Early Sunday morning, we arose with plans to meet Solor and Binx
prepared to do battle with "Pirates in Hingham Harbor". As we strapped
on our swords and set our sails to begin our journey on the rugged
seas we discussed the dangers which the pirates posed lurking about
on the islands. We shoved off and soon our tiny vessels were being
tossed about on the roaring white caps. (OK so I'm exaggerating a
little - go with it). After much trepidation and some furious paddling
we arrived at the first of the designated islands. Brian, Ryan and
Solor set off in search of the box while us women folk tried to catch
our breath. We heard thrashing around in the bushes while our brave
men fearlessly fought and apparently won the first battle. The waved
a rubbermaid box at us and we stamped in wondering why only Rustypuff
and CSCM were the only other souls to have stamped in. (Maybe others
were lost at sea?). We continued on our "quest". Our boats tipping
perilously close to the waves and pulled up onto Ragged Island. Again,
Binx and I set up the towel and waited while the guys, swords in hand
fought the pesky pirates (ARRRRRRRRGH Matey). Again, only Rustypuff
and CSCM had been here. Thank Goodness for their pioneering or who
knows how many pirates we'd have had to fight. To get to the 3rd
island, we had to sail through a fleet of enemy boats. Luckily, every
one board these many ships appeared to be asleep. As we approached our
3rd and final island, we spotted a ship of questionable origin docked
where we wanted to put in. Cautiously we pulled our boats up on
shore, when suddenly, out from the trees jumped three unkempt young
men, swords in hand (actually, it was a cell phone). They had been
camping over night and were quite friendly (if not a little hung over)
and pointed the way to a large rock where the view of Boston was
breathtaking. We were able to take one the pirates ships (in our log
books) and headed back to the beach at Hingham Harbor.
A little later on we walked through the "Worlds End" and spent
some time enjoying the feel of Old New England. The views of Hull and
Boston are incomparable. Next we were going to try to go to Plymouth
but our car broke down. Solor and Binx waited with us till we were
able to get a tow truck and they gave us some cookies and water
(Thanks guys).
So we went out last night to Plymouth. A wonderful walk along the
river, under and over the bridges. There had been a family stamped
into the first box that were there that same day. Strolling beside a
charming old Grist Mill, past a pond with Swans swimming. As we were
looking at the clues for the final clue, I looked up and said "it
should be right where those kids are". As we approached, the mother
was sitting in the woods, box in hand, looking like she got caught
with her hand in the cookie jar. The father was coming out onto the
path and I asked them if they were the Collins family. Conveneintly
located a little farther up the path was a little playground. We
introduced ourselves and shared some letterboxing stories while the
kids played on the swings. We were all very excited. After finding
500 boxes, this was our first official exchange on the trail. We did
all the stamping while the mosquitos had their dinner, exchanged
addresses and e-mails. They are on their way to Maine, (Portland and
Bar Harbor) and then up to Canada. After we said our goodbyes, we
stopped at the GristMill Tavern and headed home.
Thanks for letting me share our little adventures!
TeamGreenDragon