The day after Sophie’s baptism, Carla’s and my exploration extended into Rhode Island. We drove to Bristol, RI to visit the Blithewold Mansion.

Blithewold gate

The front yard was spacious enough.

Blithewold well and mansion

but, around the back,

Blithewold backdoor

the yard was huge. What a great spot for family sports.

Blithewold backyard

There were a variety of trees on the grounds, including many old giants.

Big, weeping tree

We never expected to see a Sequoia.

Blithewold Giant Sequoia

But there were several.

How the Sequoias got to Blithewold

There was a greenhouse,

Blithewold greenhouse

a checkerboard,

Old man holding checkers by checkerboard bench in Blithewold garden

and some garden sculptures.

Blithewold garden “sculpture”

And the seaside vistas were beautiful.

Blithewold against the sea

We enjoyed the morning there. On our way out of Bristol, we stopped for a snack at the Sip-n-Dip Donut Shop.