9-1-09
What a fabulous day! We started by touring Watch Hill which took us by the Flying Horse Carousel which was built (so they think) in 1867. Originally it was pulled by 2 men turning cranks, then a horse unwound a rope, then water power, and in 1914, it was switched to electric power. It came to Watch Hill in 1883 by a carnival and then was abandoned.
Originally the horses were carved as spring rocking horses. During the Civil War, they were adapted for use on carousels. The 20 horses are hung by rods from the overhead sweeps. The speed of the ride causes the horses to swing out on their rods, thus the Flying Horse Carousel. The horse hair manes and tails are replaced so that the 50,000 children who ride them can experience the joy of the Flying Horses. We have no idea who these children are, but we wish they were Kyle and Ryan.
Then we took a dingy ride to the spot where we went aground yesterday. We gave thanks (silently) to the rocks for letting us go. You can be assured that we won't make that mistake again! It's beautiful in Little Narragansett Bay, and the houses are HUGE. Maybe we'll come back on our return trip.
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