Connecticut and more Massachusetts

    Since the Fourth of July was a rain out many communities celebrated on the 5'th; except for Boston who had their celebration on the 3'rd. As for us after numerous years of playing host to holiday gatherings we just want to be low key. We found a car show in Worcester on July 5 and spent the day there.

You never know what you are going to see sometimes; in this case it was good to see Jesus at the show

Many cars were on display and an auction was held. Someone actually bought this 1930 Chevy coupe:

A 1962 Ford station wagon as old as me:

Hotrods from the old to the new 

Worcester is the site of the Massachusetts Vietnam Veteran's Memorial:

We drove back to the campground and took in the fireworks from the side of the on ramp:

  We took a day trip to Hartford, Connecticut a few days later. Doreen wanted to see the Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe houses. I didn't realize they lived in Hartford and were actually neighbors. Twain's house is more elaborate than Stowe's:

Mrs. Stowe was retired from writing when Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain was his pen name. No one called hi m that) built his house across the yard from her in 1874. At that point in his life he was still an aspiring writer and not well known. Luckily for him his new wife was socially connected and her family was well to-do and his in-laws provided the couple with a new home along with servants as a wedding gift. Clemens chose the property in Hartford because at that point Hartford was the wealthiest city in the country and the publishing center as well. The house he built was controversial at the time because it did not conform to any specific architectural style. Clemens knew he had to be as outgoing as possible to attract all of the famous personalities of the day if he was to make a name for himself.

  The house is amazing inside but of course no photography is allowed. Extensive woodwork adorns the interior and each room is decorated in a different motif: the parlor is Moroccan; the dining room African; the foyer Indian, etc. Clemens' favorite room where he did his writing is the billiard room on the second floor. There, at a small table, he penned his masterpieces The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the sequel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 

  A short walk from the house is the Mark Twain Museum. I recommend purchasing the guided tour of both homes to hear all the interesting facts and tidbits about both authors. The Stowe house is not that impressive. Mrs. Stowe was the most prolific author of her time. She was probably the richest and most famous celebrity in America at that time. Stowe made a small fortune off of Uncle Tom's Cabin and the twenty other books she wrote. She was socially active in political issues of the day including her most passionate cause as an abolitionist. 

Up next is Vermont.

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The Bay State Pt.2- Boston

  Today is July 6 so happy belated Independence Day to everyone. Our 4'th was a complete wash out. It rained heavily all day. We left Gateway to Cape Cod RV Park on June 23 and checked in at Sturbridge, MA. Sturbridge is in south-central Massachusetts close to Connecticut. We have been here for two weeks and leaving tomorrow for Vermont. I am a little disappointed with this campground. The sites in the full hook up section are close together and small so your neighbor is right on top of you if they have a big rig. There are sites around the lake but they don't have a sewer hook up so you have to sign up for the honey wagon that comes around every few days. The lake is scenic but there are bands of kids constantly playing in it even though posted signs prohibit swimming in it.

Our first outing after arriving was Boston. We decided to go on a Saturday when there would be no rush hour traffic. The drive is about 62 miles on a straight shot on the Mass Turnpike so we were there in less than an hour. Of course after you factor in tolls, fuel, and parking it would have been more economical to take the "T", the commuter rail serving the Boston area so I wouldn't drive again. Parking in town alone was $35! 

First we stopped at the Bunker Hill Monument which is in Charlestown across the river from Boston where you can park on the street. 

If you want to climb the monument get your free climbing pass at the visitor's center across the street first.

There are 294 steps to the top so have good shoes and a strong ticker because the climb will get your heart rate up.

The view from the top:

Next we walked down to the Charlestown Navy Yard where the USS Constitution in on display. "Old Ironsides" made her name in the War of 1812 when numerous cannon shot harmlessly bounced off her sides in a battle with the British ship HMS Guerriere. 

The opportunity to board a war ship built in 1796 is truly an amazing experience. 

Three decks are open to the public and the crew is on hand to answer any questions. She is still a fully functioning sailing vessel with captain and crew.

Below deck are the cannon: 

Here is where the seamen slept:

The Constitution over the course her service has visited every corner of the globe from Southeast Asia to the Mediterranean and an around the world diplomatic cruise. In an era when most sailing vessels were being replaced by steam powered ships in the 1850's the Constitution survived.

We headed back to the truck and drove into Boston. We made a valiant attempt to park on the street but that proved too difficult so we had to use a garage. We stopped at the Hard Rock and decided to eat there.

Next we walked up to the North End and followed the Freedom Trail. Basically you just follow a path of red bricks laid in the sidewalks that directs you to all the historic sites. First up: Paul Revere's house

The streets are narrow and parking is restricted to residents only. The North End has got to have more restaurants per capita than any other neighborhood I have ever seen. You could eat out every day for a year and never have to eat at the same place twice. 

The North End is an Italian area and you are sure to see a wedding in the square:

Next it was off to the North Church famous of course for the lanterns hung warning of the impending British march on Lexington and Concord.

The church was an Anglican church until 1775 and after that Episcopal and is still used for services today. Back then you had to buy your own pews to be a member of the congregation:

Bakeries abound also so it was time for a little treat:

How much would you weigh if you had bakery that was open 24 hours a day?

After the North Church it was off to the site of the Boston Massacre. The site is right in town next to the old State House. A plaque depicts the events and shows where the five colonists were gunned down:

Being late in the day the state house was closed and shadows were getting long:

Let me say that navigating the streets of Boston is no easy task. None of the streets seem to run in a straight line and even with a map it is easy to lose your bearings. After much debating and even asking cab drivers we set a course for Cheers on Beacon St. which is of course the setting for the TV show. We were on foot and made the mistake of taking Beacon St. there. Ever hear of Beacon Hill? It seemed like I walked for miles before arriving. 

There are actually three bars. One is down the steps you see in episodes of the show, one is in the back room, and one is on the first floor, known as the "set bar".

Norm!!!

Leaving back to the truck we cut through the Commons which is a much easier walk and flatter.

As night falls the bars and restaurants in and near Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall come to life.

Boston has a lot to offer and we were only able to get a sample of it on this visit. The city appears to have a vibrant night life, a plethora of options for foodies, and plenty of history. 

Miles this leg: 94

Total Miles: 4656.4