Day 350 (Saturday 7/6/13)- Boston, MA

 

Successfully infiltrating the fortress that is Boston we started our very busy day at Fanueili Hall which was a historic meeting place for patriots such as Samuel Adams and is currently the Boston NPS headquarters. Taking a Park Ranger tour of three points along the Freedom Trail we learned about how circumstances led to the "Boston Massacre" and Tea Party.

As any revolution does it all began slowly. Colonists were upset by new taxes imposed by a broke British government trying to recoup loses from the French and Indian War (it puts things in perspective learning that the British owed more than our current debt).

The first tax was on Molasses and so despised it was replaced with an even more infuriating stamp tax. Civil unrest ensued leading to the government instead taxing all imports. Citizens took to the street in protest and ended up taking it out on the only target they could find, a lowly British solider on guard. Forever unable to confirm the exact events it is believed that the soldier's gun accidentally discharged which led the other soldiers to fire and resulted in five deaths. Used by the press to inspire all out revolt the "Boston Massacre" was never that, more of a misunderstanding really. Soon after the tea tax was implemented and we all know how that went. 

Continuing along the Freedom Trail led us all around the city past Paul Revere's home, the library, many churches, a graveyard...and the Boston Commons.

A breath taking city park the Commons is the oldest city park in the nation and a perfect way to spend the afternoon. We soaked our exhausted feet in the wading pool, viewed the colorful gardens, watched the graceful swans and thoroughly enjoyed the Paul Revere statue wearing a Bruins jersey. Finishing our day in true New England style Isaiah was left wanting with a bowl of chowdah but the Cannoli I had was unbelievable! 

Boston you are a wicked pissah! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Day 349 (Friday 7/5/13)- Salem, MA

Starting the day by hiking many miles to a bus that never came we were disheartened to have failed getting in to Boston.

Working on a much tighter schedule we made a hurried drive through the Minute Man NPS and got to walk along the bridge where the "shot heard round the world" was fired.

In Salem we had hoped to hear about the infamous Salem Witch Trials but instead ran in to a bunch of tourist traps. Making lemonade we explored the Peabody Art Museum, walked along the waterfront viewing the USS Friendship ship and saw several famous houses including the Derby House (a friend's ancestors owned it).

Overall Salem left us disappointed and sunburned.



Day 348 (Thursday 7/4/13)- Cape Cod, MA

 

Walking along the cliff walk trail in Newport, RI we had a visual treat with stunning views of the ocean to our left and of incredible Mansion estates to our right. Having visited a Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, NY we were awed to see the even more grandiose Breakers, Rose Clif and Marble houses once owned by 3rd generation Vanderbilt's.

Deciding to spend the rest of our day on the Cape proved to be a mistake as everyone else in the world did too. Finding no where to park and driving most of the area at no more than 5 mph we spent the holiday hot and exasperated. On the bright side if there was anywhere to be sticky and irritated it is Cape Cod.

 

 



Day 347 (Wednesday 7/3/13)- New Haven, CT

Seeing the beauty of not only the Princeton campus but the surrounding city left us expecting the same for Yale. We were very disappointed...

New Haven is not a nice place. It is dirty, full of sad looking people and we were worried about the van getting stolen. However the closer you get to campus the better it gets and Yale itself is lovely. Especially the Museum of Art which is one of the best we have seen.

Hartford proved to be worse than New Haven and so we hurried to Rhode Island and ended the day on a highlight exploring the Brown campus.

Day 346 (Tuesday 7/2/13)- Hyde Park, NY

Spending our morning at the West Point museum we got to see four floors of military artifacts before hauling to make the few hours drive to Hyde Park.

When we arrived in late afternoon we were faced with a tough decision. Time allowed for only one tour but what to choose? The home and estate of beloved FDR or the opulence of the Vanderbilt Mansion? We went with the vacation shack.

Frederick Vanderbilt, one of Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt's eight grandchildren and considered the least extravagant of his siblings ended up being the most successful, increasing his $10 million inheritance to $70 million in his lifetime. His Hyde Park Mansion only had 50 rooms and was the smallest of the 43 homes owned between the third generation. Staffed with 60 people year round Frederick and his wife only spent a few weeks there each year.

If this is the smallest house we cannot even imagine what their regular Mansion looked like.

Vanderbilt Mansion

 

 

 

 

FDR's Mansion



Day 345 (Monday 7/1/13)- New York City, NY

Seeing NYC in one day was difficult but worthwhile, especially considering how much it costs.
Starting our day early taking a bus costing 3x what we normally pay for transit we arrived in the Big Apple where it promptly began to pour. Like Washington DC rain. Lacking galoshes and a small raft we made our way through the streets as carefully as possible.

On the Staten Island Ferry we got to glimpse the Statute of Liberty unfortunately Isaiah wore the wrong footwear and wet stairs made the experience a little less enjoyable.

When the rain let up a bit we were able to walk along Wall Street, gaze up at the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings and walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. Later we meandered through Center Park, the Grand Central Terminal, the Lincoln Center and the library.

