Since Vancouver is a coastal seaport city, and, thus, has strong ties with everything nautical, it is only fitting that it has a maritime museum. Situated within Vanier Park, at the edge of English Bay, this area was once known as Snaug by the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nation peoples. Dedicated to preserving the history of Vancouvians at sea, the Maritime Museum was opened in 1959. While it includes an impressive collection of model ships, maritime art, and NASA's undersea research vessel, the Ben Franklin, by far, the main attraction is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) exploration and supply patrol vessel, the St. Roch. Named after a 14th century saint of health and healing (Saint Rocco), this ship spent over twenty years patrolling the western artic and providing supplies to RCMP detachments throughout the area. Often, because of the remoteness of its routes, the St. Roch was the only representative of the Canadian government (dealing with law enforcement, treaties, etc.). This vessel was the first ship to sail the Northwest Passage in a single season, as well as the first one to traverse it in both directions. When, in 1950, the St. Roch was transferred from Vancouver, British Columbia to Halifax, Nova Scotia, it traveled by way of the Panama Canal, making it the the first ship to circumnavigate North America. This 104 foot long and 24 foot wide vessel was decommissioned in 1954 and returned to Vancouver to become a museum piece. It was declared a National Historic Site in 1962. We had goose-bumps walking aboard the St. Roch and learning her history.

Looking out into English Bay, the Maritime Museum presents a wonderful history of Vancouver's ties to the sea.

As you enter the museum, you pass by NASA's undersea research vessel, the Ben Franklin.

Part of the museum is dedicated to model ships, from early sailing vessels, stern wheelers...

...and more modern vessels. Some were created by prisoners with lots of time on their hands.

There is even a workshop where you can watch model makers create their masterpieces.

At least fifty per cent of the museum is devoted to the history of the RCMP patrol ship, the St. Roch.

Captained by Henry Larsen, a staff sergeant in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the St. Roch spent twenty years patrolling the western artic and creating history along the way.

During part of its travels, the St. Roch hired Joe Panipahoocho as an Inuit guide. Joe brought his family along for the trip and they camped in this tent on the deck.

When the St, Roch was frozen in the artic ice, they would use these sleds to explore the area and bring supplies to RCMP outposts.

The crew's quarters below decks....

...were certainly different from the Captain's cabin.

All meals were prepared in this tiny galley...

...and eaten at this "luxurious " dining table. The partitions prevented dishes from sliding off the table in rough seas.

My favorite spot...the radio room.

For kids of all ages, a mock-up simulator of the St. Roch wheelhouse provides an opportunity to steer the ship through the artic ice.

In 1889, Vancouver Parks Commissioner, George Grant Mackay, bought 27 acres of a 1000 year old rain forest just north of the city and built the first suspension bridge (made of rope and cedar planks) across the Capilano River canyon. While it has changed hands several times over the years, the park has always remained privately owned. Nancy Stibbard, the current owner, bought the property in 1983 and has made numerous renovations and upgrades. The current 460 foot long, simple suspension bridge (sitting 230 feet above the canyon floor - or roughly the shoulder height of the Statue of Liberty) is made of strong steel cables and hard wood planks. Engineers have documented that the bridge is capable of supporting 200,000 pounds (that's approximately 1300 people, or 96 elephants, at the same time - at one point I felt that all 96 elephants were parading across the bridge at the same time I was. It was swaying that much - or at least I felt it was). This "death defying" bridge walk is not the only attraction here. There is an equally thrilling ("gulp!!") cliff walk along the granite face of the canyon; seven tree-top canopy bridge trails; and numerous rain forest nature paths. First Nation artists, who call this place Kia'Palano, have been creating and displaying "story poles" throughout the park for 90 years. This is the largest, privately owned, collection of native story poles (often mistakenly called totem poles) in North America. When visiting Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge park definitely should be on your itinerary. One tip if you plan to visit the suspension bridge; buy your admission ticket at the Visitor Center in downtown's Canada Place. It is cheaper than buying it at the park entrance, and it provides access to a free shuttle from downtown to the park and back. If you don't have the admission ticket from the Visitor Center, you will not be able to utilize the free shuttle service.

