USS Constitution – Slow Shutter Speed

I fell in love with USS Constitution during our visit in to Boston in 2013. And the total experience was different from our visit during my recent New England trip. In 2013 there were Navy personnel to take us on a guided tour. You had to sign up, wait your turn, I remember the tours were timed so the ship wasn’t crowded. “Old Ironsides,” the ship’s nickname given when she was launched in 1797, was also not sectioned off at the dock so we could have the full advantage of taking amazing photos.

This ship has an amazing history which you can read here.

Today, the ship is open to all. There are no public tours, at least when we were there. And from a photographic point of view, people were everywhere. But she is still an amazing ship with a great history. Here are the first photos I took from the top deck.

Although I am complaining about people, I managed to isolate myself by taking closeups. Here’s what the decks below looked like. The crew slept in hammocks while the officers had better accommodations.

Back on top, I tried to get some different images.

The Constitution is still in commission, is still sea worthy, and her crew of 75 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping her open to visitors year round and providing free tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty Navy personnel, and the assignment is considered to be special duty. What a testament to the United States history.

There will be more of Boston in my next post.

Oh my! Every time I travel anywhere, near and far, I learn something. This week Amy has asked us to write about and show what travel has taught us. Instantly, my mind went back to our travels in our various campers and trailers. That’s my favorite kind of travel: where I can take my home with me. I like to get up in the morning, make breakfast, walk the dog, relax, do some sightseeing, cook dinner, settle down for the evening and sleep in my own bed. My food, my itinerary and a familiar/comfortable bed!

Driving across country in 2013 gave us so many opportunities to learn about different states, customs, history, people and historical places. I decided that the east coast has the history and the west coast has more National Parks. So what was my favorite piece of history? The USS Constitution!

I don’t know why, but I fell in love with that ship docked in Boston, Massachusetts. Just its history and the fact that in 2013 she was still in service was amazing. Also called Old Ironsides, she was launched in 1797 and is the world’s oldest ship of any type still afloat. The tour took us below deck and the guide gave us a descriptive history of what life was like during the years the ship was in active commission. Today, she also participates in public events and education through outreach programs, public access, and historic demonstration.

Here are some pictures I took with my Nikon D3100. I was so new at photography, I didn’t know how to straighten a picture in post! Anyway, they will give you an idea of what a great ship she is.