Cape Cod, Massachusetts

As we rapidly approach the end of October, my blog entries are getting further and further behind. Our Summer was a blitz of activity, and we didn't find ourselves slowing down much once Autumn arrived either. Eventually I know I'll get caught up, but in the mean time, current entries are running a couple months behind. It was the end of August when we visited Cape Cod, leaving our 5th wheel behind in East Killingly, and staying a couple of nights in a local hotel. We had a lot of fun exploring the Cape Cod National Seashore, visiting light houses (just called "Lights" in this part of the country), touring the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory, making a swing through Hyannis, and spending a couple of hours in colorful Provincetown. Cape Cod and its islands jut out into the Atlantic Ocean in the easternmost portion of Massachusetts, stretching from Provincetown in the northeast to Woods Hole in the southwest, and the ample beaches, maritime activities, and quaint villages lead to heavy tourism during the summer months. Due to their position jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape and islands are subject to massive coastal erosion. Geologists say that, due to erosion, the Cape will be completely submerged by the sea in thousands of years. Here are some pictures of our 2-day visit in August. Amazingly, there were already some early signs of Autumn in the trees.

 

The Freedom Trail (Boston, Massachusetts)

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red (mostly brick) path running through downtown Boston that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. While in Boston, Dan and I walked this route that starts at the Boston Common (this country's first Public Park) and winds its way to the USS Constitution (the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat). Stops along the trail including ground markers, graveyards (we saw where Benjamin Franklin is buried), historically significant churches (including Boston's first church) and buildings, the site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere's house, Bunker Hill, and both the Old State House and the current State House. We took our time, along this walk through time, stopping at the various locations to linger and imagine what it must have been like to be here centuries ago when the country was young and just beginning to take shape. Lessons previously learned behind a desk in a classroom came to life during our stroll along the Freedom Trail. Below are some pictures from that day.

Fenway Park (Boston, Massachusetts)

Since our visit to Boston was during baseball season, it was the perfect opportunity to visit Fenway Park and catch the game between the Red Sox and the Angels (played on August 18, 2014). The ballpark was just a few blocks from our hotel room, and the mild evening made it perfect for the walk there and back. Fenway is the 18th baseball park we have visited, and had been high on our list of "must see's".  When we arrived, the blocked off streets were set up like one giant tailgating party, with a celebratory atmosphere and all the fans in high spirits. It was hard not to get caught up in the merriment and festivities. I can't help but root for the home team wherever we go (unless of course the SF Giants are involved), so it was a little disappointing that the Angels won 4-2 that night. Nevertheless, we had a great time, as we always do at baseball games! Here are some pictures of the stadium and the game.