Wilderness Camping in the City Limits
Question: Where can you go wilderness camping that feels like the middle of nowhere, but travel only a mile from downtown Boston?
Answer: The Boston Harbor Islands
On our first camping trip as a family, we decided to try remote camping on the harbor islands as a good way to escape the busyness of summer life and renew our spirits. And what a time we had. We borrowed some gear and packed all that our family required for three days (the islands are carry-in, carry-out, no running water). I'm sure it was quite a sight to see us getting onto the ferry with two hiking backpacks, on large rolling cooler, a 7-gallon water jug, a stroller, and two young boys.
The trip was awesome! We spent three days and two nights on Lovells Island, one of the farthest from the city. It's a small island (60 acres or so), but since there were less than 5 other campsites, we felt like we were the only ones there. We saw other people only a couple times! As we settled into our campsite that was nestled in a small wooded area, we felt like we were hours from civilization. The only sounds we could hear at night were the harbor buoy and an occasional small aircraft making its way to Cape Cod.
This was a wonderful time for us to just relax. We roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over campfires on the beach as we watched the sun set over the city of Boston. We waded into the cold Atlantic waters, and explored the dunes of our little island. We visited Fort Warren on a nearby island, and simply enjoyed being together. I know many of you pray that for our family to find times like this in the midst of a ministry that can be all-consuming, so please know that we are thankful - your prayers and ours are answered in wonderful ways.
