Boston 2001

We arrived in Boston on Friday 26th October and picked up our hired car to find our way to our hotel which was just alongside the First Church of Christ Scientists. This is the original site and in front is a large pond which when the water is still has lovely reflections.

Looking to the right of the last picture we could see the tall Prudential Building (the one on the left) which was a great landmark whenever we got lost.

We went on a Duck Tour. These were WW2 DUCW amphibious vehicles. The tour lasted an hour and a half. Our driver talked all the time. Firstly we roared round the streets of Boston, then shot down a ramp into the river.

In the background, seen from our Duck Tour is the pepper and salt bridge. So called because of its turrets looking like salt & pepper pots.

Although we put on warm clothing the vehicle was completely open, and by the time we got back we were absolutely frozen.

Further up the river we had lovely views of the river and the Harvard University boat houses.

On Sunday morning we visited the House of Blues near to Harvard Square. Here we had a Gospel Brunch. It was 10.30 in the morning and they gave us a wonderful breakfast. Then we had a form of service with a singer called Katani who lead us in singing with lots of A--mens and Hall--elu--ias.

We also had a group called the Heaven Dee-Etts consisting of five women who were all sisters or cousins and three men who formed the orchestral group behind the singers.

Quite an experience!!

In the museum of natural history in Harvard University there is an amazing collection of glass flowers built up over many years by two men. All flowers and plants are actual scale size plus examples of seed pods etc: enlarged by quoted ratios.

Leaving Boston we drove up to Lexington where we got excellent examples of the colours of the Fall. From here we also went on to Concord

Driving along we saw so many different colours. The Fall was almost over and certainly past its best, but we could still get an idea of what it would have been like last week, with miles and miles of wonderful colours.

We found a Shaker Village maintained as a museum. We had a conducted tour which was most interesting and showed us the sort of life they had lead. As they didn't allow marriage or any relationships it is hardly surprising that the Shakers have almost died out. Just four old ladies still exist.

Driving on we often had to stop in the sunshine to admire rivers and lakes. Often reflecting the brilliant blue of the sky in wonderful sunshine.

New England is famous for its covered bridges. We found this one while driving through the White Forest, and it is said to be the oldest in existance. The White Forest is so called because it is mainly silver birches and very beautiful.

We drove round a very large lake before stopping for the night at Wolfbro where we found a very comfortable hotel that gave us a good discount on the price as the next day was 1st November when all prices drop to winter rates. In the summer you can have rides on their old paddle steamer moored at the bottom of the garden.

At Portsmouth, on the East coast we found Strawbery Banke. This is an area that was due for demolition until a group of enthusiasts saved it as a museum site. We had a guide all to ourselves who was most enthusiastic and took us into many of the houses. Each house was different and reconstructed with furniture and belongings of different years.

The town of Salem was the centre for terrible witch trials and here we found the witchcraft museum with this witch statue outside.

Driving South into Cape Cod we first stopped at Plymouth where we found the Mayflower.

A little further on was the very pretty village of Sandwich.

Back in Boston again we went to the top of the Prudential Building where we had wonderful views over the city. Here can be seen the First Church of Christ Scientists with its reflection pool. Our hotel was just opposite the Church across the pool.

We stayed so long at the top of the Prudential Tower that it got dark and all the lights came on.

There is a lovely park right in the centre of Boston which is worth a long walk.

In the park is a sculpture of a mother duck and her babies. This was following a children's story that was written about the ducks in the park.

Last view of the fine buildings in the centre of Boston before we flew back to England.