FOOTSTEPS OF THE FOUNDERS

Anyone who knows me well could tell you that, along with family, friends, biking, (and yes...ice cream), one of my biggest passions is history.  I've hit the jackpot in numerous ways:  First, I married an amazing woman who loves experiencing and visiting historical sites with me.  Second, I am one of those fortunate souls whose job (I teach American History) is also one of my passions.  Finally, the aforementioned job affords me time in the summer to ride my bike, spend time with family and friends, and feed my "inner-nerd." 

Just follow the red bricks!  My starting point (Bunker Hill) on Boston's Freedom Trail. -- July 19, 2017

I've only been to Boston, Massachusetts one other time....I was an 18 year old college freshman and I went on a bus trip with a large group.  I can't even begin to think what my passions were at that point in my life.  All that I can remember from that first, and up until recently, only time I was in Boston was a visit to the Bull and Finch Pub (made famous by the television show, Cheers).  Seeing that famous stairwell (so frequently descended by Norm and Cliff) was the highlight for 18 year old me.  Except for a "Cheers" t-shirt that I long ago misplaced, no other tangible memories of that first visit to Boston exist. 

Taking a rest on the porch that once belonged to John and Abigail Adams -- July 18, 2017

Minute Man Statue in Lexington, Massachusetts. -- July 18, 2017

Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. -- July 18, 2017

When I realized that Robin and I were heading to Boston for a few days on our anniverary trip, my mind began buzzing with everything I wanted to see.  One of our days was spent visiting the home of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams...topped off with a drive out to the battlefields of Lexington and Concord.  With the help of the National Park Service, we decided to walk the Freedom Trail the next day.  Covering nearly 3 miles, the trail passes 16 locations that have played a significant role in our nation's history.  It's nearly impossible to get lost on the trail....you simply follow the red bricks on the road and sidewalks.  Starting with a quick ferry ride across the harbor, to the USS Constitution Museum, we were able to begin our walk at Bunker Hill and conclude it at Boston Common...in between visiting places like the Old North Church, Warren Tavern, Faneuil Hall, The Boston Massacre Site, King's Chapel Burying Ground, and Granary Burying Ground.  



Robin and David Raymond taking the ferry, THE ROOKIE, to begin our trek on the Freedom Trail. -- July 19, 2017

I was completely blown away that I got to check out the USS CONSTITUION in dry dock.  Construction of the CONSTITUTION began in 1794 (during the Washington administration) and was completed in 1797.  Known as "Old Ironsides," the ship was immortalized in the War of 1812.  It is the oldest warship in the U.S. Navy. -- July 19, 2017

We officially began our journey on the Freedom Trail at Bunker Hill.  The monument was finished in 1842 and dedicated in 1842.  It marks the site of the battle between the militiamen of Massachusetts and British soldiers on June 16, 1775. -- July 19, 2017 

A statue of Colonel William Prescott stands at the base of the monument on Bunker Hill. -- July 19, 2017

294 steps to the top  of the monument! -- July 19, 2017

The view of the city of Boston after climbing the 294 steps to the top of the monument. -- July 19, 2017

Housed at the entrance to the stairwell leading to the top of the monument on Bunker Hill is a replica of the orginal monument placed on Bunker Hill.  -- July 19, 2017

Warren Tavern is one of the oldest and most visited taverns along the Freedom Trail.  Even George Washington and Paul Revere made stops here.  Robin and I paused here for lunch after visiting Bunker Hill. -- July 19, 2017

Boston's Freedom Trail is easily recognizable.  Just follow the red bricks. -- July 19, 2017

The Old North Church and statue of Paul Revere along the Freedom Trail. -- July 19, 2017

For a small fee, Robin and I took a tour of the bell tower in the Old North Church.  "One if by land...two if by sea." -- July 19, 2017

The brick walls were 3 feet thick looking out of the bell tower of the Old North Church. -- July 19, 2017

As high in the bell tower as we were allowed to go...the red cords are used, even today, to ring the bells in the Old North Church. -- July 19, 2017

Robin took this picture of me navigating the steps leading down from the bell tower of the Old North Church -- July 19, 2017

The site of the Boston Massacre -- July 19, 2017

This statue of revolutionary leader Samuel Adams stands outside of Faneuil Hall.  It remains a site of meetings and protests...even to this day.  -- July 19, 2017

Granary Buring Ground is the final resting place of some of our nations leading Founders.  Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, James Otis, and John Hancock are just a few of the recognizable names you can locate. -- July 19, 2017

Ben Franklin once said, "Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing."  I'm not sure how much this is worth reading...but Robin and I sure did something worth writing about.  How fortunate I am to be able to be able to spend an entire day on Boston's Freedom Trail with my wife...experiencing the history, being outdoors, and enjoying each other's company....all the while, following in the footsteps of our Founders.  Thank you, honey, for a great anniversary trip.  I love you!


Life is a journey...not a destination.


No journey is complete without ice cream...Robin and I stopped at Amorino for some excellent Italian Gelato. -- July 17, 2017


David A. Raymond -- August 7, 2017

Here is the GAMIN map and data from my day with Robin on the Freedom Trail in Boston.  Be sure to check out HIGH PEAKS HIKING and, as always, you can see all of my posts at ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM.



This picture of me (shortly after my college graduation), wearing my now misplaced "Cheers" t-shirt, is the only evidence that I had ever been to Boston! -- May 21, 1995

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