It’s fall at the castle.

I set up my tripod on the sidewalk at the south end of Hubbard Park’s pond aimed at the Castle waiting for the light. In short time it lit portions of the foliage beneath the Castle causing their beauty to speak to you. The shutter was snapped and yes I was lucky enough to catch that hawk circling the castle he was not added in later.

Walter Hubbard, a local business magnate, donated all 1800 acres to the City of Meriden in 1900 with the one stipulation that the City could not reap any financial rewards from the towns folks and I think they’ve lived up to that commitment. The viewing platform, at the top of the castle, is approx. 1000 ft. above sea level. It’ measures 32′ in height and 58′ in circumference with a cast iron stairwell.

On a side note and it probably won’t matter much to you but Hubbard Park has always been a place where I could decompress and charge my batteries. I’ve always felt that Mr. Hubbard gave one heck of a gift to the City of Meriden when he passed it forward to all of us.

In my earlier day’s as a professional photographer I took many, many, young couples here and photographed their engagement sessions. Those were happy moments. I took my daughter and her husband here for their engagement session. Another happy moment. I’ve logged countless miles walking around this park for exercise. While in high school my friend Bob and I climbed the rock face you see in this picture a number of times. We didn’t use ropes or have a clue what we were doing. One day I remember Bob made it to a clearing in the rocks ahead of me but I was stuck. I didn’t feel I could go up or go down. I clutched the rock wondering what I was going to do. I knew if he called the fire department it would be in the papers. So I gave it my best effort reaching for a new hand/foot hold with my long lanky 6’4″ body. I got one then had to pull myself up. By the graces of God, and I do mean by his grace alone, I got out of that jam. That was the last time I ever climbed that or any other shear cliff. I don’t recommend this to anyone. It was foolish, unplanned, behavior by untrained unprepared people. There have been deaths and serious injuries at this mountain. Not to mention the fact that it’s loaded with poisonous copperhead snakes. Please take my advice and don’t be the next victim here. Stay off of the rock face. It’s there to visually enjoy, not climb. I also wandered it’s parts aimless photographing everything from small creeks, flowers, birds in flight to old Castle Craig itself. I operated the synthesizer while my friends band performed in the band shell. Lastly, my graduation from Platt High School in 1975 was held outdoors here in the band shell as well. You can bet finally getting out of that school was a happy moment. Ironically as I returned to my seat, after receiving my diploma, I was stung by numerous bee’s and had a reaction. As a result I didn’t go to any after parties. Back then that was not a happy moment. Now I look back and reflect that it was a happy moment because I went home safely without alcohol impairing my driving or judgement. Here again God’s grace.

As I got older in my late 50’s and 60’s I’d stop here on my way home from a long day on the road as a field salesman. Most times I’d pass by the exit, as it was easily accessible, to seek the refuse I needed. I’d pull the car adjacent to the pond, watch the people and ducks as I caught up with unanswered emails. Once fulfilled I’d take the fifteen minute ride home.

I lived in Meriden for about 12 years of my life. Initially with my parents through the high school and college years eventually coming back in my late twenties for another five or six years.

So here I am at 65 soon to be 66 in the spring (at the time of this writing) and I find myself still coming back. I haven’t lived in Meriden in 30 years but this park still serves a purpose to me. The joke between Cheryl and I is when I say “do you want to go for a ride” it means it’s time to hop in the car and feed the ducks at Hubbard Park or take a nice slow ride through. We do it all the time and she humors me. It saved me during Covid when we were so pent up. It gave me that freedom I needed and reminded me of the beautiful world around me outside of my four walls. Sharing things I love with my wife, the true love of my life, is also a very happy place for me.

Yes I’ve digressed but let me remind everyone that this is what photography can do for you. Photography can be a window to your soul, to the souls around you and to the greater universe. It’ causes you to reflect and appreciate. Hope you enjoyed today’s photograph.

Photograph taken with a Nikon D7100, 24.3MP, DSLR and a Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens @ 220 (35mm equiv.330mm).
1/200th, f8, ISO 100, Aperture Priority