Though there was no possible way to see everything we were thoroughly impressed by what we managed to get done finishing the day with a slice of New York style pizza. I know it's toted as a badge of pride by New Yorkers but we can't figure out why.

New York Stock Exchange

 

Statute of Liberty

 

NY Skyline

 

Times Square

 

Chrysler Building

 

 

Grand Central Station

 

 

 

 

 

Rockefeller Center

 

 



Day 344 (Sunday 6/30/13)- Princeton, NJ

In a desert we found water or more directly said we found paradise in the middle of the armpit which is New Jersey. Princeton is a lovely, lush city with trees everywhere the eye can see. It is full of charm and if we weren't already clear its heads and tails above the state itself.

Walking around the Princeton campus we managed to enjoy ourselves even while dodging droplets of rain. However on a Sunday in June we mostly saw tourists who didn't appreciate Vandrea so we finished the day doing laundry and researching New York.

Though not the worst Laundromat (that honor belongs to Alabama) it certainly wasn't the best however miles above the one directly on campus rumored to be pooped in.

Day 343 (Saturday 6/29/13)- Atlantic City, NJ

Well it's official...what they say about Jersey is true. Especially in Atlantic City. The place is swarming with over tan, nasal sounding body builders.
Getting to the boardwalk was a mess but we eventually made it there and quickly determined that swimming was out of the question. If we wanted to swim in frigid water we would do so back home in Oregon. The boardwalk itself didn't hold too much appeal but we made a loop regardless. It turned out to be a little public for showers but we went for it anyway and did so with surprisingly minimal gazing from the befuddled public as we soaped up.

Getting a shower wasn't the only happy surprise. We also stumbled upon the World Sand Sculpting Contest happening right along the boardwalk. Contestants from all over the world designed incredibly intricate masterpieces in the sand that blew us away. Definitely the highlight of the boardwalk.

 

 



Day 342 (Friday 6/28/13)- Delaware

 

We saw the best of Delaware today and though a fairly small state it was a little sad that the highlights can be done in a day.

Our first museum was small and not so interesting but the staff were so friendly that we felt we had to stay longer.

The next museum gave me chills and not because the A/C was on too high. This intimate yet amazing military flight museum might have been the most interesting of it's kind yet. A volunteer ex-pilot taunted both Isaiah and I as we crashed and burned in flight simulators and then unprompted led us on to the 9th plane that dropped paratroopers on D-day. That in itself would be enough but what happened next blew me away.

Discovering that the couple accompanying us on the plane's tour were not just soldiers but the man a paratrooper, the excited volunteer went on to talk lingo and it soon turned into a compliment war over who was more of a hero; the old man who had served in the Vietnam War or the young man who served in Afghanistan. The mutual admiration filled the entire space and was intoxicating.

Stopping by the plantation home of John Dickinson (known as the Delaware representative who refused to sign the Declaration of Independence but apparently because he wanted to wait until the American troops were better prepared) we had a somewhat awkward tour with a sweet but very thorough tour guide learning about how Dickinson went on to serve honorably during the Revolutionary War.

Our favorite stop was at the Vitrola museum (named for creator Victor with "ola" slapped on the end for effect). Having a one-on-one tour through the small but fascinating two floors we learned all about the early record player that revolutionized how music was heard. The earliest design had no volume control and thus people literally "put a sock in it" with the later design allowing you to "put a lid on it," forever popularizing these phrases. Early recording artists had a long lasting effect as well like Nellie Melba who was such a diva that she required the crusts to be cut off her sandwiches giving birth to Melba toast. The company also had the first trademarked character, Yipper the dog who loved the sound of "his master's voice" on the Vitrola.

Museum in Delaware

 

Logo from a WWII plane

 

John Dickinson Plantation

 

Vitrola Museum

Day 341 (Thursday 6/27/13)- Philadelphia, PA

 

 

 At Valley Forge Washington's Army not only survived the harsh winter but learned invaluable skills that allowed them to re-bound in Spring and eventually win the Revolutionary War. We learned that there isn't a lot to learn at a place best known for camping.

Right outside of Philly Isaiah tried a Cheese steak and I had cheesecake, both excellent.

Arriving in Philly to beautiful, hot weather we headed out for the bus in shorts. This proved to be a mistake as we were soon soaked maybe even worse than we had been in D.C.

The Independence Historic Park consists of several buildings that literally began this country. It is difficult to say which building was most exceptional though Independence Hall is right near the top. Touring the hall where the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and eventually the Constitution were debated and signed into law allowed for a breathtaking trip back in time.

We also got to tour the original Congress Hall where John Adams was inaugurated thus proving the new Constitution worked, were treated to a performance from four period dressed men reading the Declaration of Independence and visited Benjamin Franklin's printing shop. Such an incredible bit of history all within a few city blocks.

Independence Hall

 

 

Where Adams was inaugurated

 

Liberty Bell



Day 340 (Wednesday 6/26/13)- Gettysburg, PA

Well the day was mostly a bust. A site we were both really excited about turned out to be mostly a tourist trap. Since it is also a NPS we were especially pissed.

This was on the heels of having to replace the fuel line on Vandrea (the fumes were starting to make us act weird) so we might not have been in the best mood to start with.