Entrance to this beautiful twenty-seven acre rain forest park is a short 15 minute shuttle bus ride (depending upon traffic) from downtown's Canada Place. Some 800, 000 visitors come here each year.

Geronimo (that's really his name) provided us with a fantastic twenty minute orientation to the park. This optional orientation to the background of the park is well worth the time.

Vancouver Parks Commissioner, George Grant Mackay, started it all in 1889 when he bought 27 acres of rain forest by the Capilano River canyon.

For the past thirty four years (since 1983) current owner, Nancy Stibbard has made steady renovations and upgrades to the park.

The park boasts that they have the largest privately owned collection of First Nation Story Poles in North America.

Of course, the main attraction is this 410 foot long simple suspension bridge...

...that hangs 230 feet above the Capilano River canyon. The views are absolutely stunning!

This view of the suspension bridge from the Cliff Walk, adds some perspective to the amazing scenery.

My dare-devil wife was not bothered at all by the height of the bridge nor its swaying (after all , she did the Edge walk on the CN tower in Toronto).

Equally thrilling for those risk-takers amongst us is the Cliff Walk along the granite face of the canyon.

I can't say enough about how beautiful the views were.

While not really tree "top", these seven elevated walking trails, attached to Douglas Firs, provide a wonderful bird's-eye view of the rain forest.

We had a great time exploring every aspect of this attraction.

Some of the tallest trees in the forest are between 800 and 1000 years old.

Everything about this place was fantastic and beautiful!

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

    Jack Deighton, known as "Gassy Jack" because of his tendency for overtalkativeness and story-telling, came to a saw mill, in what would eventually become Vancouver, in 1867. He opened a saloon for the loggers and fishermen here, which became so popular that the first permanent settlement was named after him; Gastown. Three years later, it was renamed Granville, Burrard's Inlet. This center of drinking life soon became the center for wholesale produce distribution, until the Great Depression of the 1930's. Once recovery from these hard times began to take hold, the area was largely forgotten and began to deteriorate. During the 1960's, a movement began to revitalize the area and it soon became one of the top tourist attractions in the city. While "Gassy Jack" might not recognize what his "Gastown" has developed into, we think he would be very happy with it.

Born in Hull, England, "Gassy Jack" Deighton had held numerous jobs ( sailor, prospector, steamship pilot) before opening his bar at the Hastings Mill on the south side of Burrard Inlet.

The area in which his saloon was located, to the left of this flat-iron building, became the first permanent settlement and was named "Gastown" in honor of Deighton.

Once, just a hang-out for loggers and fishermen...

...it eventually became a bustling neighborhood of restaurants, souvenir shops, and commercial buildings.

This statue of "Gassy Jack" reportedly is where his saloon was located.

He has been considered the founding father of Gastown, the first permanent settlement in the area.

While designed to look like a 19th-century antique, this steam clock in Gastown was actually built in 1977. Still, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the neighborhood.

Its glass sides allows you to see the inner workings.

Considered to be a relatively small neighborhood by today's standards, Gastown is still a delightful place to visit.

    The third largest metropolitan area in Canada, and the most populous city in British Columbia, is Vancouver. In 1791, Jose Maria Narvaez of Spain led the first European exploration of the coast. It wasn't until seventeen years later (1808) that the first European (Simon Frazer of the North West Company) set foot on the ground. However, archeologists had discovered that First Nation aborigines (Squamish, Musqueam, and Triel-Waututh) had lived and hunted here for eight-to-ten thousand years. The Fraser Gold Rush in 1858 saw tremendous population growth in the area. In 1867, "Gassy" Jack Deighton built the first tavern at a sawmill that eventually became the first permanent settlement; Gastown. Three years later, it was renamed Granville, Burrard Inlet. By the time the Canadian Pacific Railroad came in and built a terminal here (1884), the area became known as Vancouver. Today, Vancouver is one of the most linguistically and ethnically diverse cities in Canada. Forestry and tourism are its two largest industries. However, close behind is film and television production, dubbing Vancouver the "Hollywood of the North." We decided to visit Vancouver after booking a trans-Canadian Rocky Mountain train ride, and what a great decision that was. Not only is it a great tourist destination, the people here are extremely friendly and helpful.

