Cruising

Some folks like to take a break from the Northeast winter . . .  cruising with 1000+ would not be my choice.  (Though it is nice to think about warmer places on a cold stormy day like today.)  I like the blue monochrome of this image.

Colorful Code

The nautical flags look beautiful against the blue sky . . . but what do they say?

OpSail Boston 2012

These majestic tall ships came to the Boston area this past week celebrating the Tall Ships, Navy Vessels and Bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Going To Port

Cargo ships can be seen off Quincy Bay making their way to South Boston.

Life Saver

This ketch on Thompson Island is named after Joshua James who was a sea captain from Hull, and later in life a Lifesaving Station Keeper. He was a famous and celebrated commander of civilian life-saving crews in the 19th century, credited with saving over 600 lives in Boston Harbor and the surrounding seacoast.

Anchors Aweigh

[click image to enlarge]

Today is a national holiday set aside for honoring our veterans like my father who served in the U.S. Navy on a mine sweeper. Every time I drive over Fore River Bridge I am reminded of our armed forces when I see the USS Salem moored there. You can see the full view of this preserved heavy naval cruiser by clicking here.

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" ~Maya Angelou

Commuter Boat

One of the Boston commuter boats.

USS Salem

The USS Salem was built in Quincy by the Bethlehelm Steel Company and launched in 1949. She served a distinguished 10 year career as flagship of the US Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean and the Second Fleet in the Atlantic.

She was decommissioned on 30 January, 1959 and joined the Atlantic Reserve Fleet at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. After being mothballed for 35 years the Salem was moved back to Quincy where she is now the centerpiece of the United States Naval and Shipbuilding Museum.

Camden, Maine

Again a shot from my all too brief trip to Maine recently. This is a view of Camden Harbor in the late afternoon. Camden is a beautiful little seaside town with lots of shopping and fine dining opportunities. The large ship in the background is one of the schooners that goes out for a week at a time; others ships in the harbor are available for two hour cruises.