Layover Days

In the middle of the trip, we had a couple of rest days in Boston, and then Rockport.  Here are a few highlights:

While we were in Boston, we stayed at an Airbnb apartment in a weird little 150-year-old building that is the sole remnant of its original neighborhood amidst much redevelopment over the decades.  I picked it because it was within walking distance of sights and restaurants, was on the first floor so we could get our bikes in easily, and was only half the price of all the expensive Boston hotels.

Chad (1) thought the building was probably making more money from the giant iPhone ads on the side than from the people in it (you can't tell, but it is right next to the TD Garden arena), and (2) it reminded him of the building the main character lived in in the movie "Triplets of Belleville"  (a delightfully oddball cycling movie, if you don't know it). I guess we were right next to the train station too...

Despite the fact that it was supposed to be a rest day, we walked many miles all over town,

following the Freedom Trail to subject the kiddo to historic sites.  The major destination of the day was the USS Constitution at the Charleston Naval Shipyard.

We all like the complicated rigging.

I especially like the contrast between the old ship and the modern skyline.

Chad near the communications room.  He likes all the old technology (as does the kid!)

Naptime needed?

Here you go, kid.

What a cute wee navy boat!

The visitor center was full of interesting historical tidbits, including signs that Nim really liked

lots of cool stuff about rope- and chain-making,

and the obligatory picture cutouts.  

While the kid refused to be in the Rosie the Riveter cutout, apparently the goofy ponytail to keep overly-shaggy hair out of the way in the wind wasn't too embarrassing.

We did, of course also go visit the USS Cassin Young on the other side of the dock too.  The contrast between it and the Constitution in both aesthetic and technology was notable. (And no, I have no idea what the kid was trying to express...)

Lunchtime?

Nah, too many distractions to look at.

 Sculptures are irresistible.

The drydock was impressive.

And the kid dances yet more.

More walkking, more nice waterfront.

We eventually found our way over to the Bunker Hill Monument, where, after we thoroughly explored the little museum, Nim sat on the grass and sketched while Chad and I climbed the endless spiral staircase up the tower.

View of the city from the top.

More walking.  Fish sculptures made us think of dinner,

so we headed over to the Italian part of town for yummy seafood.

The ice cream was somewhat fancier than what we had been devouring on the road.

Outside, the procession for Saint Anthony of Padua went by.  I was previously unaware that June 13 is the saint's day for this patron saint of lost things.

We had a good walk back to the apartment in the waning light.

After two nights in Boston, we took the train to Rockport to visit folks there.  It's quite a scenic town in the summer, of course.

Nim was included in some younger-generation fun, having been invited by Evelyn to hang out and see some teen bands perform one night, and out for a movie on the other one.  Meanwhile, Chad and I got to enjoy two fine dinners with the grownups.  Rest and relaxation for all!