Boston Harbor Islands

Boston Light  at sunrise  from Lovells Island.

After spending quite a bit of time visiting the Harbor Islands last year I decided to volunteer with the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands.  The Islands are wonderful – just a short ferry ride and you’re able to explore old forts, swim, camp, hike, or just sit and do nothing. I’ve been helping out at Spectacle Island, Lovells and Boston Light.

A few weeks ago I decided to try camping on Lovells – the first time just one night and then this week, two nights. This is primitive camping – carry in/carry out -  no running water.  I totally loved it!

There are a few very private campsites – others on the beach which are closer together and two larger group camping sites in open fields.  There is a composting outhouse – no smell! and a yurt where the two Rangers stay.

The Island isn’t very big – about 60 acres -

There’s nothing to do – except explore, swim, take photos and just be. It’s quite a meditation to realize from one moment to the next that there’s no place else I’d rather be.

Of course, I was up for sunrise – love that morning light!

 

Sunset wasn’t too bad either.

 

Low tide reveals interesting tidal pools.

and some great birds

   

The Island has been home to Native Peoples, a Fort, Lighthouse with keeper and family.  Just ruins remain.

 

I have more photos of some of the other Islands which I’ll post when I have time.

“Cliff Diving” at the ICA

 

An absolutely astounding event – click here and here  for links to more info . What follows are my attempts to capture what is really not possible  to imagine – even if you’re right there seeing it.

This is the setting – who knows how many thousands of people – I was in the parking lot of Anthony’s Pier 4 with my longest lens – 70-300mm. Most of the shots are not cropped – I’m trying to convey a feel for how vast the whole thing was.

 

These incredibly fit  guys walk out to the end of a platform on the top of the ICA and proceed to hurl themselves into space.

 

There’s a moment when they seem to just float in the air

  

The exposures where quite difficult – into the sun – then the shadows of  building – just did the best I could. Also couldn’t get any of the entries into the water as my vision was blocked.

  

   

This is probably my favorite sequence.

 

This guy was a real floater!

 

The crowds started to thin out and I was able to move to get a different angle.

 

I’m so glad I went!