The administrative heart of any metropolitan area is its City Hall...

...while its artistic heart is the theater district.

One of the great hiking areas within the city is Stanley Park...

...which also pays tribute to the historical culture of the local First Nation tribes.

The first permanent settlement here, Gastown, began when "Gassy" Jack Deighton built a saloon at the local sawmill.

Of course, what would a trip to Vancouver be if you did not take your life into your hands by crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

A bird's eye view of the city can be had from the Harbor Center's Look-out Tower.

Vancouver is a beautiful city...

...especially at night.

For anyone spending time in the Boston area, one of the more relaxing places to visit is approximately ten miles southwest of downtown; the Blue Hills Reservation. This 7000 acre state park touches parts of Milton, Quincy, Braintree, Canton, Randolph, and Dedham. Early explorers sailing along the Massachusetts coastline noted the bluish hue of the hills, caused by a mineral within the granite, giving the hills its name. The highest point (at 635 feet) is the Great Blue Hill in Milton. Situated on top of Great Blue is the historic Blue Hills Meteological Observatory (built in 1885), the oldest continuous weather recording station in the United States. At the bottom of this hill is the Massachusetts Audobon Society's "Trailside Museum," dedicated to the natural history and outdoor wildlife of the surrounding reservation. In between, are numerous hiking trails. During the winter months, an eight-trail ski area (with a 309 foot vertical drop) operates on the western face of Great Blue. Over the years, our family has made numerous trips (in both summer and winter) to this reservation and have always enjoyed ourselves tremendously. This is a great side trip for families with children.

Along route 138, on the Canton side, is this indication that you are entering the 7000 acre reservation.

Built in 1885, the Blue Hills Meteological Observatory is the oldest continuous weather recording station in the U.S. Tours of the station are available.

This is just one of the many beautiful, and relaxing, hiking trails that wind through the reservation.

Along one of the hiking trails through the reservation is this stone observation tower...

....from which you can get a great view of downtown Boston.

The western face of Great Blue plays host to the eight-trail ski area...

..and its ski-rental lodge.

Unfortunately, this late in the season, not all of the ski trails are still open.

Just a short distance from the bottom of the ski area (actually sharing the same parking lot) is the Massachusetts Audobon Society's Trailside Museum...

...with many natural history exhibits...

...backgrounds of the Native Americans of the area...

... and a gift shop.

Dedicated to the natural history and outdoor wildlife of the area, the Trailside Museum also serves as the starting point for many of the hiking trails through the reservation.

There is a lot to see and do here...

Whooo knew?

"One if by land and two if by sea..." is a famous line from "Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This depicted the signal lanterns that were to be hung from the steeple of the Old North Church in Boston regarding British troop movements prior to the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Located in the north end of Boston, the church's steeple could be seen by the Colonial Militia across the river in Charlestown. The lanterns would be lit for just under one minute so as to minimize being seen by the British. Officially known as "Christ Church in the City of Boston", it was built in 1723 and is the oldest standing church building in the city.

Inside the church is a bust of George Washington, which the Marquis de Lafayette supposedly stated was the best likeness of the first U.S. President he'd ever seen. Having been inspired by the works of the famous architect Christopher Wren, the original steeple was destroyed in an 1804 storm. It was later rebuilt by another famous architect, Charles Bullfinch. This one was subsequently toppled by Hurricaine Carol on August 25, 1954, and then rebuilt (architect unknown). Between its construction in 1723 and 1860, 1100 people were buried in 37 tombs in the basement of the church, including the founding rector Timothy Cutler and several British soldiers who died at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Each of the tombs were sealed with either a wooden or slate door and many later plastered over in the 1850's by order of the City Council. While touring the historic sites of Boston during America's bicentennial celebrations, our children had the joyful experience of ringing the bells of the Old North Church. It was delightful to see them being practically lifted off of the ground while holding on to the bell ropes.

