New Bedford Whaling Museum and Prontos

We spent the night with our bedroom slide pulled in, because it was continuing to rain. One result is that no light comes in through the window next to me at the head of the bed, so I slept until the alarm went off at 8:30 a.m. Sweetie got soaked and bedraggled when I took her out--I got a bit damp too. We had French Toast with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for brunch.

Terri picked us up around 11:30 to go to New Bedford to visit the Whaling Museum. On the way we passed through Fall River, so of course we had to stop at the Savers thrift store there. Ken stayed in the car and read and listened to his MP3 player while Terri and I shopped. She found a jacket and a blouse, and I found a neat olive green zipper jacket. It wasn't until we got in the car that I remembered to check the care tag: "Dry Clean Only." Oh, well, if it can't survive washing, it will be out soon.

The museum was a mixed experience for us. In the grand entry hall three giant whale skeletons hang overhead. Informative plaques explain that one is a female right whale with a 7-month unborn calf, killed by a ship propeller that severed her tail fluke. The scale of the skeletons is awesome. The juvenile male blue whale is 66' long and massive. After considering the majesty of these whales, the efforts to bring many whale species back from the brink of extinction, and the almost mystical connection between humans and whales in various cultures, it was rather saddening to view the many exhibits devoted to chronicling the commercial wholesale slaughter of whales.

Check out those massive jaws

Whaling ships stuck in ice (only one of the many hazards whalers faced.

One memorable exhibit is a half-size copy of a whaling ship, complete with authentic rigging and fixtures. It must have been daunting to scale the rigging of a full-size whaling ship, and clearly whalers were an intrepid breed, pitting themselves against these giants of the deep.

Lagoda--half-size model--has its own hall

Terri drove, which left us free to enjoy the scenery. As we headed north, we saw more fall color, so we're hoping that before we leave next week we'll be able to take a fall color drive, perhaps to the north.

Happy diners enjoy casual elegance and fine food--and great company....

This evening we all went to Prontos and enjoyed a great meal. We had a table on the second floor, which I would recommend to anyone who likes a quiet atmosphere, as the first floor was rather busy and noisy. Everything was tasty, and the service was attentive. Thanks, Chris! (for the birthday gift certificate)--excellent choice.


We got a newsy message from the Roaming Rowes detailing their adventures between Deadwood, SD, and Missoula, MT. We were especially interested to hear about their experiences on this segment of their trip, since we'll be in the same area next summer.