Spectacle Island

[cowgrrl]

I'd been wanting to do something summer-like before the summer vanished, and had been wanting a boat ride. So I finally decided to go to Spectacle Island. I hadn't been out to any of Boston's Harbor Islands in many years and this one is new. (Well, the island itself isn't new but it's being a park is new.) So after several failed scheduling attempts (due to incessant rain this summer) I finally made it out there last sunday, with denicemarcell and gracewillow.




Photo of Boston taken from the ferry on the way to the island.


On our way from the ferry to the island. The building in the distance is the visitor center.


It was "kite flying day" at Spectacle Island, including "make your own kite" activities.


On the path leading to one of the lookout points on the island.


There were lots of these pretty pink flowers.


A bridge off in the distance.



There was a little beach with swimming and a lifeguard and everything! Next time I go I'm bringing my swimsuit.


On the return boat ride I stood in the very front of the boat, holding on tight to the railing while the boat moved at high speed, picking up lots of wind. It was such a warm day I wasn't at all cold in shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt. As long as I didn't look down at the waves I managed to keep from getting motion sick. It was exhilarating! :-)

Comments

[verucas-chaos.livejournal.com]

What beautiful photos. I've didn't even know about this island. All the more reason for me to want to relocate to Mass. some day!

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

I recommend taking a boat to at least one of the harbor islands if you're ever here during the summer. (Whether you move here or not.) It's a great place to be on a hot day! :-)

[verucas-chaos.livejournal.com]

21 years ago I went out on a whale watch off the coast near Boston! It was wonderful.

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

I haven't been anywhere near the islands in a very very long time :(

The bridge connects Moon Island with Long Island. Both are closed to the public. Moon Island is the BFD's training site. Long Island houses a rather large men's homeless shelter/detox center.

OK, you've made up my mind. I am going on an island hike if it kills me!

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

Ooh, thanks for the info about those islands. Yes, you should go while the weather is still good! Just be forewarned: the line to buy tickets for the boat was really long (we waited nearly an hour). Though we did go on a weekend day -- it's probably less crowded during the week.

I hadn't been out to any of the harbor islands in more than two decades (!!) which is really insane because it's such a great summer day trip.

[denicemarcell.livejournal.com]

Some day I will get my camera to CVS to see what my photos look like. We did have a great day. What Boston exploring activity should we do next summer?

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

Good question! I guess we have almost a year to decide. Or less, if we get really good weather in September and have the time to go somewhere local.

I definitely want to go back to Spectacle Island next summer, planning on a longer day there.

[xo-kizzy-xo.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I just thought of this -- there's a shuttle that runs between George's Island and the rest of the islands free of charge during the summer (maybe Memorial-Labor Day?) I have no idea what the times are and what islands they cover, but it'd be worth looking into. The little islands down by Hingham/Hull (Bumpkin, Grape, etc.), are supposedly very close to what they were like back when the Wampanoag lived there.

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure it isn't free anymore -- I think I read that it's a $3 fee for shuttles between the islands. But that's an interesting concept. The link in my post, about Spectacle Island, also has links to more information about all the harbor islands. I think there's more exploring to do! :-)

[luscious-purple.livejournal.com]

Such GORGEOUS photos!!!! I miss Boston!!!

Glad you had a great time!

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

Well, at least you get to visit every now and then. :-) I'm glad you liked the photos!

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Yeah, I love the kite in the sky. :-)

[cluelessinchi.livejournal.com]

Wow! wonderful pictures! Btw, I had never heard of the islands. It makes sense but I just do not know much about that region of the country. Thanks!

[oneagain.livejournal.com]

Nice pics--thanks for sharing:)

How much was the boat ride? Were there other associated costs besides that?

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

The boat cost $14. No other costs. (other than taking the T to the Aquarium stop - which didn't cost me anything because I have a monthly T pass.)

[gottagetcoffee.livejournal.com]

You had a lovely day.It has been a while since I have been to the Harbor islands. I didn't know Spectacle was open to the public, good to know.

[cowgrrl.livejournal.com]

It's pretty recent, I think. They've done a great job on this island. I want to go back! Next summer for sure... (with bathing suit next time!)