Day 6 in Boston- Concord and Harvard

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is just minutes from Sylvia's condo.  It was established in 1872 and takes up 281 acres of Boston.  While Fred identified trees Sylvia and I walked through a big majority of the arboretum.  It is a great escape from the sounds of the city.  

We then headed for Concord, where Walden pond is located.  It is also home to Fred's stepdad's sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Jake.  We met up for lunch at a trendy, delicious cafe. 

The author, transcendentalist, and philosopher Henry David Thoreau lived at Walden pond in the 1840's.  His writings have inspired people to respect nature and conserve the lands.  

This is a replica of the home that he lived in on the pond.  It looks as though he also inspired the current small house movement.  

Along our walk around the pond we found a garter snake who just caught a frog.  Nature in action, Thoreau inspired. 

This caterpillar of a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail has evolved to have large pseudo eyes on the top of his head.  Mimicry is incredible.  

I can only assume that Thoreau would not have been a fan of Walden now, a packed beach with screaming kids and an ice cream van in the parking lot... but at least people are outside and the pond is protected.  

On the way home we stopped at Cambridge, founded in 1630 and most known for being home to Harvard.  

Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States; it recently celebrated its 375th anniversary.  

The statue behind me is John Harvard, or at least claims to be.

Our plan was to have a beer at John Harvard's Brewery but since they were catering to a private event we ended up down the street where we had dollar oysters and clams... even better. 

We met up with Keith for dinner at Grass Fed.  We ate a lot on this trip, but it is hard to resist Bostonian cuisine.  

After dinner and before dessert we strolled around Jamaica pond.  

My first time in Boston was unforgettable... thanks to Sylvia and Keith, and our amazing and mild summer weather!