Three Is The Magic Number: Constitution Cruise

Hey everyone,
Thanks to Jeremy on the Friendship, I was invited aboard the USS Constitution for one of the yearly turn-around cruises in Boston Harbor. It was to thank the Friendship volunteers for training the Navy crew how to climb the rigging, haul on the lines, and furl sails aloft. I helped out this summer, so I was invited. What an opportunity! The turn-around was scheduled for the 213th birthday of this ship (the day it was launched). There was much pomp and formality, with all of the crew dressing in 1812 period clothing, even the Commander, as you will see below. The dress for us was business casual, meaning they wouldn't be letting me climb the rigging, at least not on this trip. It was a cold morning, and we had to be at the dock by 7 am. That meant the 5:45 train into Boston, but that also meant we got to see a great sunrise though.

The trip was great! They had a fireboat escort us the entire way, they fired a 21-gun salute at Fort Washington in South Boston and a 17-gun salute at the US Coast Guard Station in Boston (hopefully, my future office). To sucker in people like me enraptured by the moment, they kept raising American flags for a few seconds, saluting them, and then selling them to passengers. I fell for it and bought one. I think I'll hang it in my office. But, it did come with a certificate signed by the Commander that says it officially flew aboard the Constitution. So, it's a rare souvenir that I will always cherish. They also served grog laden with rum (supposedly rum "extracts" whatever that means). We got go go wherever we wanted to go aboard ship, even into the bowels. Unfortunately, I have been everywhere aboard her, so it wasn't so novel. I took it for granted and didn't take much pictures. So, I had to pirate some from others who were more prolific photographers. I hope you enjoy these pics!
Doug