And More Boats
Well, I made it to Boston. Stayed in a back bay Airbnb.
Yup, all Melody’s idea, and a good one at that.
There were lots of boats moonlighting as Airbnb’s. This one really stood out. You can see more at: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14928081?c=.pi80.pkdmlyYWxpdHkvc2hhcmVfaXRpbmVyYXJ5&euid=01f96e3f-25e0-7fb6-5711-bf9fea87c138&source_impression_id=p3_1630854984_5Mkl3p7u97AIMFQJ&guests=1&adults=1
I ended up walking a lot of docks. Here’s some of my favorites. First the same type of catamaran we bare boat chartered in the BVI’s, a Lagoon 44.
The Asimov
A nice Westsail
Kayla
Lots of old fashion luxury.
A classy dingy too.
There was even a true houseboat. Not my cup of tea. All the comforts of home, with the possibility of sinking.
Technically in the Charles river, the marina was next to a lock system run by the state police. They had a pedestrian walkway over the four side by side locks.
The view upstream from the pedestrian walkway on the upstream end of the locks,
View from the bay side, 
When on the walkway (at the far end of the locks in this picture) I saw a boat in one of the locks headed upstream so I paused to see the system work. When the locks open, the pedestrians need to wait for them to close again to get by. When the gates opened for the boat below, I stepped off the handrailed section and around the chains to get a picture. 
What followed was a little like the prison break scene in the movies. The very, very loud speaker shouted out,
“The man on the lock is in an unauthorized area, please return to the pedestrian walkway”.
I figured that they couldn’t possibly be talking to me so I decided to quickly get the picture and leave.
“Would the man taking the picture move back to the walkway immediately”.
Opps. I raised my hand and complied.
“Thank you”.
I sheepishly continued rapidly on my way. Sure that I would be meeting a member of the state police soon. Those damn tourists!
Anyway, I saved my favorite boat for last. Meet Fern,
I was surprised to see a shore power cord. It looked like it was for an electric bilge pump.
Truly a beautiful ending!
Next, up to Bar Harbor and more boats.
Stay cool.
So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!
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