Aboard Sauvy B: Boston

Thursday, June 29 - Tuesday, July 11, 2017

We began our stay in Boston with great plans to see all the historic sights. Sadly as Boka's health began to decline, we skipped much of what we had planned and stayed close to the boat.

We started our touring with breakfast in South Boston, a trendy neighborhood also known as Southie.

Frenchie in South Boston

Lots of red brick here.

South Boston

Trendy shops and restaurants line the main streets with condos and apartments in restored buildings.

South Boston

We started the historic walk in the downtown area at Boston Common, a popular and very busy park on this weekend morning.

Boston Common

An historic walking trail begins here.

Boston Common

Next stop is the Granary, a cemetery dating to the earliest days of Boston. Numerous patriots are buried here.

Sam Adams' grave

Tour guides, dressed in period costume, recount the history of this very old cemetery.


Paul Revere's grave

Next stop is Charlestown Navy Yard, across the Charles River from downtown Boston, where the USS Constitution is on display.

USS Constitution

She is the oldest commissioned warship in the world, currently in dry dock for repairs to her hull.

USS Constitution

Next door is the USS Cassin Young, a World War II-vintage ship typical of those built in this shipyard.

USS Cassin Young

Driving back to our marina, we realize we are NOT in Texas anymore!

McDonald's Boston billboard

Boston is a relatively small city with a population of about 660,000. It is surrounded by dozens of small towns with dense development to include almost 5 million people. From our vantage point in Lynn, I think we could see fireworks from almost every small town within 50 miles!

Fireworks, Lynn MA

Fireworks started on the 1st and continued several days after the 4th. We enjoyed a panoramic view of the festivities.

Fireworks, Nahant MA

We enjoyed driving to several neighboring town with interesting historical districts and nice shops.


Historic district, Lynn MA

These lovely waterfront homes were near our marina in Lynn, on Boston's North Shore.

Historic district, Lynn MA

Neighboring Swampscott had a lovely historic district, in addition to some nice shops and restaurants.

Historic district, Swampscott MA


Historic district, Swampscott MA

Further north lies Marblehead, a very touristy seaside town. Lots of cute shops, B&Bs and restaurants.

Historic district, Marblehead MA

Many of the small towns surrounding Boston appear to be working class neighborhoods. Few interstate highways penetrate these old communities, which required driving on local, 2-lane roads for long distances. Everywhere we heard stories of formerly prosperous towns, supported by thriving industries - iron works, shipbuilding, shoe manufacturing - now long gone. Today these communities have a slightly shabby feel. Interestingly, numerous Trump signs are still evident throughout these towns.

We must finally say farewell to our beloved Boka and to Lynn and the wonderful support we received from the marina staff and local vet.