Revolutionary Boston
As you might guess from reading the last two entries, I've been kind of blue and spending a lot of time at home. In fact, I spent all day yesterday inside - didn't even set a toenail outdoors except to get the newspaper and pick up the mail - which is unfortunate because it was gorgeous and sunny and NOT humid out. I was supposed to go out last night with a friend and just couldn't. be. bothered. I did not want to see people, talk to people, deal with anyone. Yes, I most certainly do have my anti-social moments.
Anyway, in the last 24 hours I've become edgy and stir crazy and Rennie, too, has been acting kind of antsy. So, deciding we both needed an outing, I picked up my trusty guidebook, "The Dog Lover's Companion To Boston," to find a place to take Ren for a walk.
I just happened to open the book to the Lexington section and there was an entry about the Lexington Battle Road, which is a 5.5 mile trail that follows the path Paul Revere took on his midnight ride to alert the locals about the British. Considering that tomorrow was Independence Day, it seemed like a good place to go - both for walking and for appreciating the events that led to our nation's independence.
So off we went to Lexington, and 15 minutes later we found ourselves sauntering along the trail, enjoying the beautiful (and not muggy) day, admiring the beauty of the woods and stopping every so often to read informational signs and look at monuments.
We'd spent some time in the visitor's center before heading out on the trail but then we walked about a mile out and then a mile back to our car.
Once back at our car, I decided to head out to Walden Pond. I knew dogs weren't allowed in the park, but considering I had been trying to get there to visit for months, I decided to risk it since the people at the Minute Man National Park's visitor's center didn't bat an eye when I carried Ren in.
Well, no sooner did we pay our $5 to park and wander over to the replica of Thoreau's cabin did a couple of mounted park rangers ride up and tell me I couldn't have the dog. So we headed back to the car, but not before the lady-cop said, "And don't leave the dog in the car either or it'll overheat."
I just rolled my eyes. I mean, as IF I would do that to Ren. DUH.
Anyway, what I didn't realize about Walden Pond is that it is apparently a local swimming destination. The parking lot was packed and almost everyone there was in swimsuits and heading for what appeared to be an afternoon of leisure and fun. Who knew??
As I pulled out of the parking lot and headed south on Route 126, I caught a glimpse of the pond. It was MUCH bigger than I expected, and it was beautiful. Sparkling and clear and clean, with the bright sun glinting off of it.
But I headed home, hoping to get the opportunity to head back there some time before I leave for Portland - maybe the next time it's hot and muggy and miserable out.
All things considered, it was a successful outing. Ren had a fantastic time. She sauntered along, sniffed at the ground and in the air and seemed to enjoy being out in nature. And now she's sacked out on her doggy bed, snoozing up a storm.
Comments
Sounds like a nice day! I'm in NC and the one-two punch of heat and humidity has been pretty tough this weekend.
Good luck with your move back home. Oh, and Michele sent me.
Posted by: terrilynn | July 3, 2005 09:20 PM
Glad you had a nice time, the park sounds fantastic!
Posted by: Claire | July 4, 2005 01:55 PM