Out on the Town = Field Trip and Shopping

Really?
Even I am starting to feel bad for them.
Blogger mother says, "Line up so I can take a picture."
At this point, I am feeling really good about myself because
I found the parking lot closest to the bridge.
What bridge, you say? This one that spans the Piscataqua River, a border between two states. I got a kick out of parking in New Hampshire and walking to Maine.
A ten minute walk.
Cora said, "Don't look down."
We got a green light and proceeded on foot.
Indeed, a memorial bridge dedicated to those who in served in WWI. Pointing that out because after all, we are in the school of life.
Because every trip needs adventure, about halfway across the bridge, the alarm went off. We picked up the pace considerably. Every 30 minutes, here is what happens. Amazing technology of counterweights, so cool to watch and explain to my avid learners. "Yeah, Mom. It's a bridge."
Today we got a guided tour aboard replicas of the Nina and Pinta. Apparently, the Santa Maria was broken to shards on the corral reefs of the Caribbean. The Pinta is the larger ship in the foreground and the Nina (Columbus' favorite) to the left.
The Pinta, a caravel used by explorers during the Age of Discovery.
We were early. A modern marvel. Now how to contain the masses.
Are not oldest sons absolutely the best?
"Mom, I'll take the Ergo." No complaints.
For this sacrifice, he got a trip to Old Navy, Dick's Sporting Goods, AND Walmart.
His needs were met. My back was saved.
Did you know that "23" was my favorite number? My birthday, first born's birthday, Trey's birthday, love Psalm 23. Don't think he even did this on purpose but I love it anyway.
Why does this always happen?
The girls...
and the boys.
I kid you not, he practiced this face so I could take his picture. He has discovered the eyes will get me every time. And he was kind of bored since we were so early. :)
We got a cool guide.
The weather held off for us. It wasn't warm. Who knew we would have sweatshirts and run the heat in the car on June 14th? But I was grateful it didn't rain until later. Felt very authentic to be on board a ship in the raw air. Harder to imagine crossing the Atlantic with little to no cover.
In no uncertain terms:
There are no crow's nests on these boats. Only lots and lots of ropes. Too much weight above and they needed the whole crew on deck.
I mean LOTS and LOTS of ropes. Quite a bit of engineering in the 1400's.
The wind was whipping and I can't believe I got this shot.
The ship's boat is NOT a life boat as it takes hours with ropes to get it over the side due to the weight.
Took up about 1/4 of the open deck.
Kloey volunteered to hoist the anchor.
Weighing a mere 400 pounds.
Gathered in the bow after learning appropriate lingo of front, back, right, and left. Bow, stern, starboard, and port. Hint: Port has 4 letters, so does left.
Some of the crew gathered at the end of the tour.
Highly recommended if the Nina and the Pinta come to a seaport near you. Especially if you studied Christopher Columbus this year.
The link for more information: The Nina