Thursday found me in Framingham Massachusetts (pronounced “frame’ing’ham) taking the MTA (train) into Boston to see the sights. I woke up with the sky blue and a nice 60 degree temp, a perfect day for seeing the sites. The fare was $6.25 round trip which was significantly better than riding the bike into Boston, fighting for parking and riding back through the commute traffic. The train ride was quiet, I had to sit and reflect on the hollow look behind the eyes of most of the riders. I guess after you retire, doing some of those mundane things like commuting to work take on a different perspective. After getting off the train at South Station, I walked about a mile to the “Old Town Trolley” starting point. I had taken the trolley in San Diego in the past and Savannah on this trip. They are an excellent way to see the city without fighting traffic and parking. They are a hop off/on service and run about every 15 minutes. So you can see a place then get back on the trolley and go to the next stop. I did the entire loop the first time to see what places I would be interested in jumping off at which was a good overview of the city. The loop took about 90 minutes and covered everything from Little Italy to Fenway Park. After completing the look, I decided to I’d get off at Little Italy which was recommended by several friends and then walk up to Paul Revere’s house and North Church, then take the freedom walk to the U.S.S Constitution, Old Ironsides. It was interesting walking the streets that Sam Adams, John Hancock and Paul Revere had walked 200+ years ago, though unlike the historical places I had visited in other states, it was more difficult picturing the events with the small buildings surrounded by high rises. The feeling was still there. The “Freedom Walk” is a 2.5 mile brick trail that goes from the Boston Common (a large park) winding its way through the streets of Boston. Impossible to get off track, the red brick in the sidewalks lead you on your way to points like North Church, the Revere house, The Massachusetts State House and the U.S.S Constitution among some. There were several old cemeteries where noted patriots were buried. I found it interesting that these historical cemeteries in Boston are called “Burial Grounds”, which I guess is more palatable to tourist than a place called a cemetery , but that’s just and observation. As I walked the trail I came to a place where a large statue of Paul Revere stood with the white steeple of the Old North Church stood against the blue sky a quite impressive view to say the least. I crossed the Charles River Bridge and walked to where the U.S.S Constitution, oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. Old Ironsides as she was called got her name from the war of 1812 where the British Captain shouted out that the cannon balls were bouncing off her sides like they were iron. Though the ship was made from Live Oak not Metal. The ship was impressive and polished up like a ship of the line, her guns, brass and Oak sparkling in the sun. A very impressive tour despite the body scans and searches that came with walking on board. DHS was doing their jobs. From there I pick up the Trolley again and headed up to the Massachusetts State House, the site of such noted events as the Boston Massacre 1773 and the reading of the Declaration of Independence by John Hancock from the balcony. Walking east on State street passing several Irish Pubs, I got back to the wharf area and commenced my search for a great bowl of Clam Chowder which I found at a spot called the “Barking Crab” After enjoying the Chowder and a couple of pints of “Barking Crab Light Ale”, I walked back towards South Station where I boarded the MTA back to Framingham. That evening I met up with Jeff a fellow rider that I had chatted with on the Motocampers forum. Jeff and I had a nice dinner talking about riding, camping, camping trailers and the trip. We made plans to ride the next day up into New Hampshire and Maine, where he would turn back at the end of the day and head home. It was another great day.
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AuthorTim Stubbe AKA Archives
June 2013
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