For further information, you can Google "The Old North Church" and" Paul Revere's Ride."

This is the one view of the Old North Church, with the statue of Paul Revere's ride in the foreground, of which everyone loves to take a photo.

While the design of the interior is typical of Colonial America, to us, it's simplicity is beautiful.

Even the view from the balcony looking back towards the organ is elegant.

The steps leading up to the steeple...

...where replicas of the lanterns are symbolically on display.

In the basement crypt are 37 tombs containing the remains of 1100 folks buried here between 1723 and 1860. Many of the tomb slate doors were plastered over in the 1850's

The city of Boston sits on a peninsula, for the most part protected by the water surrounding it. Following the battles of Lexington and Concord, the harbor was dominated by British war ships, while the Colonial militia took control of the only land mass access to the city, from nearby Charlestown. Bunker Hill, and its adjacent Breed's Hill, being the high ground, became the objective of both the Americans and the British. Knowing that the British planned to send troops to fortify these two unoccupied hills, and thus, totally control Boston Harbor, the Colonial militia quietly took control of them first. The British forces, while outnumbered, felt that their regular army troops would overwhelm the inexperienced militia. Two British attacks of the hills failed. The third attack proved to be successful after the Americans ran out of ammunition. However, the British suffered tremendous losses (the highest in any singular encounter of the whole war), including most of their officer corps. While this battle (June 17, 1775) was a tactical victory, , the British learned that the "inexperienced" militia could actually stand up to the British regular army, resulting in their taking a much more conservative approach to subsequent encounters.

In 1843, this 221 foot tall obelisk was erected on Bunker Hill to commemorate the June 17, 1775 battle.

Sketch of the peninsula and orientation of the British and Colonial forces during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Howard Pyle drew this painting (in 1897) of British forces approaching the hill.

The Colonial militia defending Bunker hill (artist unknown).

Famous painting (currently hanging in Boston's Museum of Art) of the Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill by John Trumbull .

Sketch of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the burning of Charlestown.

Constructed in 1713, the Old State House was home to the Colonial Massachusetts General Court until 1798, and is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. In addition, this is the oldest surviving public building in Boston. When it was constructed during the British Colonial period, a pair of seven foot tall wooden figures were added to the corners of the roof -a gold painted Lion and a silver painted Unicorn; both symbols of the British monarchy. The ground floor was dedicated as a Merchant Exchange, with warehouses in the basement. The second floor housed the Council Chamber for the Royal Governor, the court of Suffolk County, and the Massachusetts State Judicial Court. One of the notable features of this building is that it included the first public gallery in the chambers for elected officials in the English speaking world. On March 5th, 1770, the "infamous" Boston Massacre occurred in front of the Old State House. Following the American Revolution, the building served as the seat of the Massachusetts State government until 1798, and as Boston City Hall between 1830 and 1841. When, in 1881, the building was in danger of demolition because of proposed land development, the Boston Society was formed to rescue it and preserve the building as a museum.In 1960, the Old State House was designated a National Historic Landmark. This building is in the heart of Boston's Freedom Trail and is definitely worth seeing (in fact Queen Elizabeth II made it a point to visit here during her July of 1976 trip to help celebrate America's Bicentennial).

The Old State House sits at the edge of today's financial district in Boston, and only a couple of blocks from Boston Common on one side and Faneuil Hall on the other.

Since the construction of the building occurred during the British Colonial era, symbols of the British Monarchy (the gold painted Lion and the silver painted Unicorn) were placed on the roof.

Amongst its archives is this stereoscopic photo of the Old State House.

Also among the archives was this painting by Paul Revere of the 1770 Boston Massacre.

For my money, the most beautiful part of the building is this gorgeous spiral staircase.

Colonial Massachusetts government was run from these Council Chambers of the Royal Governor.

