Fourth of July Celebrations in Boston

Christopher and I traversed all over this great city today in observance of the birth of our country. It was the perfect day to have done this after having experienced nearly a week's worth of rain.

We began in the morning with a trip to the Old State House in Downtown Boston where the Declaration of Independence was read. Unfortunately, the sound was not too good. But the sights were.

From there we proceeded down State Street to the Long Wharf. We bought ferry tickets to the Charlestown Navy Yard to watch the U.S.S. Constitution turn around. However, these ferries were being delayed due to security reasons as the U.S.S. Constitution was being accompanied by the Coast Guard. After waiting nearly half an hour we decided to walk to the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Upon our arrival, the U.S.S. Constitution was not yet back in port. But the U.S.S. Cassin Young, a WWII Navy Destroyer deployed in the Pacific, was present and well worth the look.

Here's a photo of one of the ship's torpedoes.

Here is Christopher striking a pose in front of the ship's gunner.

The U.S.S. Constitution eventually made its way back to the Charlestown Navy Yard. Here it is as it is about to dock in the bay.

Here's the U.S.S. Constitution from the front and with a better view of our flag.

We then walked a short distance to the Bunker Hill Monument. No, we did not ascend the stairs. If we did we would have no energy to do anything else. Believe me I've done it.

At this point, we were peckish. Even without having climbed the stairs. So we decided to have lunch at the Warren Tavern which was established in 1780. Here's a picture of this establishment with the Bunker Hill Monument in the background. Could you imagine living in this neighborhood?

We took a cab ride back to the Long Wharf so we could catch a boat to go to Georges Island in the Boston Harbor. Georges Island is home to Fort Warren. Built between 1825 and 1850, its purpose was to fend off a second British invasion. However, it would end up being used as a prison for high profile Confederate Army personnel during the Civil War. A 19th Century Gitmo if you will. Here is a panoramic view of the facility.

Today, Georges Island is a recreational facility that offers a spectacular view of Boston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.

After spending several hours on Georges Island, we took a boat back to the city. We had supper and then made our way towards the Esplanade. For the second night in a row we heard Craig Ferguson, the Boston Pops and Neil Diamond. As for the fireworks, it was our plan to watch them from the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge which I did in 2006 and 2007. But we found a much better and less crowded location. We will back here next year. I hope.

If you have never had the opportunity to spend Fourth of July in Boston it is well worth the time.

I hope you enjoyed your Fourth of July wherever you may be.