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Post by nycgirl on May 31, 2012 18:39:19 GMT
I spent a warm and sunny Memorial Day weekend visiting a friend in Boston with my husband and mom. The first thing we did was take a cruise out of Gloucester with Cape Ann Whale Watch. The ship was staffed by members Ocean Alliance, a conservation group that has pioneered marine research methods over the years. The founder was the first to discover the fact that whales sing songs. Throughout the trip the staff provided interesting information to the passengers. Here, a staff member shows us the baleen plate of a humpback whale. It’s made out of keratin, the same substance found in our hair and nails. Humpbacks feed by gulping enormous amounts of water and then straining the krill and fish by pushing out the water through their baleen with their tongues. The prey is caught in the baleen hair at the end of the plates. Our destination was an underwater plateau off of Cape Cod. The shallow plateau has an abundance of plant life which attracts fish, who in turn attract whales. It took a long time to get there, but it was worth it. The waters were teeming with these magnificent creatures! I can see why the company guarantees whale sightings. You'd have to be staring at the sky to miss them. Humpback whales often hunt by swimming in circles around a school of fish, trapping them in a "net" of bubbles, then gobbling them up. If we spotted a light green, frothy area on the water, we knew that a whale was causing it and his head was about to emerge. The birds knew it, too, and hung around to snatch the fish while the whales rounded them up. This one was successful. The staff spent a lot of time studying the whales and recognized some of them. They named them based on their unique markings on the underside of their tails. This one was called Etch-n-Sketch because of the sloppy "drawings" on his tail. Etch-n-Sketch got really close to the boat a few times. Here he swam directly underneath me. At one point in the trip a whale made a full breach, leaping completely out of the water to the delight of passengers. I turned my head in response to the shouts of the crowd, just in time to see a tremendous splash go up. I missed seeing it by that much. I can't complain too much, though. The whales were very lively going about their daily business so there was a lot to look at. One whale, for some reason, laid on his side and repeatedly slapped the water with his pectoral fin. A few times we saw them blasting water through their blowholes.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2012 4:55:45 GMT
Fantastic pictures, nycgirl! I see that the seagulls are as opportunistic as ever, always waiting as close to the action as they can get to see what goodies they might be able to grab.
The bumps on the whales make them look a bit alien, as though they had been welded.
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Post by sojoh on Jun 1, 2012 11:03:15 GMT
nycgirl, you've convinced me - I'm doing a whale watching trip the next time I'm in Boston! I'm going to send the link for this thread to Nancy so that she can see your pictures, too. It must have been awe inspiring to be so close to such magnificent creatures.
Interesting to learn that whales make a net of bubbles to catch fish.
I look forward to seeing more photos from your trip!
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Post by nancyb on Jun 1, 2012 11:27:12 GMT
Soooo great to see that you took my advice. Happy that the whales were active! great photos!!
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 1, 2012 13:08:53 GMT
Thanks, everyone! I should give my husband credit and mention that he took every whale photo. I was way too busy oohing and ahhing.
Kerouac, they do look a bit alien, don't they? Between the bumps and the bristly "teeth" and the jaw that opens on the top of their heads, they are really strange. And it's amazing that something so huge can move with such flexibility and grace.
MJ, you would love it! And I know you would take some killer shots.
Nancy, so glad I took your advice too, thank you! When I saw the video on the site you posted, I was sold. What a special day. It was my husband's first whale watch too, and he lived in Boston for 7 years.
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Post by lugg on Jun 1, 2012 13:55:06 GMT
Yes .....but not many people get such great photos. You can even see the barnacles on one of the tail pics. I have some photos taken in the same place ( although I was on a boat that left from Provincetown) ..... but they are so poor compared to these.
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 1, 2012 15:29:34 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2012 17:24:41 GMT
These are fabulous NYC girl. I went on a couple whale watching boats off the coast of Long Island many years ago but never saw anything this stunning. All of the pics are great,they truly capture that unmistakable New England feel. I especially love the boat pics,that tall ship is simply gorgeous. Thanks for sharing these with us! Hopefully you got to eat some decent lobster and clams while there!!!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 1, 2012 19:10:35 GMT
The weather clearly was absolutely gorgeous.
And Casimira is right -- these pictures are absolutely dripping with New England authenticity.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jun 2, 2012 2:33:12 GMT
Oh, NYCGirl ~~ this is one of the coolest things I've ever seen! I couldn't get enough of the whale pictures and honestly, thought the rest of the thread would have to be a come-down after that action. But no -- interesting, beautiful, charming, & fun, it's got it all. Love the girl with the clouds in her hair and her head in the clouds. Thanks for this.
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 2, 2012 7:50:31 GMT
Thanks, everyone! Love the girl with the clouds in her hair and her head in the clouds. That isn't the first time I've been told I have my head in the clouds.
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Post by lugg on Jun 2, 2012 15:02:25 GMT
Really enjoyed seeing these photos too, Gloucester and Rockport both look charming in different ways. Nice photo of you too.
