantic River instead of surrendering to the Mohegans. Today, Yantic Falls is part dam and part natural. The main plunge below the dam is approximately 40 feet in height, and the volume of water is one of the most powerful in the state. The river continues through one of the most impressive gorges in the state before ending its descent and relaxing in calmer waters. Above the falls, a pedestrian bridge and a railroad bridge have been constructed, but they do not detract from the rugged scenery. The falls is also sometimes called Norwich Falls, Indian Leap Falls, Uncas Leap Falls, and Upper Falls.

Episode 26/26

@ Boating scene, Wethersfield, Connecticut
As Gem's tour of "Connecticut" comes to an end, he receives a wonderful gift!
Pine Tree, Grey, Overlay
You can use this wonderful grey pine trees overlay as a backdrop in your art slides, or in the foreground for your pets to scamper around. Trees, glorious trees, there is always room for more trees in your life and your art.
Boating scene, Wethersfield, Connecticut
A pleasant riverside scene in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Here the well-to-do can indulge their love of boating from moorings at the foot of the garden!
Gem has completed his tour of "Connecticut"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour the USA!