Field Trip…
C.E. Grundler
I’d love to post pictures from the snow-covered Alps, (no, actually. I’ve seen enough snow this winter, thank you very much,) or Ireland’s countryside, (or pubs, for that matter.) But the furthest my research has taken me lately was Cape Cod, and that wasn’t so much for research as to drop in on family for an afternoon and give the dogs a run on the beach. Loki, despite appearances, is NOT a water dog, and was not amused when one of his playmates rough-housed him right into a tide pool.
Rex, on the other hand, adores being a canine sponge, and moments after this shot was taken decided to see how much of the Atlantic he could sop up and transport to the back seat of my car. And no, the water is not that deep. The dog is that short.
There was also a stop off in Groton, Conn, to LBI Fiberglass, where I saw a lovely catboat…in a manner of speaking. It’s an “Instant Catboat Cake-Mold” (Full Size Model) Just add a whole lot of fiberglass and resin, mix well, bake… and… OK, not so instant. When it comes to boats, nothing is instant. Nothing. Still, the lines are unmistakable in their grace.
Now the really fun research trips are going to begin. Let’s see. Where will I be going, and what will I be researching?
1. The Jersey Shore (Again, and that sort of goes without saying.) More specifically, some of the more low-lying and hard hit areas.
2. I need to have some nice talks with some nice people designing more hurricane resistant structures.
3. Road crews. Which roads were closed when, and how far did they go under.
4. Cement trucks. (!!!) (Don’t mind the internal five year old, who is very excited by the prospect of playing around/perhaps getting behind the wheel of some giant Tonka Toys.)
5. More construction companies
6. A Cigar bar or two. No, I don’t smoke ‘em, but I’m sure I know a few people who will happily join me for that one.
7. Bahrs Landing, in Highlands, NJ. I haven’t written anything that has to do with anything Bahrs related, but I’m sure I can figure a scene where my characters need to tie up and grab a bowl of what I consider the best clam chowder in NJ. And just to be safe, I really should drop by and have a bowl or three… for research, you know.
Share on Facebook
