Last Thursday we took a day trip.

Although initially cloudy, the weather brightened!

It was sunny – but not too warm – perfect for sightseeing.

We got a fairly early start (considering it was a vacation day), picked up my parents along the way, and then set off on a drive to the southern coast of Rhode Island.

There’s something wonderful about a day with milky blue skies and a carefree schedule. Because we live on the east coast, we feel an innate connection to the ocean. It’s mesmerizing, thought provoking, peaceful, and of course majestic.

We arrived at Point Judith around lunchtime. The lighthouse is a breathtaking sight against the horizon.

Along the shore, we collected colorful beach stones that had been polished smooth from the continual rise and fall of the tide. Afterwards, we all agreed that we’d worked up an appetite. 🙂

Lunch was a regional favorite – clam chowder with clam cakes!

Delicious!

We had a leisurely meal and then, feeling newly fortified, we were back on the road again.

Next stop was the birthplace of artist, Gilbert Stuart, who painted the portraits of six American presidents including George Washington.

On a drive through Rhode Island, there’s such a variety of things to see along the way.

There are boats . . .

And hydrangeas – lots of hydrangeas!

And animals grazing. . . We saw llamas, horses, a Shetland pony, a burrow, and cows – all in the same pasture!

One final scene . . . a picturesque cove.

After a full day, it was time to head home, but with fond memories of our “jaunt in July”! 🙂

(Special thanks to Dad for the photos he contributed!)