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 2, 2012 20:41:59 GMT
Thanks, Lugg! I like the interesting angle my husband used.
Wish I could have explored both towns more. Next time.
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 3, 2012 3:14:01 GMT
The next day we started out on the famous Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile trail linking 16 historic sites. Our first stop was the Old State House, formerly the center of Boston’s civic, commercial, and political life and the tallest point in town. In 1775, Bostonians gathered beneath this balcony to hear the Declaration of Independence read for the first time. Right in front of the Old State House, five men were killed here in what was dubbed the Boston Massacre, the event that kick-started the American Revolution. After reading the historical account, though, I’ve come to the conclusion that calling the event a “massacre” was a bit of media propaganda. It was an unfortunate incident that lead to fatalities. But I understand that you can’t just start calling it the “Boston Unfortunate Incident.” Here is the Assembly Hall, where a lot of important stuff went down. This nearby building, the one on the left, does not have an illustrious place in our nation’s history, but it’s where my husband used to work. It was here that he chanted “Let’s go, Yankees!” from the roof while the parade celebrating the Patriots’ Superbowl win was in progress below. Literally rained on their parade. Thousands of displeased fans responded by shouting at him to jump. But that was a long time ago, back when he was young and foolish. He’s changed since then. He’s no longer young. This is Faneuil Hall, donated by wealthy slave trader Peter Faneuil to the city of Boston for use as a public marketplace. Due to the patriotic meetings held here during the Revolution, it was dubbed “the Cradle of Liberty”- ironic, given the fact that the building was funded by slavery. Today, Faneuil Hall is a bustling tourist destination, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and street performers. We followed the red brick road to the Paul Revere house, a humble wooden dwelling dating from 1680. Revere was living here (along with his wife, mother, and up to nine children) when he made his famous ride to Lexington to warn of the British invasion. Longfellow’s poem immortalized the previously little-known silversmith.
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 3, 2012 5:34:06 GMT
We moseyed down the trail some more, catching a glimpse of the Zakim Bridge in the distance. The bridge and its connecting tunnel were built as part of the Big Dig, the largest construction project in the country. We passed the skinniest house in Boston, measuring 10 feet at its widest point. According to legend, it was a “spite house,” built to block the view of a feuding neighbor. Apparently tourists can rent the place. No thanks! Across the street from the skinny house is Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Boston’s largest and second oldest cemetery, dating from 1659. 17th century tombstones were commonly decorated with the death’s head motif. The early Puritans did not approve of idolatrous symbols such as crosses, cherubs, and Christ figures, but the death’s head was considered acceptable. My husband said young people liked to hang out here at night and drink when he lived in Boston. It must look really spooky in the dark. Back down the street is the Old North Church. This is where sexton Robert Newman, on Revere’s instructions, hung two lanterns in the steeple to indicate that the British were advancing across the Charles River. The battle of Lexington and Concord soon followed. By the way, I occasionally ran into a few British tourists on the trail who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Nice to know there’s no hard feelings. A requisite tacky T-shirt store. We took a break to grab a drink at the Bell in Hand, the oldest tavern in the U.S. It was established by Boston’s last town crier.
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Post by lugg on Jun 3, 2012 8:17:06 GMT
;D
Thnks NYCgirl -More fantastic photos . I remember asking for directions to Faneuil Hall and causing great hilarity at the way I pronounced it.
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Post by denise on Jun 3, 2012 8:30:31 GMT
Really, really, useful and interesting post NYCgirl. Love the shots of the fantastic skies.
I am getting more and more excited about my upcoming visit to Bpston. I already know I HAVE to do the freedom trail.
No hard feelings....probably did us a favour, going it alone. LOL!
Love Denise
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 3, 2012 15:03:11 GMT
Denise, you're going to have a great time. I'm interested in seeing what you get up to. You always do such fun stuff. No hard feelings....probably did us a favour, going it alone. LOL! True.
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 3, 2012 18:07:56 GMT
After I finished my drink, I spotted the glass towers of the Holocaust Memorial just across the street and decided to pay it a visit. The six tall towers are engraved with six million numbers, symbolizing the Jewish victims of the Nazi regime. The glass panels bear stories from survivors recalling the unimaginable horrors of the camps. But there are also touching stories of love and unselfishness, such as this one here. Underneath each tower is a grate that issues billows of steam. The names of the six major Nazi death camps are inscribed next to each grate. It’s a beautiful but sobering memorial. We continued to the Granary Burial Ground, established in 1660, resting place to Boston’s most famous figures. The five victims of the Boston Massacre lie here, as well as three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Paine. The obelisk marking the graves of Benjamin Franklin’s parents dominates the cemetery, but Franklin himself is buried in Philadelphia. More death heads. Paul Revere is honored by this simple marker placed in the 19th century, a big upgrade from the original tiny headstone bearing only his last name.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2012 18:50:45 GMT
Paul lived to a ripe old age!
