We had to take some time away from our tourist visits and do our “chores.” So in the morning we both got haircuts and did the grocery shopping. The weather was cloudy and did sprinkle on us a little. But, we are getting used to the water coming out of the sky! We just work around it!
After getting back to the RV we decided we would try the T again. This time we drove a little further up the line to Quincy Adams terminal. No problem parking there! So off we went to another part of the Freedom Trail. This time we had to walk across the bridge to Charlestown Navy Yard. On our way over the “old” bridge I took a picture of the new bridge that the Interstate uses to cross the Charles River. It is really a pretty bridge.
Here it is—The USS Constitution, the oldest war ship still commissioned in the US Navy.
We had to wait in line to get aboard. Only about 40 people go aboard at one time. We can see the extensive rehabilitation and restoration work they are doing. The entire deck is covered with silver tarps. The ship is getting a new deck with a pitch to it so water will run off. While they are doing that, any other work on the sides are being taken care of as well as some work on the masts.
The masts have been removed for the repairs. What you see is only about 1/3 of the height of the ship when it is fully assembled. How do you like the little work car?
From the Charlestown harbor you get a great view of Old North Church Steeple and the Clock Tower in Boston. Check out the clouds. The just threaten—no rain while we are out and about.
As you can see, the ship is still in the water. All the repairs are being done above the water line.
Above is just some of the implements used to load and clean the cannon. On each deck is an active seaman who will answer any questions. They are serving their duty time right aboard the Constitution. Nice Duty!!!
This is the Captains Quarters. It is up in the bow of the ship. On one side of the dining room (picture below) is his sleeping quarters. On the other side (where all the people are) is his office. Pretty spacious.
The crew’s sleeping quarters below. I wonder if the US Sailors who go out on this ship actually have to sleep in those hammocks? I should have asked.
An officer had a little nicer hammock, and even a small writing desk in his quarter. Can you imagine swinging in that when there were 4-5 foot swells?
All the structures you see in the picture below, will probably be removed when the new deck is finished. I think it is just for setting the pitch of the deck.
The brass work and the old wooden structures are highly polished and gleaming. The first sailor told us that each day they are required to spend an hour cleaning and polishing before any tourists come aboard.
The ship’s bell is actually a working bell and the Captain and higher officers are “rung aboard.” We were asked to please not ring it!
After our long walk over the bridge, up and down the ladder wells of the ship and the walk back over the bridge, we were hungry. Donna had told us to be sure and try the Italian food in the “North End.” So we walked some more, and found a nice Italian restaurant with a little patio where we were able to eat our dinner. While we were eating and watching the people pass by, I noticed that many of them were carrying bakery boxes. Our waitress headed us to a cute little Italian Bakery just down the street. The name was Modern Bakery. We stood in line (must be good the line was out the door) and bought some goodies to bring back home. While we were in line the owner passed by with a tray of home made nut bars. I asked him about them and he told us he was 80 years old and still baking. Then he told us about his 98 year old uncle. Giovanni introduced himself to us and was very friendly and talkative.
By now we are tired and so we headed back to the T station. We are getting to know our way around this place! We even boarded the T from a different station than we had came in from. Woo Who, we are getting the hang of this mass transit stuff!
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