Ritzhikes

Where: Boston Harbor Islands When: 8/9-8/11, 2002 With: Andy, Chip, Brian, Jason, David, Daniel, Anna Dave suggested a hike with all of the kids sometime this season and that sounded like fun. We'd all taken our kids camping individually but had never gone as a group, though Chip & I went out with our boys a couple of years ago. Camping with children is always a challenge but this would be especially interesting, given the range of ages (5 1/2 to 13) and abilities. We needed a destination not too far away, not too difficult to get to, and with plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied. My first thought was the Westfield River. It fit all of the requirements and Chip & I had had a great time there with the boys previously. Then a new idea hit me (though I don't recall how or why) - The Boston Harbor Islands. Recently designated as a park system, they are managed by a combination of state and federal agencies. I'd heard about camping out there for some time, an...