Boston and Plymouth + Cranberry bog

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On Tuesday we got up early in order to get over the Bourne Bridge (since they are still working on the Sagamore Bridge) and into Boston before the morning rush, and we were parked under the Boston Commons by about 7:45. We got on the Beantown Trolley, a hop-on, hop-off tour of Boston. We felt that it was a fairly comprehensive tour, even going across the "salt and pepper shaker" bridge into Cambridge and the MIT campus, and over to see Old Ironsides. The age and history of this city is just mind-boggling, as those of you that have visited or lived here know. Old North Church was amazing, and the docent there did a lovely talk. We also enjoyed Paul Revere's house, appreciating the fact that it is still standing. We had to check out the clam chowder at Legal Seafoods, and it tastes much better than it photographs. The swan boats are put up for the season, but there was alot of activity (softball, bicycling, walking) on the Commons. My knees were not happy about all those cobblestones, so we were glad to have leftovers here at the condo for dinner instead of cooking. Again, the weather was very cooperative and great for sightseeing. Yesterday we headed across the bridge again for Plymouth. Had to take a picture of Plymouth Rock for Adam, who couldn't believe that there is really a rock! We decided not to do Plimouth Plantation, since we'ved visited Williamsburg and Jamestown with Josh, but we spent some time at the Plymouth Hall Museum getting a feel for the Pilgrim exerience.
My favorite artifact that came over on the Mayflower was the cradle; what a symbol of hope! We then headed up to Jenney's Grist Mill, the first mill in America. We had a great first person tour; we were amazed at the power of a waterwheel, and I bought a bookmark that lists several different figures of speech that originate in this profession, such as "nose to the grindstone". We enjoyed our picnic lunch at a table overlooking the river. On the drive back we stopped at several cranberry bogs, which was essential to my New England experience. Harvesting will begin within a month, we're told. I just the think the whole process is fascinating. Today we're taking care of such mundane matters as getting an oil change and doing laundry, and getting mentally prepared to drive into downtown Manhattan tomorrow afternoon.....wish us luck! I'm getting really excited about seeing "The Lion King". We've also been revising the remainder of our itinerary a bit. Hopefully, you're all still enjoying the blog. Hugs, Tom & Nancy

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