Navigator and Dinghy Ride

Highlights of our day at Mystic Seaport Museum were visiting more of the 19th Century Mystic Village stores and workshops. Some had hands on activities in which the boys were able to participate. A favorite for all of us was the Nautical Instrument Shop which not only provided an education on the tools used by mariners to navigate their way around the world but also was the starting point for the Navigation Quest which was a geocaching activity on the museum grounds. It involved using a compass, telescope, map and GPS device. We had to follow a series of clues and directions to locate chests containing cards which once all collected were turned in at the Nautical Instrument Shop and redeemed for a prize - a compass. The boys were really excited each time they located one of the chests which they had to open with a special key made by the blacksmith/shipsmith. We all enjoyed this fun activity which was a good learning experience.

Taking a Compass Bearing - Navigation Quest

The museum exhibits close at 1700 and all visitors have to leave the grounds by 1800 with the exception of those participating in one of the museum sponsored camps or those who have boats docked at the museum. Today the boys were not interested in roaming the museum grounds after closing. They wanted to go for a dinghy ride. So, we launched our dinghy and headed to Mystic for dinner. We just fit under the Mystic drawbridge which was exciting because the cars crossing the bridge were only a few feet above our heads and you could reach up and touch the lowest portion of the bridge as we passed under. We took the dinghy down the river until just past the Mystic railroad swing bridge. We then turned back and docked at the park adjacent to the Mystic drawbridge. Dinner was salads and Mystic Pizza (again). Dwayne had a special treat for dessert - a chocolate egg cream.

What's for Dinner - A Slice of Heaven