Boston/Lexington Family Life Bus Trip, Oct 2006

continued......

After touring the many sights of the city of Boston, it was time to learn about the other mode of travel afforded to us by our Duck. It was time to "get wet," which is one of the charms of the Boston Duck Tour.

But first, let's make sure we've passed inpsection....

(We're good until 4/21/2011 if you're keeping score at home.)

Now, since the ramp is one-way, we just need to wait for this other duck to get out of our way....

And finally we take to the river Charles.

Okay, we're a Duck, not a submarine, and although it looks like we're heading to the BOTTOM of the Charles, we're just "splashing down" into the river....

The water is a lot cleaner than it used to be, still not drinkable though, which brings to mind the old song by the Standells "love that dirty water, Oh, Boston you're my home!"

On the Water (as well as Land) Safety Comes First!

While we were sailing along on the Charles River, everyone was intently listening as Jailbird George described how to drive a duck, and explained some of the safety training required of all con-DUCK-tors on the Boston Duck Tours.

"If someone goes overboard, we throw a life ring. Not to try to help them stay afloat -- although if that happens it's a good thing -- but to help us find them. Then, we use a pole to pull them in."

"In the springtime, we all come out here and practice with a dummy that is the same weight as a person. We all have to go in and rescue the dummy."

Who were those Scottish Rite Masons?

Surely one of the highlights of the day, for anyone who wanted to, was having the opportunity to drive the Duck on the river.

"Okay, who wants to drive????"

Does anyone recognize these two fellows who were driving a Duck on the River Charles????

Is this really our 1st Lt Commander? (being an angry pirate!)

Is this our 2nd lt Commander?? (being Mini-Me!)

The Dreaded Doldrums

We were not the only folks on the Charles River that day, but there was not a lot of wind for these sailors.....

"Argghhhh, we're stuck in the horse laititudes with no breeze and no rum!"

but they did have a lot of beautiful views from their spot on the river.

The Hancock Tower (in a more familiar view). If you right click this picture and "Save As", you will have saved yourself $2.50 on a postcard......

Finally, Jailbird George took us back whence we came, and our Duck tour was, sadly, over....can I get a quack-quack.

(to page three)