Located just two blocks from Boston Common and the Park Street Church (behind City Hall Plaza)Faneuil Hall was founded in 1743, by merchant Peter Faneuil -at his own expense as a gift to the city - as a market place and a meeting hall. Faneuil had made some of his money from the slave trade and used profits to build the hall named after him. The ground floor was an open place for other merchants to sell their wares and the upper floor was an assembly room for meetings. The grasshopper weathervane (a symbol of commerce) on the steeple was modeled after the one above London's Royal Exchange. A 1761 fire destroyed the building but was quickly rebuilt, by popular demand, the following year. Just prior to the start of the American Revolution, numerous speeches about gaining independence from Britain were given in the assembly room, giving the building the nickname "Cradle of Liberty." In the mid-1770's, during the British occupation of Boston, Faneuil hall was used as a theater. Noted architect, Charles Bullfinch, in 1806, doubled the height and width of the building. This iconic symbol of Boston's history was designated a "National Historic Landmark" in 1960.

Boston's historic Faneui, Hall (with a statue of Samuel Adams in front) is located just behind City Hall Plaza ( as a side note for those history buffs amongst us, City Hall Plaza was once known as "Sculley Square" - part of Boston's red light district).

On the side facing Faneuil Hall Market Place, is the entrance to the second floor assembly room.

The gilded grasshopper weathervane atop Faneuil Hall (built in 1742) was modeled after one at London's Royal Exchange. This became the subject of national headlines when it was stolen in 1974. It was recovered a few days later, hidden in in the cupola of the building , after a former steeplejack confessed he had stolen it and was hoping to collect a ransom for its return.

The ground floor has been used as a market place since the mid-1700's.

A favorite place for visitors to sit, eat, and/or relax is in the central Rotunda area ....here the ground floor level...

...as well as the upper level.

Faneuil Hall as it appeared in this 1882 photograph.

The Assembly Room on the second floor was the site of numerous speeches about gaining independence from Britain, just prior to the American Revolution, giving Faneuil Hall the nickname "Cradle of Liberty."

    Founded in 1660, as Boston's third oldest cemetery, and named after a granary building that had once occupied the Park Street Church site, the Old Granary Burial Grounds were once part of Boston Common. It was originally known as the South Burying Grounds until its name was changed in 1737. Among its more than two thousand graves are such notables as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine (signers of the Declaration of Independence), Paul Revere, and the five victims of the Boston Massacre. In 1827, an obelisk was erected in the cemetery in memory of the parents of Benjamin Franklin. Near this obelisk is the oldest grave, that of John Wakefield, who died on June 18, 1667 (interestingly, no documentation could be found as to why the seven year gap from the founding of the cemetery and this first burial). There is just so much history contained in this relatively small space. It is fantastic!

As the third oldest cemetery in historic Boston, many patriots of the American Revolution are buried here.

Its main entrance on Tremont Street is next to another Freedom Trail historic site, the Park Street Church.

View from the back of the cemetery with Suffolk Law School on the left and the Park Street Church on the right.

A number of signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried here, including John Hancock...

...and Samuel Adams.

Noted for not only his role in the American Revolution, but also as his skill as a silversmith, Paul Revere lays at rest here.

The victims of "The Boston Massacre", who died just a short distance away in front of Faneuil Hall, have a prominent spot in the cemetery.

As a tribute to the contributions that Bejamin Franklin to America, this obelisk was erected in 1827 over his parents' grave.

One of the most popular graves visited is this one of Mary Goose, thought by many to be the personage of "Mother Goose" nursery rhyme fame. While no direct evidence can prove this relationship, the belief persists.

    Originally owned by William Blaxton (one of the first European settlers of the city), Boston Common was created in 1634 - making it the oldest city park in the United States. Archeological discoveries have shown that this site was used as a gathering place by local Native Americans as far back as 8500 years ago. Puritan founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony bought these fifty acres from Blaxton and used them for the grazing of cows (to this day, cows are brought to the Common for the Annual Dairy Festival and as a tribute to this past use). During the American Revolution, British soldiers used the Common as a camp. On a more grisly note, the "Old Elm Tree" in the center of the Common was used for public hangings until 1817 (the tree is now gone). Today, the Common marks the start of Boston's Freedom Trail, and is used for large scale public events (e.g. Demonstrations, Pope's Mass, etc.). Just strolling through this serene urban park during warm summer days is extremely relaxing.

