Boston Harbor Islands Georges Island

Last Friday was a beautiful day in Boston, but we didn’t actually spend the day in the city.  The boys and I tagged along with my sister-in-law, mother-in-law and my niece into Boston’s Long Wharf North.  We jumped on one of Boston’s Best Cruises Ferries and headed out to explore one of Boston’s 34 harbor islands. We purchased our tickets at the Long Wharf North Ticket Office. The round-trip ferry fares are reasonable. Adult $14, Senior $10, Child $8, children under 3 – free.  A family four pack is $39.

The Boston Harbor Islands national park area features 34 islands encompassing 1,600 acres and 35 miles of underdeveloped coastline within 10 miles of downtown Boston.  The islands have hiking trails, beaches, ranger-led tours, camping, kayaking, nature walks, historic sites and daily programs.

We decided to explore Georges Island. We toured the National Historic Landmark Fort Warren, which is a 19th century granite stronghold (fort) used during the Civil War.

Georges original stone wharf was the fixed landing for the island’s main pier – I tried to get a shot of the stone wharf (below left) but as you can see, we were still a little far out! The brick building facing the pier was built to store and service mines between their planting in the harbor’s shipping channels and dates from 1906. We took our self guided tour of Fort Warren exploring the observation station, the parade grounds and the old hospital. The old hospital ward eventually became the fort’s library.

Marie has found a great seat as James lights the cannon. Here is the gang enjoying the view from the observation station.

Here is a view of the Boston skyline from the stone wharf. And here? This is the boat that I would love to be on – a Norwegian Cruise ship – destination? Who cares!

We ended our day by visiting The Big Hammock Project. This hammock is set up at the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. A professor from the Rhode Island School of Design designed and with the help of students built the big hammock using all recycled materials. We all thought it was pretty cool and comfy too!

For more info. on the Boston Harbor islands, visit bostonharborislands.org. You can also read more about the Big Hammock Project at www.thebighammock.org. If you want to see it, you must hurry this is the last week the big hammock will be on the greenway!