PLYMOUTH and PLIMOTH PLANTATION

CAPE COD ODYSSEY...JUNE 13 2013 ...

Today we arrived at Plymouth Mass.  So much history.  We toured the waterfront, listened while a park employee told us about the Pilgrims, their first landing, finally arriving here, at what was to become Plymouth.    We saw the memorial to the first pilgrims. 

The only disappointment was that just 2 days before they had moved the Mayflower into dry dock for repairs.  Otherwise a great day.  

He told us of the hardships of the crossing, about the Indian tribe that befriended them, showing them what was safe to eat, about hunting, growing crops.  Many of the pilgrims did not survive their first winter.  The ones that did -- well, it was just hard.

By the end of the 7th year they had established their first American community - Plimoth Plantation.  It was that fall that our first Thanksgiving was celebrated, the colonists and the Indians having dinner and giving thanks together.

Upon leaving Plimoth Plantation, we headed for our hotel and a good dinner, and good night's sleep.  Quite a contrast to what we had just seen to where we now were.  You never stop to think about what they endured just to survive.  Could we do that today?  I don't think so.

A lot to think about.  One little funny thing.  While we were on the bus our tour guide mentioned that Mass was famous for their cranberry bogs.  (Ocean Spray).  The time to visit the bogs is in the fall during the harvest.  Many years ago when Tom was still living and we attended on of his army reunions (an annual event in a different city each year) we were at Plymouth.  He and I took the time to drive to the bogs, and saw the miles of water with the bright red berries floating on top.

The bogs are flooded in the fall, the ripe berries float to the surface and are harvested with large wooden rakes.  Quite a sight.

Any how back to our tour guide.   She was quite wonderful by the way.  I have been with her before and she always makes a trip special for everyone on the bus.

She gave the history of the bogs, and told of the times there were trips in the fall and they visited the bogs.  She said the only disappointment is - they have NEVER seen the two guys that do the Ocean Spray commercial on TV.

I hope all survived last nights storm and are well.  Stay safe and God Bless.