I stumbled upon this park at about 6:30 a.m. this morning.
I woke up this morning (night?) at about 3:30. Wide-awake. My body had no intention of going back to sleep. After a short bout of productivity creating a gmail group for school studying and an episode of House (I heart Hulu), I decided I wanted to spend the first hours of sunlight at the beach.
My plan was to go out to The Farm (aka- Tillinghast Beach – in Barrington, RI – land owned by RISD), but it was closed. I did stop for a minute to do a quick walk around a beautiful golf course next door with ocean views, but decided ultimately that 6 a.m. was a little earlier to be arrested for trespassing with the pup.
So, I started driving. Now anyone who has ever driven with me can tell you that I don’t like to turn around when lost. I always feel like if I keep driving, I’ll end up somewhere either worth going or where I wanted to be. I like to think I have a good sense of direction but really I’m just stubborn. But – it paid off today, as it has in the past. I ended up driving past huge, beautiful mansions on the water (again, too early for trespassing but don’t think I didn’t consider it).
On my way back, I found my way over to Haines Memorial State Park in East Providence. The park is over 100 acres, given to the city in the 1910s by Ida M. Haines, in memory of her brother Dr. George B. Haines. It wasn’t the most amazing park I’ve ever been to but it did have some nice ground for cooksites/picnics and places for the pup to sniff. In addition, there was a boat launch out into the water, where the pup and I got to go out on a pier. All I really wanted was a chance to get my feet a little wet, which I was able to. So the pup and I were happy. Really though, there’s nothing better than earlier morning light, the water, and boats.
I’ll definitely be back to explore Tillinghast beach and the rest of Barrington soon. Tomorrow, I’m thinking a trip to Providence Athenaeum, America’s 4th oldest library!