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 3, 2012 19:32:09 GMT
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Post by Kimby on Jun 5, 2012 0:09:55 GMT
A splendid pictorial of a captivating place. (And lots of good fodder for the photo threads, should you choose to repost there!)
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Post by sojoh on Jun 5, 2012 14:46:17 GMT
nycgirl, I really enjoyed looking at all of your photos from Boston and scrolled through them several times today. For some reason, I don't think that I've ever noticed the skinniest house before. That must have been quite a feud.
Thank goodness that there was lots of vertical space between nycboy and the Patriots fans when he made the comment about the Yankees. He was living life on the edge, wasn't he?
We really were walking in each other's footsteps in Boston - Like you, I took some photos of a wedding party in front of the tree next to the lake when I was at the Boston Common on Saturday afternoon. Were you there on Sunday?
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 5, 2012 17:29:26 GMT
Kimby, I've been deluging the Image Bank so much you guys are going to get tired of me. Sojoh, I would never have noticed the house if my friend hadn't pointed it out. You blink and you'd miss it. I looked up the rental info later, just out of curiosity, and it wasn't cheap considering how cramped it was. I'd much prefer the places you stay at. My husband can be quite an obnoxious sports fan. He's lucky he's alive. Yes, I went on a Sunday and, as you know, it was a gorgeous day. I liked running into the wedding party. I never get tired to seeing happy people enjoying a special occasion.
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Post by Kimby on Jun 6, 2012 15:26:39 GMT
Kimby, I've been deluging the Image Bank so much you guys are going to get tired of me. Never! Your photos are always worth seeing. And I HAVE noticed some of your Boston photos showing up on the photo threads. Good work, nyc!
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Post by frenchmystiquetour on Jun 6, 2012 22:36:32 GMT
Thanks for the glimpses of back home nycgirl. I haven't been back in almost 3 years so it's nice to see some reminders.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jun 7, 2012 15:34:23 GMT
I've sort of avoided this thread because of my balky connection, but got it loaded today & am so glad.
Wonderful report, interweaving history while showing a vibrant city. The Holocaust Memorial & the way you present it is very impressive.
Any idea about the stones atop P.Revere's marker?
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Post by tod2 on Jun 7, 2012 15:45:53 GMT
Nycgirl - What a splendid photo-Essay! The photos are not only outstanding, but each one very interesting. Thanks for delighting us with this wonderful report!
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 7, 2012 16:36:13 GMT
Thanks, everyone!
Bixa, I feel like I didn't do the memorial justice. The towers are 54 feet tall so I couldn't get the top of them in the photo. Also, the steam gave the memorial a chilling effect but it didn't show up in my photos. Anyway, I thought it was a beautiful and unusual design. I'm glad I stumbled upon it because I wasn't planning on seeing.
Welcome back, Tod! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures.
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 20, 2012 15:48:34 GMT
I've been meaning to wrap up this report for awhile, so here goes. We left Boston Common and got in my friend’s car to drive to Charlestown. At a red light, I hopped out of the car to snap a photo of this sign from a hit TV show some of you may remember. Our next stop was Bunker Hill Monument, a 221-foot obelisk commemorating the first major battle of the American Revolution. It was here, according to legend, that Colonel William Prescott ordered the ill-equipped colonists, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” The colonial forces manage to fight off two major assaults by the more experienced and better equipped British Army before retreating. Although the British won the hill, it was a pyrrhic victory for them because they lost over 1,000 soldiers, including one quarter of the officers they would lose in the entire war. I made the climb up 294 steps in the narrow staircase and was rewarded with this sprawling view of Charleston. From there we headed to the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. She was built in 1797 to fight Barbary corsairs but found immortal glory fighting in the War of 1812, the U.S.’s “Second War of Independence.” Our guide, an engaging and knowledgeable young sailor, took us below deck and gave use an idea of what life was like onboard the Constitution. Here is where the water rations were doled out. The men got a gallon a day for drinking, bathing, and washing their clothes. Can you imagine what it must have smelled like? The men may have lived in cramped, uncomfortable conditions and eaten horrible food, but at least they got to line up here every day for their daily ration of rum. They were actually required to drink it to fight off scurvy. Sure beats taking vitamin C pills. The 44-gun frigate was a force to be reckoned with in battle. Its hull, constructed with southern live oak, was actually able to withstand direct cannon blasts. In the 1812 battle against the HMS Guerriere, the Constitution sustained very little damage as it devastated the British vessel. Reportedly, a sailor, seeing cannonballs glance harmlessly off the Constitution’s hull, cried out, “Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!” Hence the nickname “Old Ironsides.” After the tour, I wandered around the deck and imagined what it must have been like to climb up these masts during a raging storm, or while cannonballs fired every which way. It’s fortunate that this remarkable ship has been preserved. In 1830, the Navy had plans to decommission and destroy it, but the public, moved by Oliver Wendell Holmes’ tribute poem “Old Ironsides,” came to the rescue.
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