With the exception of driving the sites of the Battle of Gettysburg everything else was an additional cost. We opted not to spend $ to watch a park video and instead saw what we could for free and then got the hell out.

A much more enjoyable part of the day was driving through an Amish community in the afternoon. Wanting desperately to see one I was elated as a horse drawn buggy passed us (and waved), a bearded and suspendered man tended the fields and a woman went by on a scooter straight out of the 1900's.

 

Days 338 & 339 (Mon 6/24/13 & Tue 6/25/13)- Baltimore, MD

 

 Starting Monday at the NSA's museum we found the most interesting thing to be that everything following the 80's is still classified and thus the museum is really small. Make sure if you go not to accidentally try and park at the actual NSA building. They don't like that...

Knowing that Baltimore is affectionately nicknamed "Bodymore" and that it is the sight of the incredible but somewhat disturbing TV show The Wire we were a little apprehensive going in. We were relieved to find that it was much nicer than we had expected.

At Fort McHenry we realized that though it is a very important monument to have the story itself is pretty short. Thus an entire Visitor's Center dedicated to the site where Frances Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner might be over doing it a bit. The only real fact of note is that the war this song was written for was actually the little cared about War of 1812.

Driving through a few of the filming sites for The Wire we enjoyed seeing familiar spots but were also dismayed that the neighborhoods looked exactly like they did on the show. Apparently in the ten or so years since the show aired the drug game hasn't changed much in Baltimore's ghettos.

The next day in Baltimore was hot and much more disappointing. We walked miles in the heat just to see a museum and when we arrived found out it is closed on Tuesdays. Seriously what museum is closed on a Tuesday?!? We then briefly visited the John Hopkins campus before walking all the way back and collapsing for a rest in the shade.

The rest of our day was spent visiting the Basilica of Assumption where Mother Teresa visited in 1996, Federal Hill (a lovely city park high above the city) and walking along the harbor.

 



Days 336 & 337 (Sat 6/22/13 & Sun 6/23/13)- Washington D.C.

Two days in the Capitol was hardly enough time to see everything but that didn't stop us from trying...
Twelve exhausting hours on Saturday and we had seen so many incredible sights including some very well known monuments to Jefferson, FDR, Dr. King, Washington, Lincoln, WWII, the Korean War and of course the Vietnam war wall. This was followed up by seeing the front of the White House (no tours due to sequestration).

Traveling at the fastest pace possible we made it through the two building National Gallery of Art (the nation's greatest art museum and it's free!) in just under five hours and did a much shorter tour of the Air and Space Museum which was disappointing and outrageously crowded with screaming children. Topping off the day we visited the Museum of Natural History and only made it through one floor before they closed.

Sunday brought another leg shaking twelve hours of walking and another day of unbelievable sights. However Sunday was much different because it rained. Not rain like we are used to in Oregon but real, soak-you-to-the-bone rain. There was no way to avoid it and so we continued on in misery to Ford's Theatre.

Though we couldn't focus as much as we wanted to because the theatre was pumping out A/C in the middle of a rain storm we did manage to glean a little bit of the very sad but very fascinating event that happened here. Gazing up at the balcony where Lincoln's great life was ended we learned new details about that fateful night.

John Wilkes Booth killed President Lincoln because he was a Confederate and had hard feelings about the war. At the bequest of the Confederate Army he had planned to kidnap the President but went to plan B when Lee surrendered at Appomattox and the Army disavowed the plan. Booth could not accept this and convinced two other men to help by killing Vice President Johnson and the Secretary of War. Neither man succeeded (one non-fatally wounded five people at Johnson's home and the other chickened out).

Lincoln died in a boarding house room across the street nine hours later after a doctor in the audience freshly out of medical school assessed the President and said there was no hope of survival (who knows if this was accurate). In attendance with the president and his wife had been a Senator's daughter and her fiancé. Her fiancé was a General who attempted to subdue Booth and received a cut so deep it went to the bone. He was haunted by the murder all his life and years later killed his wife and then himself in his mania.

Booth was a famous actor at the theater and so no one thought anything of him coming and going several times through out the day, pacing repeatedly and acting extremely suspicious. He knew the play that Lincoln and company were there to see by heart (Lincoln had seen him perform it before and complimented him) and timed his fatal shot to come right when the lead actor delivered the "funniest" line of the play (we might not think it was so funny nowadays) thus muffling some of the gun shot sound with the crowd's laughter.

Eventually the rain broke and by mid-afternoon we had finally dried off. We spent our new found dryness by visiting the Capitol building and the Library of Congress (no tours on Sundays). Afterwards we toured several more museums; the Museum of Portraits/American Art Museum, Freer Art Gallery, finished the Museum of Natural History and then, saving the best for last, the Museum of History.

Here we were delighted to see many very important artifacts like Bob Dylan's leather jacket, Lincoln's hat, Washington's sword and jacket and Dorothy's red heels from the Wizard of Oz. The only complaint was that there wasn't enough time to see everything we wanted, so take if from us; start with the Museum of History.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isaiah meets his idol