Today we woke to this view and decided to go exploring on the bikes.

First stop was the famous Swan Boats in Boston Common Public Garden. They are pedalos, with the driver sitting at the back in the swan. Much better viewed from the land than on the swan itself… The garden was opened in 1634, originally a common pasture and gallows site. In the 1860s it became a drill ground for the 54^th Regiment – the first to include African-American volunteers in the Union Army.

We also stopped at 500 Boyleston – made famous in the successful series Bostpn Legal, which I watched in its entirety during the Ice Age of last winter!

Next stop, Beacon Hill, one of the most desirable areas to live and as a consequence almost all row houses (terraces we would say in the Old World). Some large, some small but most with black windows and shutters which adds to their attractiveness.

At the top of the hill stands the Old State House, complete with huge dome. The 24ct gold leaf was applied in 1872, and demonstrates why gilding is more cost-effective than painting as still so shiny!

We then picked up ‘The Freedom Trail’ that takes you to many of the historic sites including Fanuil Hall with its distinctive grasshopper wind-vane. Originally it was Boston’s central marketplace (much like Covent Garden in London) and also known as ‘The Cradle of Independence’.

Then back to the boat to meet Nell and Brendon again for drinks with a view. Most striking is the Greek Revival Customs House Clock Tower. The house was built in 1847 but the 150m tower with its 4 clock faces only added in 1915. For most of the 20^th century it was Boston’s only skyscraper.