Our final day off of the US tour and for the 4th time in succession it falls on a Monday. I think everyone in the touring party needed this one, there were few tired faces in Washington. Monday is a good day for a day off, well it's probably the quietest day of the week but all the shops are open, not that I'm much of a shopper although I had a feeling I'd be parting with some hard earned today.

Inspired by yesterday's meeting with Will Hamilton from FYB in Washington DC, I located a tennis court for Danny and I to have a game. I'm not sure whether it's what Will said to Dan but his game improved a lot and he had me running all over the place in this match. The concierge at the hotel had recommended the Boston Athletic Club but for 2 hours of court time they wanted to fleece me of $105. Call me old fashioned but I consider that ludicrous so I got on the web and found a place called the Sportsman's club in Dorchester for $35. Twenty minutes Southbound in a cab and we were there. A modest club in a predominantly African American neighborhood which seemed well run and the staff were as friendly as could be. A far cry from the inner city uber-clubs with their attitude and high fees.

A statue of John Singleton Copley an American portrait painter who was apparently born here in Boston.



We called a cab to get back to the Mandarin hotel in Boylston Street and discussed the possibility of some shopping. After a shower (separate rooms) we wandered out of the hotel straight into a rain squall. It's all in the timing. I bought a new Swiss Army knife, replacing one I lost recently. The SAK is ESSENTIAL touring kit, along with PG Tips, Kettle, teapot, cups and saucers. It's not uncommon for the knife to be needed for such things as opening 'sticky' hotel room windows. I even once sawed the bottom of a sticking door off with the saw attachment. The most common use for me though is the scissors and a microscopic trim of the fingernails every day. Whilst I'm on the subject of touring 'kit', I feel I must mention the American kettle I use. This 110v device was bought in a Nashville hardware store in Green Hills back in 1994 or 5 and every time I left for home I would give it to Richard for safekeeping. every tour, he brings it out...I ended up just keeping it but I'm pleased to report it's still going strong. I can't say that about any 240v. kettle I've ever owned. 15 years and counting.



Dan and I passed a Legal Seafood outlet in the mall next to the hotel, it was 6pm and we thought "why not". We strode in, sat at the bar and ordered a dozen Gulf oysters and 2 pints of Samuel Adams Summer ale which was on tap and as refreshing as refreshing can be. As the succulent plate of fresh oysters arrived I thought to myself "..might as well get them while we can". The fishing business in the Gulf of Mexico seems to be in serious jeopardy with the impending the oil disaster. I remember reading about the plight of the oyster beds after Katrina and discovering that after a while they managed to grow back stronger than before but I seriously doubt that if affected by the oil there will be any speedy recovery. They've had it rough.

We got back to the hotel at 7 and found Mark, Richard, Glenn and Mike in the bar. They clearly had exactly the same idea as us and were into their 2nd round of beers. Mr. Tim (Tim Hook) had arranged for a bite to eat in a restaurant directly across the street called Atlantic Fish Co. All I can say is that this place gave the Chicago Capitol Grille a run for it's money...it was fantastic. After a final beer in the restaurant bar, Dan, Rich and I (aka the luxuriati) retired to my room for tea, music and mirth.



After a day off like that, there was time to contemplate how wonderful this US tour has been, in fact it's unimaginable that we are already entering it's final week. We've experienced our fair share of dramas, injury related and world natural events (that volcano) and managed to come through it unscathed. The band is playing better than ever and the family atmosphere of the band and crew is something we all treasure and revel in. I have a feeling it comes across from the stage - discuss. So into the final week -

Our driver (sorry I keep going on about drivers but they are pretty funny sometimes) wasted no time in telling us of the Joseph Hooker legend as we drove past his equestrian statue at Massachusetts State House. Apparently a band of prostitutes followed his division were derisively referred to as "General Hooker's Army" or "Hooker's Brigade." I have my doubts as the term "hooker" was used in print as early as 1845, years before Hooker was a public figure. The driver added that the term 'red-light district' also founded here. Mmm, not so sure about that.

We checked out of the Mandarin hotel and made our way towards the Orpheum theatre just across the common. A recent forum post reminded me that the theatre has no air conditioning and can get a little warm, especially in the Summer. Today felt like high Summer so we prepared for a hot gig. There is also the issue with the house wiring. Last time we were here, there was fun and games with the PA - see the 2001 diary entry -

This time, the issue was 'hum'. There is an electrical conduit which runs underneath the stage and some of it is encased in concrete. Because of the age of the building, the wiring causes extensive hum which is picked up by the guitars. Some of the more sensitive instruments were completely unplayable by Mark, the hum was louder than the signal. One such guitar was the '54 Telecaster he uses in err..a song in the middle of the set. The stage was tight and the dressing rooms, very small. Catering was a delicious shop bought curry which everyone loved. There was also a particularly good visiting masseuse and most of the band treated themselves to 20 minutes of bliss pre-show. The facilities may have been cramped and awkward but the moment we walked on stage we knew we were in Boston. The audience here are absolutely amazing. Full on from the first note. We were full of energy from the day off and all had a great show. Once again Mark is on the stool for the entire show but he's comfortable and dealing with the leg pain well. He has had several therapy sessions and is slowly on the mend we think. Hot and sweaty we gave our final waves to an adoring crowd and rushed off to Logan airport for the final time for a hop to New York.

Heading for our favourite hotel, exiting the Lincoln tunnel and driving up 8th Avenue, I look up and think how awesome this city is. It always hits you like that every time you visit.

***I'd like to add a big thank-you to Mark and Bonnie Stover from Boothbay who came to the show this evening and just as they did on the last tour, very kindly made a bought some of their now infamous lobster rolls. Unfortunately, due to the schedule, we didn't get to say hi after the show but we did enjoy the fabulous lobster on the plane on the way to NYC. Thanks again guys, it was delicious.