When in Boston, stop in the little marina on the west side of Spectacle Island. From this marina, you can catch daily ferries into the city & back, or over to Georges Island. Spectacle was an off limits hazardous waste dump for years. When Boston did the "Big Dig" project, they capped off the island and dumped tons of clean fill. The island is now part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, and is 100% public, covered in great hiking trails & views. Spectacle is the highest of the harbor islands, and offers great views of Boston, and Logan Airport. George's Island has the old fort, and lots of great views too. To anchor out someplace fairly quiet, drop the hook in Portuguese Cove, on the north side of Peddock's Isle - row ashore & enjoy more great hiking. On Peddock's, you can build a camp fire below the high water mark and watch the sun set over Boston while your boat swings to anchor just off the beach.

Link to Harbor Islands: http://www.nps.gov/boha/index.htm

(Shot I took from the top of Spectacle below)

John CD36 Tiara