Entrance to Boston Common opposite the Park Street Church.

Looking across the Common towards the State House on Beacon Hill

Stereoscopic photos of the Old Elm Tree on the Common (the tree no longer exists).

F.T. Merrill' s sketch (1886) of the execution, for witch craft, of Ann Hibbins (on Jume 19, 1656) at Boston Common's Old Elm Tree.

Located on the Beacon Street side of the Common is the Central Burial Ground.

On the edge of the Common opposite the Massachusetts State House is this memorial to Robert Gould Shaw and the Massachusetts 59th Regiment.

Named after philanthropist George F. Parkman, this bandstand was constructed in 1912 and is used for concerts and speeches.

Across the street from the Common is the most famous attraction in the Public Gardens; the "Make Way For Ducklings" figurines.

    The one Boston attraction you should not miss (especially if your time is limited) is "The Freedom Trail." This 2.5 mile long walking route covers sixteen of the most historic places between downtown Boston and Charlestown. Marked mostly by red bricks (although parts are just painted red), the trail starts at Boston Common and ends at the U.S.S. Constitution and Bunker Hill in Charlestown. Certainly not all inclusive of the tremendous history surrounding Boston, never-the-less, the Trail provides some great background about the start of the American Revolution. When our children were little, we frequently explored various segments of the Freedom Trail in depth. For us, as parents, one of the highlights of those trips was seeing the joy on their little faces as they actually got to ring the bell at the Old North Church (of Paul Revere's ride fame) during America's bicentennial celebration (1976). If you love to fully explore history like we do, plan on spending a whole day following the Freedom Trail. It's fantastic!

One of the Freedom Trail markers embedded all along the route.

Just follow "the Red Brick Route"...

Built in 1809, the Park Street Church sits next to Boston Common. From 1810 until 1828, this was the tallest building in the United States. One of its more notable uses was as a storage facility for gunpowder during the War of 1812. Missionaries from this church sailed to Honolulu and established the first Christian enclaves in the Hawaiian islands.

Adjacent to the Park Street Church is the historic Granary Burial Ground. Founded in 1660, this is the third oldest cemetery in Boston; and is the final resting place for such notables as Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and the five victims of the Boston Massacre.

One of Boston's most famous sons, Paul Revere, lived in this house between 1770 and 1800. We found a bell, crafted by Revere, in a museum in Singapore.

The Old State House is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. Built in 1713, it served as the seat of The Massachusetts General Court until 1798. Notice the gold painted Lion and the silver painted Unicorn (both symbols of the British Monarchy during the Colonial period) on the corners of the roof.

During the American Revolution, one of the first major battles between American and British forces occurred on June 17, 1775 at Bunker Hill in Charlestown.. This monument was erected between 1825 and 1843 to commemorated that engagement.

The oldest commissioned navel vessel in the world is the U.S.S. Constitution, "Old Ironsides."

Twice per year, our doctors want to see us (even though we think once per year would be sufficient...Oh, well). So, this time, after paying our taxes, we returned to the Boston area for our biannual check-ups.

Boston is the capital and largest city in Massachusetts. Both Lori and I grew up in the greater Boston metropolitan area (Lori 23 miles south in Norwood, and I grew up in Melrose, almost ten miles north). Founded on what was known as the Shawmut peninsula in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It's Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile long walking route encompassing some of the most important historical sites in the city. Early settlers originally called this area "Trimountain" after the three mountains surrounding the city (only traces of them remain). It was renamed "Boston" by the Puritans who had moved over from neighboring Charlestown in search of fresh water. Later on, many of the crucial events of the American Revolution occurred in Boston ( or nearby); "The Boston Massacre", "the Boston Tea Party," "Paul Revere's Ride," " the Battle of Lexington/Concord," and "the Battle of Bunker Hill." The first public school in the United States (Boston Latin) was founded here in 1635. The first public park in America (Boston Common) and the first subway system ( Tremont Street Railway) were also developed here. Its close connections with seafaring trade made Boston one of the wealthiest industrial ports in the world, until the "Embargo Act" of 1807 and the War of 1812 saw much of that wealth move elsewhere. There are over one hundred colleges and universities (some of them the best in the world) are located in the greater metropolitan area of Boston; these include Harvard (the oldest in the country), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts, Boston University, Brandeis, Northeastern University, and Boston College).

