Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state and not actually an island.  The town of Newport, however, is on an island and it is called Rhode Island.  To reach Newport you need to cross the water.  The bay bridge - as shown here in this sunset photo - has a $4 toll.  Another bridge has a $6 toll.  Or you can go the back way and not pay any toll at all but it will take you a long time driving through the small towns at 25 mph speed limits.  Newport is a crowded tourist town like Stillwater or Duluth but more hoity toity.  Parking for dinner costs $10.  Using a beach costs $10.  Using the binocular scope on the jetty costs 50 cents.  Newport is for the rich and the famous.  You can spend days touring the mansions on the cliff walk.  We saw lots of yachts.  Most yachts have an inflatable little boat to get to and from the shore.  One yacht we saw had a helicopter on it.  I saw a couple working boats loaded with lobster traps but most were pleasure boats.  I saw lots of nautical clothing.  I was glad I brought my navy blue and white striped top.  I fit right in wearing it.  Most of the yards we saw showed evidence of manual labor.  The hedges were trimmed neatly.  Annual flowers spilled over the tops of tubs.  The tiny grass yard were neatly mowed.  The streets are narrow and complicated.  Parking usually costs money unless you are a resident.  We didn't see many chain restaurants.  We saw chain stores such as Coldwater Creek and Talbots but no Walmarts. Newport - it's a town to see but I wouldn't want to live there.