点评:We took off a Friday to spent a brilliantly beautiful day on Star Island. Everything was picture-perfect, from the hour-long ferry ride on calm seas both ways, to the isolated beauty of the Shoals with blue skies and clouds you just can't make up.
We had gone out once about 30 years ago and only did the hour-long visit. This time we opted for the half-day stay, so we had plenty of time to leisurely explore the island and relax in the rocking chairs on the deck of the hotel. Gulls were nesting on the southern side of the island, with many pairs of fuzzy, brown chicks and protective parents. We ate a picnic lunch facing the wide expanse of ocean to the east, then climbed all around the rocks next to the Art Barn. The marine offered a chance to explore touch tanks of native sea creatures. The hotel and dining room was very busy with camps for children and convention residents. The beautiful and rustic chapel is a must-see.
We went out on the smaller Challenger vessel, and returned on the Thomas Leighton. The narration both ways was excellent, and always fun to see things along the river from the other side of the water. (Interesting to note the famous Smuttynose murder history was not mentioned.) Dramamine is available on board if needed, but best taken before setting sail.
The visit is well worth the ticket price of $47 per person. Parking is available at the Steamship lot (additional $5 per vehicle).
No better way to feel like you're miles away while being so close to home. Highly recommend, being a tourist in your own town. :)
翻译:我们周五特意前往星岛,度过了美好的一天。一切都如画般完美,从来回一小时的平静海面渡轮之旅,到浅滩那片与世隔绝的美景,蓝天白云,美得令人窒息。
大约30年前,我们曾去过那里一次,但只待了一个小时。这次我们选择了半天,所以有充足的时间悠闲地探索这座岛屿,并在酒店露台的摇椅上放松身心。海鸥在岛的南侧筑巢,那里有许多对毛茸茸的棕色雏鸟和守护着我们的父母。我们面朝东边一望无际的大海享用了野餐,然后攀爬了艺术谷仓旁边的岩石。海洋生物提供了探索当地海洋生物触摸池的机会。酒店和餐厅里挤满了儿童和会议中心的居民。美丽而质朴的小教堂是必看景点。
我们乘坐较小的“挑战者”号游轮出海,然后乘坐“托马斯·莱顿”号返回。来回的解说都很精彩,从河的对岸欣赏沿河的景色也很有趣。(有趣的是,船上没有提到著名的“斯穆蒂诺斯”谋杀案。)如有需要,船上提供晕车药,但最好在启航前服用。
这次参观绝对物超所值,票价为每人47美元。汽船停车场提供停车位(每辆车另加5美元)。
没有比这更好的方式了,让你感觉自己身处千里之外,却又离家如此之近。强烈推荐,在自己的城市里做个游客。:)