Bostonians are just beginning to discover one of our most spectacular assets – The Boston Harbor Island National Park Area.
Just in time for this period of discovery, a new guide packed with information about these historic and beautiful places has been published.
Boston Harbor Islands- A Guide To The City's Hidden Shores by Christopher Klein introduces you to the history, geography, flora, fauna, special features, and current amenities on thirty-one Boston Harbor Islands.
In the pages of this book, you'll meet the people and hear the stories that form the history of the islands. You'll gain a new appreciation for the important role the harbor islands played in creating the city we know.
As I read, I started planning visits. I didn't know that Grape Island existed. Now, I want to see where a major alarm of the American Revolution was raised in May of 1775. (This was a little more than a month before the Battle of Bunker Hill.)
Reading about this episode was made very real by the inclusion of letters between John and Abigail Adams about the "Grape Island Alarm." This is but one example of the meticulous research that enlivens this work.
If history is not your thing, you might enjoy the detailed information on places to enjoy picnics, wildlife, birding, hiking, camping, boating, and beaches.
Other folks will love the hundreds of gorgeous photographs, like those shown here. They make you want to see the vistas yourself.
(The photos here are courtesy of Union Park Press. The first was taken by the author, Christopher Klein and the second is the work of photographer, Nicole L. Vecchiotti. Both are copyrighted and all rights are reserved by the owners.)
The photography and flowing text make this book a great holiday gift for your favorite armchair traveler, boater, or a Boston area family.
This weekend, is a perfect opportunity to hop on a ferry and head out to Georges Island. Not only will Christopher Klein be there to chat and sign copies of his book, but he'll do it in the middle of the 4th Annual Boston Harbor Islands Regatta and festival.
Aside from watching the racing sailboats, other spectator activities include fishing lessons, hiking historic Fort Warren and a chance to sing along and dance to Dixieland Jazz by David Ehle. Activities will run from 10 am to 4 pm. All the links and details you need are below.
Here's a link to purchase Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands
Details:
From the signing invitation:
"Join Union Park Press, Christopher Klein, and hundreds of Bostonians on Saturday September 27
for the 4th annual Boston Harbor Islands Regatta On Georges Island
This is an outdoor festival NOT to be missed!!
Stop by to chat and have your copy of DISCOVERING THE BOSTON HARBOR ISLANDS signed by Chris Klein at 2 PM"
Links related to the book:
www.unionparkpress.com
www.hubtrotter.blogspot.com
www.christopherklein.com
Links to Boston Harbor Island Organizations
www.bostonislands.org
www.islandalliance.org
www.tbha.org
Transportation to the Islands:
On September 27, Ferry boats will be running hourly from 9:00am to 5:00pm from Boston’s Long Wharf to the Regatta Festival on Georges Island. Here's a link to ferry service schedules for other times.
http://www.harborexpress.com/harborislands/
