Boston Whale Watching

We're back in Boston for the second time this year! Our objective for this trip is whale-watching, which can only be done during summer because it'll be too cold to sail out to the open sea in the other seasons. We boarded Boston Harbor Cruise at Long Wharf and off we go to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.




As we depart from the wharf, most visitors are standing eagerly by the sides of the boat with their cameras on standby.





However, it takes some time to travel out into the open sea, where we can no longer see any land at all. The first whale is only sighted one hour after our departure.



The moment the guide announces that the whale is on the left of the boat, everyone rushes to the left, causing the boat to rock from side to side. Soon, we realize that we can just park ourselves at either sides, when other whales start emerging out of the water.






Whales are differentiated one from another by the marking on the underside of their tail. All of them in this marine sanctuary has a name. I was disappointed that we didn't see any whale jumping out of the water, like the photo on the poster at the ticket counter.



A seal came to say "hello" too!

Downtown Albany

Do you know that the capitol of New York state is Albany? This is what the downtown is like.


We are standing in front of the New York State Capitol Building.



Right photo: A statue of General Philip Henry Sheridan stands in front of the New York State Capitol Building, in the East Capitol Park next to the building.


Across Washington Avenue, from the State Capitol Building, is the New York State Education Department.



Right photo: Statue of children reading, drawing and playing at the base of a lamp.


On the other side of the State Capitol Building, across State Street, is where The Egg is. This building is the center for performing arts.


From this view in the photo, The Egg building is located on the left of the water-fountain, while the four Agency office buildings of the Empire State Plaza are located on the right. In the far end of the fountain, is the Cultural Education Center, which can be seen in this photo.



The four Agency office buildings, which are part of the Empire State Plaza.


Reflection of the Agency office buildings on the water fountain pool.


An art-piece in the Empire State Plaza.


The New York State Museum is found inside the Cultural Education Center.


The adorable squirrels and chipmunks are often seen here in the plaza.

~ Map of Downtown Albany ~

Alexandria Bay

Thousand Island region is shared between United States (New York) and Canada (Ontario). Alexandria Bay is located within the region on the US side.


On board the Uncle Sam Boat Tour, we cruise along the waters to see the many islands in the area.


See that little pavilion on the tiny island with a bridge to the bigger island!



It sure feels relaxing to be living in one of these homes.





Seeing these houses on the islands makes me want to own a piece of small island and build my little paradise on it too!

We hop off the boat at Heart Island to see the famous Boldt Castle. Originally, this island was known as Hart Island (owned by Elizur Kirke Hart). It was in the 1890s that George C. Boldt acquired the island, re-shaped the island to resembles a heart and called it Heart Island. However, his wife died suddenly in 1904 and Boldt stopped the construction of the castle. In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought this property and began to restore the island.


The Boldt Castle among the trees


Looks like a couple is going to hold their wedding here!


The grand stairs that leads to the upper floors.


Stain-glass dome ceiling above the grand stairs.


Looking at the castle from a balcony on the highest floor.


Beautiful view of the sea from the balcony.


This looks like an old indoor swimming pool to me. During our visit, it seems like the castle is not yet fully restored as many rooms remain under renovation.


Many hearts can be found all around the island.



This building used to be the power house that generates electricity for the island. Today, it has become a museum.


View of the Alster Tower (in the foreground) from the sea. Boldt Castle is in the background in the picture.