Lincoln on the Riverwalk

Photos
Top: That's me having a meaningful conversation with Abe.
Bottom: I cannot identify either of these plants. The white flowers are so very sweet smelling. The red berries are not in my field guide. Both these plants grow in profusion around the Founders' Bridge on the East Hartford side. Click on photo to enlarge. Anybody know?

Tribute to Lincoln
Along the (CT River) Riverwalks in East Hartford and Hartford several sculptures have been installed having to do with the life of Abraham Lincoln. Not all the sculptures are in place yet, but there are enough to make it an interesting stroll.

My hiking buddy, Jon, and I did the walk yesterday. My pedometer registered 4.5 miles and probably almost one mile of that was non-productive—there were no sculptures to be seen.

If anyone is interested I would suggest parking at Great River Park in East Hartford. We walked south to the base of the Charter Oak Bridge and found no evidence of any sculptures. Unless you know for sure there is something down there, skip it. Instead, head north along the path, go under the Founders’ Bridge and stay on the “low road”. This will bring you close to the Bulkeley Bridge where you can swing sharp right and go back on the “high road” where you will find a sculpture of Lincoln seated with his hand extended. Have your picture taken sitting in conversation on the stone seat, or in his lap.

Continue walking toward the bridge and take the path down to street level. Go under the bridge and take the stairs (or ramp) up to the bridge itself. Stroll over the river, headed toward Hartford and enjoy the view as well as the sculptures.

Once on the Hartford side, first walk straight toward downtown and enjoy the sculptures there. We did not find any beyond the elevator area at the west end. Walk back toward the river and descend the 87 stairs to the Riverwalk area. If you are unsure about coming back up these stairs, check the elevator. It has not been working for some time and you might want to re-think the rest of this walk. You may have to use the top ramp to the stairs; then the stairs to the lower elevator area; and the ramp from there to the Riverwalk level. Just remember, what you go down, you must...

At the Riverwalk level turn left (north) and walk to the Boathouse. This is about 1 mile. The newly paved path and all the landscaping, as well as the Lincoln sculptures, make this well worth the effort.

I will be going back on my bike so I can write down the names of the sculptures and perhaps take pictures of the plaques. Going on my bike presents it’s own set of problems, since the elevators don’t work.There’s never anyone around to ask about the elevators. The problem may be linked to the construction of the new Science Center and it’s flying magic carpet roof.

I will be posting pictures from day to day. I took too many to post all at once.