This Sunday afternoon, I'll get a ride from slipjig and rafaela to the Albany Amtrak station, and take a train directly to the South Boston station. I want to visit Boston and Salem (including octoberland) for a few days before heading home, probably on or around Wednesday the 3rd.

If I can swing it, I hope not to rent a car for the final part of this trip. (Expense + driving in Boston = DO NOT WANT something I'd prefer not to do.)

So I need to figure out who I can stay with and who may be able to provide rides. I'll get into the Boston train station late (about 9:45 p.m. according to the schedule). shadesong and yendi, would you be willing and able to let me stay at your house again that night? You're about nine miles from the train station; I could take a cab to your place.

If that won't work, I'll figure out something else.

I also see train and boat options for getting from Boston to Salem to see octoberland in her natural environment, and that's a part of the trip I really hope to do. Jen, would there be room for me to crash at your place early next week?

I'll firm up plans later. To quote Henry Jones, Jr., "I'm making it up as I go along." Thanks for everyone's help so far in making my trip happen. Now to finish it, then go home and figure out what's next.