Sailing in the USS Constitution July 4, 2018

  A once in a life time experience.  And something to cross off my bucket list.

 

   During my time with the National Park Service in the 1980's I was stationed at the Charlestown district of Boston National Historical Park.  Each day arriving to work and later leaving work I passed by the USS Constitution.  Still a commissioned ship of the United States Navy,  "Old Ironsides is crewed by serving members of the navy.  It is a living  history of the traditions of the navy from the War of 1812. a must see for anyone visiting Boston. 

  Once a year on July 4 the ship is towed out from its pier and brought to the outer harbour and back again.  In addition to invited dignitaries and  guests a small number of people are chosen by lottery to sail on the Constitution.  My wife Janine (who I met while working at the navy yard) and I have always wanted to do this.  Well, this year we were picked to sail on the Constitution! We set sail at 10:00 a.m. on July 4th for a four hour cruise.

Crowds on the main deck

Singing sea shanties

   We arrived early at 8:30 am at the Navy Yard.  We had to go through security before entering the ship.  Similar to going through TSA at the aurport.   It was very hot (about 99 degrees) and we brought lunch and plenty of water and Gatorade with us on board.  Everyone was excited and happy and in a good mood.  Janine and I explored the main deck and gun deck.  The ship's crew members entertained us with stories about the ship and also ran children (and some adults) through simulated cannon gun drill.  A group who sang sea shanties entertained us with their music throughout the cruise.   Once the lines were established the tugs started us off the dock and off we went.  The Constitution does not have enough sails to be under her own power so tugs push us along at a leisurely pace.  Plenty of smaller boats and tour  ships follow along side. 

   On board the ship was a volunteer group who represents the ships Marine detachment.  They had excellent kits and have a very good musket drill and firing demonstration.

  If you were interested you could also get a flag that was flown on the Constitution.  You got a certificate signed by the captain.  A crew member helped you raise the flag and then lowered it.   Another crew member then helped you fold it in a military fashion.  Janine and I just had to do it. 

  A pleasant time and a very memorable experience.  One that we will not forget.  After all how many people can say they sailed on the USS Constitution!

Hemingway in Havana

  Back in March Janine booked a short four night cruise out of Miami to Havana Cuba for us.  Well we are just back in the USA.  The trip was exciting and wonderful but exhausting.

  Havana is like stepping back into the 1950's.  If you like classic cars this would be like going to heaven.  The cars are beautiful and the owners very proud of them.  Interestingly the engine are usually entirely rebuild, many of them with canabalized Russian engines.  You can hire the car and driver for a three or four hour tour of the city.  Due to the heat (and yes it is very hot) I perfered the air conditioned tour bus.

  A visit to Havana would not be complete without a evening at the famous Tropicana night club.  Again entering the venue is like stepping back in time.  When you enter  ladies are given a rose, and the gentlemen a cigar.  You also get a bottle of Havana rum and a can of cola to enjoy with the show.  A very large and very talented band provided an amazing variety of music throughout the night.  The dancers and their costumes were incredible and would put to shame a Las Vegas show.

  Being a fan of Hemingway visiting his home was a must see. We booked a tour for our second day there which included not only visiting his home but two of his favorite bars.

  The home is meticulously maintained.  It truly looks like you could see Hemingway striding about with a drink in hand or standing in his writing room composing at his typewriter.  The swimming pool is empty which is sad.  But next to the pool is his fishing boat the Pilar.  In town at the El Floridita  there is a bronze statue of him at the bar.  And yes they make a great dacari.  At the La Bodeguita Del Medio you get a mojito. Cheers!

Merry Chrismas

                          Happy Holidays And  A Very Merry Christmas to all!

Fritz the Yorkie says chill out

 and enjoy the day.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

And here is the key for who is who in the dinner....

4th July

A friend sent me this in honour of independence day.
🍻  🍺  🍻

Last day (evening really) of the old year.

    Today is my first day off in three weeks.  Flight loads have been 99%, which means each of our flights are sold out.  That is great for our airline (Jetblue) and potentially great for my profit sharing check!  Which comes out mid March just in time for Cold Wars.  But it is heavy work loads and little time off for our little station in Worcester.  As a surprise to me I was given a award by Jetblue for outstanding customer service yesterday. This is a really big deal, as it means I have had a number of customers who wrote to the company about me in a positive way.   So I end the year work wise on a very happy note.

  Today has been a quiet day, spent relaxing, walking our Yorkie Fritz and of course painting figures!

Since Thanksgiving, I have painted and based a bunch of figures.
The British 1st Regiment of Foot

8th Regiment of Foot,

100th Regiment of Foot

 Militia battalion

 24 Indians

and six gunners.

In all 126 figures.  I still have to static grass some of the bases.  And I am still awaiting regimental colors which are on order.  On the painting table is the half finished Glengarry Light Infantry and then I start the the wonderfully named Volunteer Battalion of Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada.  Once done I will finally be able to have a game.

 Lastly, I would like to thank each of you who have visited my blog.  It has been great fun to share my hobby with you.  And I greatly enjoy reading your comments.  I wish all of you a very happy New Year!

Merry Chrismas

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.  Thank you all who have followed my blog.   I have enjoyed writing the blog, and I enjoy hearing from all of you so much more.  And thank you to those who drop by.  I hope you enjoy it or find it fun.

Trenton and Princeton Humor

Just a little humor for the season and to go with my upcoming theme of the battles of Trenton and Princeton.