"Disclaimer" - Because of varying weather conditions during our stay in the Boston area, which made photography difficult, we had to resort to using some pictures taken from the Internet .

An 1840 painting of Boston as seen from Dorchester Heights.

The glass-faced John Hancock Tower (at 790 feet, the tallest building in the city), with the old Hancock tower behind it.

Built in 1713 (making it one of the oldest public buildings in the U.S.) , the Old State House was the site of the Massachusetts General Court until 1798. On the corners of the roof-line are a pair of seven-foot tall wooden statues of a Lion and Unicorn", symbols of the British Monarchy during the Colonial era. We saw these same symbols many times during our travels through the British Isles.

The "new" State House, with its gold-leaf dome, sits on top of Beacon Hill, overlooking Boston Common.

Paul Revere's house (built in 1680, making it the oldest surviving colonial home in downtown Boston) was his home fro. Around 1770 until 1800.

Fenway Park (as seen from the Prudential Tower) has been home to the Boston Red Sox since 1912 and is the oldest park in Major League Baseball

                     Norwood

   During this current visit to Boston, we stayed in Norwood, Massachusetts, Lori's hometown. Settled by Ezra Morse in 1678, as part of Dedham, it was not incorporated as a separate entity until 1872. Prior to its settlement as a European community, this area was a favorite hunting ground for local Native Americans. One of its many historical sites is the Oak View Mansion, built by Francis Olney Winslow between 1870 and1873. Among the many prominent figures that socialized at the mansion were Presidents William Howard Taft and Calvin Coolidge, Russian composer Sergi Rachmaninov, artist John Singer Sargent, and jurist Oliver Wndell Holmes. In more recent times, Norwood has been noted for being home to "The Automile" along Route One, founded by automobile magnate, Ernie Boch.

Norwood city Hall dominates the center of town.

Presidents, artists, composers, etc. often socialized at the Oak View Mansion

Lori grew up next to the Calahan School and it's playground, just a stone's throw from the center of town.

Arrial view advertisement for Ernie Boch's "Automile" along Route One in Norwood.

Fifty years ago, Lori and I got married here in St. Catherine of Sienna church opposite City Hall.

    On several previous occasions, we've mentioned that we love history. So, naturally, visiting history museums is a priority for us. One of our favorites, and that of our son Carl and his family, is the Ohio History Center in Columbus. Founded in 1885, under the auspices of the "Ohio State Archeological and Historical Society," it now includes a dozen sites across the state. From its headquarters in Columbus, the Center explores the history of Ohio from the Ice Age through the 1970's. One of its main attractions is the "Ohio Village," a recreated 1890's era town ( only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as well as during special festivals). Another popular exhibit explores Ohio's role during the Civil War. The main building of the Center houses the museum, a research library, and the State Archives of Ohio. Known as the "Gateway State", Ohio has been home to former U.S. Presidents( including William Henry Harrison, U.S. Grant, and William Taft), astronauts (including Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, and Jim Lovell), the first professional baseball team ( the Cincinnati Red Stockings), and the professional football Hall of Fame. We've always enjoyed our visits to this wonderful museum.

The 1898 seal of the Ohio State Archeological and Historical Society.

Located next to the MAPFRE Stadium off of I-71 in Columbus, the Ohio History Center is one of our favorite attractions.

Discovered in 1887, the Conway Mastodon greets visitors to the Center.

Developed after World War II, the Lustron homes were prefabricated enameled steel houses as a response to the shortage of affordable housing for returning veterans...

...and were designed to minimize up-keep. Unfortunately, the company lost money on each home and subsequently went out of business in 1950.

Just before the advent of motorized transportation, carriage manufacturing shops like this one were prolific...

