Episode 1/26

@ Flag of Connecticut
Xena begins her 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
Blue And Copper Egg
The first painted eggs came from Mesopotamia, and because eggs were forbidden food during Lent, people painted eggs while Lent was being observed—after Lent, they would eat the eggs on Easter Day.

Beautifully decorated eggs “pysanka” are associated with Ukraine, and the oldest painted egg that was unearthed in northern Ukraine is dated to the end of the 17th century.
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
Connecticut never ratified the 18th amendment (prohibition).
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
“A picture of this would look lovely printed on Christmas cards, wouldn't it, Xena?” Flapinko said.
“It certainly would, Flapinko!" said Xena.
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, Xena!” said Lady Thea. “Can you hold my map while I dig out my gloves?"
Xena good-naturedly took charge of Lady Thea'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 Xena 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
“If there's time at the end of the day when we get back to our accommodation, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Utterly Ridiculous said, offering Xena a Reese's peanut butter cup from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Utterly Ridiculous!" said Xena. "Very relaxing, and your painting will be a great souvenir of the Eastern Seaboard of the USA!"
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
It's illegal to walk on your hands in Hartford, Connecticut.
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
“Oh hello, Xena!” cried Midnight Bleu. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Turkey a couple of months ago? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
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
"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 Sugie.
"Wow! That's impressive!" replied Xena.
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, Xena!” cried Draco. “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
Xena and choco shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Xena. “Let’s change sides.”
“No,” said choco. “This is my best side.”
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
bluey was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Xena unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which she succeeded in knocking bluey’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said bluey, 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!”
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
“If there's time at the end of the day when we get back to our accommodation, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Velvet said, offering Xena a Reese's peanut butter cup from the bag and then unwrapping one for himself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Velvet!" said Xena. "Very relaxing, and your painting will be a great souvenir of the Eastern Seaboard of the USA!"
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
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Xena!” said Gray. “Can you hold my map while I dig out my gloves?"
Xena good-naturedly took charge of Gray'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 Xena helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
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
Tess was distracted by the sounds of loud rustling as Xena unfolded a very large tourist map, in the course of which she succeeded in knocking Tess’s hat off. “Put that away, do!” said Tess, 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!”
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
"It's turned a bit hot, Xena. I'm going to put my sunhat on," said Fox.
"Good scheme! I'll dig mine out as well," said Xena.
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
Connecticut's official state song is "Yankee Doodle".
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
"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 Choose a name.
"Wow! That's impressive!" replied Xena.
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
“Oh hello, Xena!” cried Horton. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Turkey a couple of months ago? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
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
The Hartford Courant in Connecticut is the oldest continually published newspaper in America.
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
"Would you like a piece of Almond Joy, Xena?" queried Choose a name.
"What is it, Choose a name?" askedXena.
"It's a milk chocolate coated coconut sweet, a bit like a Bounty bar in Britain, but with an almond on top."
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
“Oh hello, Xena!” cried Choco. “Didn’t we bump into each other in Turkey a couple of months ago? This is quite the change of scene, isn't it!”
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
“I could stay here forever, Xena,” said Mochi. “This is an amazing place!”
“Well, you never know what lies ahead, Mochi. I wouldn't be surprised if the next stop is even better!” said Xena.
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
“If there's time at the end of the day when we get back to our accommodation, I might do some initial sketches for a watercolour painting," Sweetie said, offering Xena a Reese's peanut butter cup from the bag and then unwrapping one for herself.
“That sounds like a good plan, Sweetie!" said Xena. "Very relaxing, and your painting will be a great souvenir of the Eastern Seaboard of the USA!"
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
Besides being known as the Constitution state, Connecticut is also known as the nutmeg state.
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 Xena's tour of "Connecticut" comes to an end, she 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!
Xena has completed her tour of "Connecticut"! Your US tour is over now, but maybe we'll visit other US states in future!