It seemed appropriate this year to feature a theme that kept me close to home, so I give you my A to Z within the small acreage that is Rhode Island. I tried to be creative (you’ll see!) but I hope you learn something about Little Rhody, too. Whether you’ve lived here all your life, grew up within the boundaries, or have never set foot on one of our many beaches, come along for a virtual tour.
The name Hazard is well known in Rhode Island. Members of the Hazard family were among the first settlers in the state. According to Wikipedia, “descendants have been known for military achievement, business success, philanthropy, and broad social activism spanning such causes as abolition of slavery, treatment of the insane and alcoholics, family planning, and innovative employee programs.” Belcourt Castle in Newport, one of the “summer cottages” of the very well-to-do, was built for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, a socialite and U.S. Representative from New York.
Hazard Rock, pictured above, lies at the end of Hazard Avenue in Narragansett. The name Hazard seems appropriate here, as the rocks can be very slippery. The waves hit hard against the rocks, making them black and slick. And there have been injuries and deaths attached to the rock. In 2016, a person was pulled from the waters off Hazard Rock. At the time of rescue, the person was unresponsive and was pronounced dead. Just a few months previous, a 61-year-old man was seen swimming in the water near Hazard Rock. His body was found several days later. And in 2015, a 14-year-old girl and her father were snorkeling and spearfishing in the waters near Hazard Rock, when he lost contact with her. She was found unconscious hours later and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
So, while these stories illuminate the dangers of being on Hazard Rock, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy the views from a distance, as noted in the photo above.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this series! Here’s to another “Blogging from A to Z” in the books – this was my 10th year participating. My previous themes have been:
2012: Authors, novelists, poets, lyricists
2013: Oh! The Places I’ve Been
2014: CHEESE! “Smile and Say…”
2015: Listen Up!
2016: Paris Between the Wars
2017: A to Z Musicals
2018: 1968
2019: Dylan
2020: Yes, But Would You Eat It?
That rocky New England coastline is so beautiful but you do have to be so careful swimming or boating in those areas. They can be incredibly dangerous. Weekends In Maine
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Martha , I throughly enjoyed your A-Z RI blog . It was a virtual journey through our great state . 😁😘❤️
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Thanks so much, Lynn! I had fun doing it, too. xx
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Thank you for the wonderful tour of Rhode Island. If I ever get there to visit my son and his wife (they live in Pawtucket), I will ask to be taken to some of these locations! For all I know, they visit them regularly!
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Thank you so much, Lisa.
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Thank you for the touristic visit, it’s a beautiful place and I’m happy to know it a little more. Congratulations on completing the challenge!
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Thank you for the tour Martha – it’s been fascinating to learn all about Rhode Island and the places in it. It makes me want to visit to see it for myself – maybe one day! Well done on a great theme.
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Love the picture.
10 years! WoW! Wow! Wow! This inspires me. It was my 5th.
Many congratulations on acing the challenge. 😀
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Thank you for an excellent tour, Martha.
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And thank YOU, Wendy, for reading and sharing my posts! xxx
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Congratulations on finishing, Martha! What a great travelogue for your area.
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Thanks so much, Jacqui. I did enjoy this series, and it gave me an opportunity to learn some new things about my little state.
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I really enjoyed reading about RI.
I think this would make a great book! Places to explore in RI!
❤️😊
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I will try to turn these posts into a book, Leslie – thank you!
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Congratulations on completing your A to Z! I’ve enjoyed learning more about my neighbor to the south!
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Congratulations to you, too, Liam!
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Fantastic theme! I loved reading everyone of them. Looking forward to next year! Lori
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Thanks so much, Lori! I’ll start my brainstorming as soon as I can get these unfinished novels (yes, two!) completed! xxx
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Nice ending! My aunt lived in Narragansett for many years…when I was maybe 8 or 10, I went surfing there with a styrofoam board that broke!
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Oh, I can imagine, Beth – the waves can be rough there. I’ve never ventured out onto Hazard Rock, and I’m thinking it’s not a good idea at this point in my life! Really enjoyed your series this year, too. xx
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It’s been fun visiting venues in my home state, familiar names but information unknown to me. Thanks for all your work, my friend.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Connie. I had a good time creating the posts, too.
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Hazard by name, hazardous by nature! An excellent finale to what has been a most interesting and informative visit to Rhode Island.
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Thanks so much, Keith.
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Thank you for the journey. I’ve learned a lot. In my mind I’m thinking of new challenges.
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Thanks, Helen – I’m so glad you came along for the journey! xx
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The rock looks dangerous considering the fatalities you mentioned but the beach looks so beautiful
https://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/z-for-zoo.html
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Thank you for all this information. I wonder if I will ever take a vacation in a car again. I have done many of them over the years and your state sound like a great one to visit by car.
Congrats on ten years of challenge completion.
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Hi Denise! I’m not much for car trips anymore (I hate driving, I hate traffic!). So I may never get to your neck of the woods, either. But I’m so glad we’re able to spend time together through our blogs. xx
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Hari Om
Oh my – that’s quite the ending to this alphabetical tour of your home place, Martha! I know of similar places around Sydney (and even here in Scotland)… folk so often underestimate the power of nature.
I have greatly enjoyed visiting RI with you and will be staying around to see what happens next! YAM xx
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You’ve been a kind and dependable reader – thank you so much, Yamini! I don’t know if I’ll ever get to Scotland, but I’m very happy to have been introduced to your blog!
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