Blurry as heck Snowy Owl

Found a snowy owl down the street! So excited. Next time, I’m taking binoculars. Thanks to the people who told me where to look.

Saugus Iron Works

Another National Park here in Massachusetts is Saugus Iron Works. Located in Saugus, MA it encompasses one of the first Iron works in the colonies and created some of the best iron outside of Spain.

There is a collection of buildings that can be visited including a nail forge as demonstrated by Ranger Brandon here:

One of my favorite pieces of this park was the small map of the original site. Reminded me of a similar map I saw in Munich…

There is also a project to get the river cleaned up by taking out the phragmites that are choking the river. By taking them out, the river will flow quicker and take out the sediment that has settled on the bottom. It will make the river healthier and bring back even more animals. When I was there, they had orioles, frogs, eels, little fishes, and signs of groundhogs. So well on their way.

Saugus Iron Works is open until the end of the month and is free.

Crime…

So, if you read Universalhub.com on a regular basis, you would probably think that everyone in East Boston is being mugged, shot, stabbed, punched, and generally living in a combat zone. Out of the last 10 reports on Eastie, 8 have to do with crime.

I know that crime happens in East Boston, however, our major crime has been in decline over the last few years (As seen in this pdf here (East Boston is the A-7 district)).

It would be nice if Eastie were mentioned for some of the great things to do…perhaps some help is needed in finding those out?

1. Constitution Beach: I would not suggest swimming here because it is a fairly enclosed body of water with airplanes flying overhead, but it is a great place to go play frisbee or to watch planes take off and land. They also have a great little playground for kids of all different ages and an ice skating rink that has public skating. (Bennington Street near Orient Heights)
2. Belle Isle Marsh: The last of the salt marshes in Boston proper, Belle Isle is not only people friendly but dog friendly. A great big area for dogs to run around, just watch out for ticks and the occasional coyote or skunk. It is also a great place to go birdwatching. There is ample parking and is T accessible from Suffolk Downs.
3. East Boston Piers Park: Beautiful park! Lovely views of the skyline and a bunch of interesting art installations.
4. Madonna Queen National Shrine: 35 foot tall statue of the Madonna. It is an interesting statue and has a great view of the city and airport.
5. Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery: A coworker told me that the name translates to “Those who love peace” . This cemetery was created in 1844 as the first legally established Jewish cemetery in the state.  Because there was no sacred ground in the area, Jews were sent to Rhode Island, the West Indies, or Europe for burial.  This is a historic cemetery, but still used and is tucked away.  The building next to it used to be a small school and the congregation is located in Brookline.(Information taken/adapted from The Bostonian Society) (Wordsworth and Horace Streets)

And then there is the food:

• Rincon Limeño Restaurant: Great Peruvian food…who knew they put their food on top of french fries? Brilliant! (Chelsea Street)
• Belle Isle Lobster and Seafood: Where else in the city can you eat your food while feeling like you are in a scene from Wayne’s World (the part when the plane flies over them and they are arguing)? Great food, but they only take cash. (Saratoga Street going into Winthrop (RT 145)).
• El Paisa: Tasty tasty Colombian food. They change the menu every once in a while and are now serving brunch. (Bennington Street)
• 303 Cafe: Have not been here yet, but they have a strong focus on craft beers and have trivia. (Maverick Square)
• Betty Ann Food Shop: Where else can you get donuts that are cooked in a coal fired stove for next to nothing? They have lemon, sugar, plain, round, crullers…and they also serve brownies, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods at a reasonable price. They have odd hours, though, so pay attention!

So, much more to Eastie than just crime, gangs, and angry people…history, great food, and some real hidden gems for people to discover.

Ships to visit

So, instead of bitching on and on about the Tall Ships and how they are going to be ruined, maybe people should open their eyes to the ships that are already here in the New England area. Sure, some aren’t as big or flashy…but they all have an interesting history, are nearby, are free or cheap, and would make an awesome day trip for a family.

Many places, such as Quincy or Battleship Cove, have multiple ships in port for you to visit or have other attractions around them so it can be made into a full day trip.  I’m sure there are other ships that are not listed here, and I did not go outside of the New England area, but they are all worth a visit. Not only are most of them run by non-profits, which are having issues these days with dwindling attendance and rising costs, but many of them were involved in major battles throughout Naval history.

Here are your options:

MASSACHUSETTS USS Cassin Young, Boston, Massachusetts, Free USS Constitution, Boston, Massachusetts, Free USS Friendship, Salem, Massachusetts, Admission Demolition Boat, Fall River, Massachusetts, Admission Hiddensee, Fall River, Massachusetts, Admission USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr, Fall River, Massachusetts, Admission LCM 56, Fall River, Massachusetts, Admission USS Lionfish, Fall River, Massachusetts, Admission USS Massachusetts, Fall River, Massachusetts, Admission PT 617, Fall River, Massachusetts, Admission PT 796, Fall River, Massachusetts, Admission USS Salem, Quincy, Massachusetts, Admission German Seehund, Quincy, Massachusetts, Admission NEW HAMPSHIRE USS Albacore, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Admission RHODE ISLAND Soviet Juliett 484, Providence, Rhode Island Currently sunk by a storm, closed at the moment. CONNECTICUT USCG Boat Arctic Scout, Bridgeport, Connecticut Japanese HA-8, Groton, Connecticut USS Nautilus, Groton, Connecticut Italian Siluro San Bartolomeo, Groton, Connecticut USS X-1, Groton, Connecticut Auxiliary Schooner Brilliant, Mystic, Connecticut, Admission USCGC Eagle, New London, Connecticut