On Monday, when Boston’s current heat wave was in its infancy, we took a ferry from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island, one of the many Boston Harbor Islands. Spectacle Island has gracefully taken Boston’s garbage and, recently, much of the dirt from the Big Dig. The flora is now re-establishing itself. The island features a visitor center, a sea kayak program, and a small swimming beach.
Boston Harbor Cruises cancelled the first ferry we intended to take, citing mechanical problems. This is the third time in a row over the past year that I have tried to buy tickets on one of their ferries and had it cancelled. Either they have the worst fleet in the country or they cancel ferries when they deem it cost-effective. I guess you can do so when you are an effective monopoly.
We walked to the top of the north drumlin. The path winds and circles its way to the top, so it took us longer than expected. I highly recommend walking to the top, though. The views of the Boston skyline, the inner harbor, and Logan Airport are spectacular. Rangers had kindly left ice-water in the gazebo to help us survive the heat.
We saw the Schooner Roseway sailing into the harbor. Built as a racing-fishing yacht, she now teaches kids to sail.
I found two species of butterflies on the island: red admirals and black swallowtails, both very common in the Boston area.
Red-winged blackbirds and grackles landed in the grass at the top of the drumlin.
Closer to shore, I spotted an American goldfinch on the beach.
As the ferry returned us to Boston, a great black-backed gull watched us from the pier. Note the large, dark, wings, and the pink legs.
Double-crested cormorants could be found on every object in the harbor, whether it be lighthouse, buoy, or rock. I counted 52 of them on our ride back to Long Wharf.
