Plymouth--The Rock and Mayflower

We have all studied bout Plymouth and Plymouth Rock since early grade school.  It was a thrill to actually get to the reported landing site of America's first colonists.  We say that because there is apparently still some dispute about the exact location.  

The "Rock" is much smaller than we expected and, in fact, much smaller than it was in reported history because it has been moved, broken, and beaten by waves.  A shelter has been constructed to restrict human contact with the Rock although the sea can still touch it.

We were able to walk around the Mayflower II shown here.  It is a faithful reproduction of the original vessel, built in England and sailed to the U. S.  It is amazingly small but incredible to simulate the experience of those first colonists.  When you're on board, it is difficult to imagine how 102 passengers plus the crew could live on this small vessel, with their animals and other belongings.  The tour was enhanced greatly by actors, totally in character as crew and colonists.  They know their history!