Some people we had spoken to prior to our big road trip, recommended that if we were over this way, we really should visit the islands of Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard. Ferries for both islands left not far from Plymouth but everyone was so happy hanging out at the campgrounds, we didn't get moving for a few days! We did a bit of research into both - I had heard more about Martha's Vineyards, from books set there, and JFK Jnr being killed in an aeroplane accident off the coast. Nantucket looked really quaint, but it was a two hour ferry ride, so with Martha's Vineyard less than an hour, that is where we went.
This was our view of the island as we arrived on the ferry. It is a much bigger island than we expected, and the boys were surprised that we had to use buses to get around, after being able to walk around the island in Toronto and Montreal that we visited! It has a population of over 16,000, but this swells to around 100,000 in summer time, so we wanted to see what it was all about.
We arrived in Oak Bluffs, which is pretty family friendly. A lady staying at the campground was from Martha's Vineyard, and had grown up in Australia til she was 10, so we had a long chat with her one morning, and she made some suggestions for our day trip.
Our first stop was the Flying Horses Carousel. It is the oldest working carousel in the US, and an official historic landmark, with 20 hand carved horses with real horsehair manes and tails. It is not really about the carousel though, as it is pretty basic - but you get to take a brass ring on each circuit of the carousel, and there is one gold one. If you get the gold ring, you get a free go! (It is only $2 a ride anyway.) Well, Quinn was lucky enough to get the gold ring, so he got two rides, and so did I, as he needed me to go with him. He actually got the gold ring on his second ride as well, but we gave it to someone else, as two rides is enough.
We went for a quick walk around Oaks Bluff, and saw some cute little houses, in the very unique type of architecture. We then took about a 10 minute bus ride, which took us past the beach which was used for the filming of Jaws, and then onto Edgartown, which had boutique shopping and harbour views. We did as much of the boutique shopping as we could handle - about 10 minutes, and Phil found this backpack, which he reckoned illustrated how he felt when we went out each day.
We packed our lunch most days, and Phil carried the back pack, so I get his point, but I think he exaggerates just a bit! Anyway, we found a spot by the water to sit and have our lunch, and this was our harbour view - nice.
There were some people fishing not far from us, so we had some entertainment while we ate, as they caught a few fish. The boys were also watching the boats go past, and decided that they would be happy with the one below. I told them to work hard at school!
After lunch, we got back on the bus which basically circles the island, and headed a little further around to South Beach. It was a bit rough for swimming, as the waves were dumping right on the shore, but the boys and Phil braved it. The water was too cold for me, but I paddled my feet. We saw a lot of people looking out to sea, and I asked someone if it was a whale. They told me it was a seal, so I figured if it was cold enough for a seal to be out there, it was too cold for me! Apparently it was all rocky and shells on the ocean floor, so they weren't out for long anyway.
It was quite a warm day, and the beach was quite busy.
The boys found some little, almost translucent, crabs in the sand, and if they dug they uncovered colonies of them.
Quinn was particularly fascinated with the crabs, and wanted to take this one home for a pet. Unfortunately, like the fish experience at Plymouth, he killed it with kindness!
We had to head back to Oak Bluffs to get the ferry back. We went for a walk around Oaks Bluff Campground, though I didn't see any camping, this is where the "Gingerbread Houses" are. I have since read that they are from a former Methodist settlement. It is a really quiet part of the island, just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of the main area, but really peaceful. The houses are really quaint, and all painted different (bright) colours. There are rows and rows of them, and most of them have names.
We found one that was called Oz, and after seeing the Wizard of Oz in Toronto, Quinn was really excited to find Dorothy, the Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man, all in the garden. He had to have a photo with each of them!
In the middle of the houses, is Trinity Park, and this Tabernacle. Apparently the tabernacle is listed on the National Register of Historic places, and is pretty cool. There wasn't much going on when we were there, but they have weekly interdenominational services each week. It is a lovely, open air place of worship, with stained glass windows and seating - very different!
Another great read Tanya....your holiday sounds wonderful...I am feeling a bit sorry for the local wildlife though if Quinn is in their vicinity! Stu still has 3 weeks before school starts....so much to see still! :)
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