Boston to Chatham in Cape Cod, July 12, 2016

It was time to introduce Donna to more of New England

We were impressed by how efficient it was getting our Hertz rent a car at the Sheraton but getting out of town was a bit challenging due to construction but eventually we were successful.

Our first destination was Hingham, a lovely town just south of Boston.  Several times long ago I had actually camped in the Wompatuck State Park and then took public transit from Hingham into Boston which took about 40 minutes.

I thought Hingham was such a beautiful town with its gorgeous houses and lovely seaside.

Our next stop was Plymouth

I mean Donna certainly needed to see where the Mayflower arrived

Check out the reproduction below.

and of course she needed to see Plymouth Rock where the pilgrims apparently first landed

It was interesting to be with someone who had never been in New England previously although she has travelled all over the world.  Growing up on the Vermont border with relatives who lived in New Hampshire I have spent lots of time here since i was very young.  She was amazed by the beautiful kept properties.

Time to travel over to the Cape Cod.  From previous trips I had found Chatham a lovely place to stay and since the Chatham Inn had become very expensive we had looked for a more modest but nice place to stay.

and once we had checked into the Chatham Motel we headed into town for lunch

and fell in love with this restaurant, The Wild Goose Tavern, as we sat on the porch and watched Chatham's world go by.

After lunch we had to explore a few of the stores

A favourite was one which was full of ducks!

Such pretty streets

and some interesting things for sale

We went back to the motel where I attempted to have a swim in the pool but it may have been hot outside but that pool water was freezing!

later we went to check out Chatham Lighthouse

and the seaside so different in flavour than our Pacific one...

and then returned to our new favourite restaurant for dinner!

I hope you have enjoyed your first day on our road trip

Stay tuned for more travels on the Cape!

More Boston from Saturday, July 9 to Monday, July 11, 2016

Saturday our conference formally began

and it was possible to go to the convention centre without going outside.  In fact that was the shortest route.  

I was busy from about 8 am until 5 going to sessions and visiting the book displays


and at a certain point I looked outside in shock and realized I hadn't been outdoors all day!  One of the best things about being retired and living in Vancouver is I am always outside.  i have to admit it wasn't a very nice day and it was actually chilly.

We took a taxi to go to a historic restaurant for a group dinner

by the time we came out to get a taxi home it was really pouring!

The next day I vowed to go outside and I did

although the weather still wasn't great

but i did find colour in Trader Joe's flower department

and found some interesting architecture on Boyston Street in what is called the Back Bay

Just a block away

I found charming Newbury Street

and we ended up eating in the restaurant below for dinner (excellent)

I was very happy to be outside!

and after my next session I brought Donna back here for lunch at Roost Bistro where we even got to sit outside!

after a busy afternoon and a reception we returned to Newbury Street for dinner with friends and later chocolate on Boyston Street (I think my battery must have died and I neglected to get the name of the shop)

Monday summer had definitely reappeared in Boston

although we were busy all day at the conference but I did get a bit of fresh air

Before we took on the packing challenge (you get lots of books when you go to the International Literacy Association Conference) we had dinner just near our hotel and fire station

at Dillon's and we had lovely meals!

and then we found a great ice cream shop on Newbury!

and it was a beautiful evening!

As we walked home

I loved this advertisement across from our hotel-we are not anti gun, we are for life, urging for gun control...

we were sad that we were leaving Boston as we had lots more we would have liked to see

but more adventure awaited us

as Tuesday morning we were heading for

Cape Cod!