...but soon, the automobile replaced the horse and buggy...

...and then transitioned to the point that the automobile could take a trailer, otherwise known as a"home-on-wheels", on family vacation trips.

Because of its central location in the North, Ohio played a pivotal role in providing manpower and supplies to the Union Army during the Civil War. The Ohio History Center's exhibit about the part the state played during this time period is one of the more popular exhibits.

This 152 year old, 36-star Union flag was presented to the Ohio History Center by the Van Tilburg family, in memory of their great-great grandfather, David Murray. He had been given the flag by the government after the Civil War because of his support of, and service to the Union cause.

    One of the places that we enjoy the most visiting when we're in Columbus, Ohio, is the "Center of Science and Industry" (COSI). Originally opened in 1964 at Memorial Hall on Broad Street, under the auspices of the Franklin County Historical Society, it was relocated along the Scioto River in 1999. Considered to be the largest modern science center in the world, COSI includes over three hundred interactive exhibits in seven main themed areas; Oceans, Space, life, Energy, Gadgets, Progress, and Adventure, as well as "The Little Kids" interactive center (designed for children up to the age of First Grade). It also includes the largest digital screen in Ohio at the "National Geographic Giant Screen Theater." The museum pioneered the "Camp-In" overnight program for Boy and Girl Scouts in 1972, as well as hosting the largest outreach educational program of any science museum in the United States. Among its partnerships, COSI hosts WOSU (the National Public Radio and Public Broadcast Service station for central Ohio) and Ohio State University's research center for health and medical laboratories. There are over ten thousand volunteers servicing the museum, including our granddaughter Lucy and hopefully soon, our grandson Eamon. No matter how many times we go here, we always have fun and learn something new.

Main entrance to the Center of Science and Industry.

Do you feel up to riding a unicycle along a wire over the main lobby?

One of the kids' favorite exhibits is the Neptune fountain in the Oceans themed area.

Recycling is a big part of the museum's exhibits, as seen in this butterflies made from roofing materials, enamel bowls, electrical wires, etc.

The "Mindbending Mansion" exhibit is one that we seem to return to time after time.

Lucy and Eamon taking turns at trying to master the teeter-totter.

Our son Carl exercising those little grey cells at the Mindbender Mansion exhibit.

Working together trying to match the patterns on the screen...

"SUCCESS!!!"

Who's teaching whom?

"Ok, dad... Now tilt your side that way!"

The "Progress" themed exhibit explores an American street at two different times in history; 1898 and 1962.

"Come on grandpa, pull harder!"

"Now...it's your turn!"

    One of the top four libraries in the country,for the past eighteen years, is right here in Columbus, Ohio. This first tax supported free library in Columbus was founded in 1873, and now includes 21 branches, two bookmobiles, and over 2.5 million books and periodicals, 176 thousand videos, and 260 thousand audio materials (CD's, records, and cassettes). Prior to the construction of the building, this site was the home of Judge Noah Swayne (from 1848). President Abe Lincoln, in 1862, appointed Swayne as a Supreme Court Justice. Between the 1860's and the 1880's, it served as the Governor's mansion. In 1903, the Swayne home was razed to make room for the new library after industrialist Andrew Carnegie donated $200,000 to get construction started. We love libraries and tend to judge cities we visit based on how good their library system is. This is one of our favorites and is a fun place to visit.

The main library branch in downtown Columbus sits on the site of the former home of Judge Noah Swayne, which also served as Ohio's Governor's Mansion for twenty years.

Today's main lobby is impressive and sets the tone for enjoying our visit. The wall facing us, with all the windows, was part of the original library.

Equally impressive are the domed hallways with stunning glass skylights...

...and they seem to be everywhere on the upper levels.

Even the stairway in the original part of the building is beautiful.

But the heart of every library is its collection of books...

For Lori, the real heart of the library is the Children's section...

It is extremely kid-friendly...

From the mock-up school bus on which they can play...

...to the computer table where they can access educational games...

...to helping children learn good social behaviors, this is a great place!

Each time we come to Columbus, we usually visit the Clintonville branch of this wonderful library.