Old Ironsides

[Russian Guard]

I'm moving from Boston soon, returning to the desert southwest.

It was on my agenda to see the USS Constitution before I left, and so we went today (wife, kids, me).

What an enjoyable experience. To anyone who has an interest in the naval age of sail I highly recommend the tour. To stand on the gun-deck of that famous ship and think of the days when the ship was fighting Barbary pirates or British frigates was an amazing experience. The cannons, the carronades, the masts and rigging, the story of how she got her nickname (Old Ironsides), just amazing stuff.

For those who may not know - she is the original, not a replica. 15% of her is genuine, dating to 1812. Virtually all of the hull was replaced over the years (rot, of course - she is wood, after all), but the frame of the ship is mostly original.

She is still seaworthy - and in fact has a real, live, Navy crew. They were there, in fact, and one of them conducts the tour. She will be sailing this summer. I put in for a lottery, a chance to be aboard when she sails. Wish me luck [:)]

[Sarge]

She is a sight to see, and not to be forgotten.


PS: Wishing ya all the luck [;)]

[YohanTM2]

When I was in London a few yers ago on business I took the opportunity to grab a train down to Boston to see HMS Victory. It too was an incredible experience.

The fleet was also in port including the Ark Royal. Boy does she seem small comapred to your American carriers! Of course, up here in Canada we have some leaky subs and a few good frigates.

[Sarge]

I meet some of your Canadian boys from one of those frigates in the sandbox back in 91, IIRC they where sweeping mines for one of our carriers.

OMG Canadians Navy boys sure can drink, they drank pretty much the whole 3/502nd under the table [:D]