Down by the riverbank at the turning basin in downtown Petaluma, a piece of thrilling living history floats in full, nautical glory. The visiting Niña is a replica of the ship on which Columbus sailed across the Atlantic on his three voyages of discovery to the new world beginning in 1492. Columbus sailed the original version of this tiny ship over 25,000 miles. That ship was last heard of in 1501, but the new Niña has a different mission. For the past four years it has been in operation as a floating museum, visiting ports all over the United States.
Took the youngest son down for a clamber around the deck in-between soccer games this afternoon. Incredible to hear how this beautiful ship spends month after month traversing the extensive waterways of America, including the great lakes.
According to the informative chap on board this sunny August afternoon, the most challenging waters are those of the Pacific North West, with currents and winds making it incredibly difficult for the crew to travel up and down the coast from Los Angeles to Canada.
Well worth a visit. A rare opportunity to treat the kids to a vivid impression of earliest American history without having to travel to the East Coast! The Nina is in town only until Monday.
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