Goodbye, Boston!

Being from California, I had never heard of a ‘clambake’ before, nor had I ever had lobster (I know, pity me!). But if that picture is any indication of how good that guy tasted, then you can be pretty sure I’ll be back for another one!

A few of us went out to Spectacle Island, where we were served delicacies of the New England type. Your regular lobster, clams, and mussels, along with some potatoes and corn. Then we passed the time by talking and watching the sunset fade behind the Boston skyline, as the skyline itself began to light up the night.

What a great way to wrap up my internship at Save the Harbor. Flying out from LA, I didn’t know exactly what to expect in terms of my duties and responsibilities, but I definitely didn’t expect to sail out to Spectacle Island to talk to kids about what they were learning so that I could go back and write up a relevant press release. Nor did I expect to do research on the history of Spectacle Island and help put together a “Treasures of Spectacle Island” pamphlet that would be used on the island as a resource to explain the abundance of sea glass and pottery, and other artifacts on the shore.

I learned a lot about what I might like to do (and not do!) over the course of the summer and from this internship. I know it will serve as a stepping stone for doing something worthwhile down the road.

Thanks to everyone at Save the Harbor and I hope to see you all very soon!

Autri

Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Competition 2011

Sunday’s hot temperatures didn’t stop thousands from turning out to Revere beach to admire some of the truly beautiful sand sculptures and have some fun swimming, eating, and listening to good music!

Save the Harbor was on location to educate folks and provide a lobster touch-tank. People stopping in for shade were offered a chance to pet or pick up one of the two lobsters.

While some shied away, most eagerly looked at a sea creature, they might otherwise not see so up-close. Our great staff alleviated any fears people had about getting pinched by informing them that lobsters can’t reach behind their backs!

Overall, a very fun day to enjoy some art, food, and the marine environment!

Autri

Impression of Boston Fish Pier

Boston’s Fish Pier in South Boston isn’t your average pier. It’s not a tourist destination, like Santa Monica Pier. And it’s not a small-town, wooden dock to go fly fishing on. While there doesn’t seem to be much action, a closer look reveals the Fish Pier is a busy, industrial center. A walk around the apron shows men working to pull in their catch from medium-sized ships.

The Fish Pier is also teeming with marine life. While is difficult to see past the depth of a meter, schools of small fishes dart back and forth to the current in the water below. Various mollusks line the edge of the pier and ships. Seagulls are noticeably larger here than other places, due to the easily found scraps from the fishing boats.

As a part of the larger Port of Boston, the Fish Pier holds a special significance as the oldest fish pier still in use in the United States. This label is not especially evident, however, as the pier is not specially marked with signs and plaques. Despite the lack of recognition, the Fish Pier continues to provide for the fishing and maritime industries that have been using the port since it opened in 1915.