Aug. 14 - Boston, MA

Boston Waterboat Marina Mooring

Today we took our bikes ashore so we could see more of the Boston area. Our first stop was the USS Constitution at the Naval Shipyard in Georgetown. The USS Constitution was launched into the Boston Harbor on Oct. 21, 1797 and is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. The Constitution is one of six ships ordered for construction by George Washington to protect America's growing maritime interests. The ship's greatest glory came during the war of 1812 when she defeated four British frigates, which earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides," because cannon balls bounced off her thick hull. Her main mission today is to promote education and public outreach, and serve as the America's Ship of State. She has a permanent crew of 73 active duty U.S. Navy Sailors.

After touring the ship and visiting the Shipyard museum we had lunch at the Warren Tavern. It was one of the first buildings to be built in 1780 after the British sacked Charlestown. They claim it is the oldest tavern in Massachusetts, visited by George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Paul Revere. Our food was good and it was fun to eat at a famous old place.

Our next stop took all the energy we had...294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. The Monument stands 221 feet tall at Breed's Hill, the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution fought on June 17, 1775. The colonists lost the battle, but their bravery and strong showing against the British encouraged them to fight on.

The rest of our day was a little more relaxed. We rode through the park along the Charles River and then to the Boston Public Garden.  We sat and watched people and the famous Swan Boats. The same family has operated the Swan Boats since 1877. The boats are still pedal-powdered in a lazy figure eight on the lagoon while passengers and onlookers sit lazily drinking it in, just as they did decades ago…it was very relaxing. Our last burst of energy was spent wandering around Beacon Hill, a neighborhood known for its Federal-style rowhouses and narrow, gaslit streets and brick sidewalks. Today, it is regarded as one of the most desirable and expensive neighborhoods in Boston.

The USS Constitution 

Our tour guide on the USS Constitution, she is part of the active crew.

The Warren Tavern

Bunker Hill Monument is 221' high and was completed in 1843

The Museum of Science and the old lock on the Charles River

The Longfellow Bridge looking towards Cambridge. The bridge was built in 1906, also known as the "Salt & Pepper Bridge" because of the shape of the central towers.

Swan boats in the lagoon in Boston Public Garden...lots of ducks and a pair of swans were also in the lagoon.

Homes and building in the Beacon Hill neighborhood