Cape Cod Day 5…. and we’re climbing.

January 11, 2020 Rivergirl 23 Comments

The Pilgrims Monument in Provincetown. We came, we saw, we climbed.

And climbed. And climbed. And climbed….

Photo of my husband wondering why we don’t take relaxing vacations on the beach like normal people.

Completed in 1910 to commemorate the Pilgrim’s fist landing in Provincetown on November 21, 1620…. the tower is 252 tall and rises 350 feet above sea level.

(Those are Christmas lights radiating down from the top, not support wires. Because hey, if your monument is held up by wires? Even I’m not climbing it.)

No alcohol allowed? They really know how to kill a girl’s spirit.

This is the tallest all granite structure in the United States, and every single massive piece of stone came from my beautiful state of Maine.

Stairs?

There were a few…

But thankfully there were ramps as well.

And on the day we visited?

It was so cold, windy and damp, the walls were sweating.

We climbed what seemed like forever…. and still had a long way to go.

But there were windows along the way which we opened to peak out.

At which point the wind practically knocked us down.

Granted, looking down was a little nerve wracking.

Good thing my vertigo didn’t kick in, I’d still be there.

Onward and ever upward… we neared the top.

Run my *ss.

Gimme a few more years and I’ll be crawling.

A few more flights….

Yay!

The top…

Where it was raining….

And blowing a friggin’ gale force.

Time for a quick wild haired selfie…

And a walk around the less windy sides with P’town spread out below…

A farewell to the gargoyles.

And we headed back down to collect my sticker.

I’d earned it!

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Cape Cod Day 5…. P’town, sand and a museum.

January 10, 2020 Rivergirl 25 Comments

Day 5 of our Cape Cod vacation found us driving to the Outer Cape. About as out as you can get and still be on the Cape actually…

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Provincetown.

Or P’town as it’s known to the locals.

I’ve heard it’s the place to be in the summer, but it was November and the wall to wall tourists were long gone. Sadly, so was most of the fun as many places were closed for the season. But we managed to have a good time all the same.

As you draw near, you realize it’s unlike other sections of the Cape.

John F. Kennedy designated a National Seashore here…

And there are miles upon miles of unspoiled beach.

As well as some pretty impressive sand dunes along the road.

But it was cool, foggy and threatening rain so we kept driving… keeping an eye out for this:

Thankfully it’s hard to miss on the skyline. Wanting to climb to the top for the fabulous views, I was unaware of the museum at it’s base.

Never one to pass up a museum, we began strolling.

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The first thing you notice? Pilgrims.

And Pilgrim history. Figuring it was because they landed up the coast at Plymouth… I had to admit I was shocked.

Whaaaat? You mean my grade school teachers got it wrong…

And I went all the way to Plymouth to photograph a rock for nothing! Yes ladies and gentlemen, the Pilgrims landed in P’town first. And believe me when I say they take that fact very seriously at the museum.

But it wasn’t all Pilgrims.

The building was filled with maritime history…

And a musk ox, like any good museum should be.

There were recreations of a Captain’s ship board quarters…

Which aside from the chamber pot, looked pretty comfy.

As well as his home on land.

There was an antique fire engine…

And a wreath made of human hair.

Because who doesn’t want one of those hanging on their living room wall?

There were maps of the Cape..

With questionable artwork.

Is it me, or is that Griffon in dire need of a Jane Russell 18 hour bra?

There was some Arctic expedition fashion…

Shoes!

Even a rooster hat…

And a couple of local celebs who clearly knew how to have a good time.

Yes, there was a Mayflower replica…

But it was the antique doll collection that made me want to run screaming from the room.

Holy Hell, those things are creepy.

I mean, come on…

You know this one will be feasting on your flesh long before you’re dead.

Quick…

Find the monument before she gets hungry.

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Cape Cod Day 4. Farewell to Martha’s Vineyard, hello to Bad Martha’s beer. And then some Italian.

January 9, 2020 Rivergirl 36 Comments

While we’d planned on taking the 8:30pm ferry back to Woods Hole…

We arrived early and were put on an earlier freight run.

Yay! Third car on, I figured we’d be the third car off.

I was wrong.

So very wrong…

But it was a gorgeous night for a boat ride.

And for some full moon photography.

Even if some of the shots went a little wonky.

Before we knew it we were pulling into port.

And the doors were opening…

Damn.

Do I take fascinating videos or what?

Naturally, we were almost the last to leave.

But that’s alright, it was a wonderful day and a memorable adventure of a fabulous place.

Next stop?

Beer.

We’d passed this place in Falmouth a few times during our trip and decided that night we’d stop.

Bad Martha’s, a brewery from Edgartown on the Vineyard… from whence we just came, but managed to miss while we were there.

It was a fun space.

Loud and exuberant…. probably like Martha herself.

We did a flight.

And sadly weren’t impressed with the beer, the really uncomfortable metal tractor seats or the small menu. Basically a few pizzas or a cheese plate.

So we moved on to Mashpee and found a great little Italian restaurant.

Cranberry margarita in hand..

We drooled over the menu.

Veal Portofino for me…

(Okay, 2 cranberry margaritas in… I admit the quality of photography tends to decline.)

Chicken Florentine for the husband.

And a classic on the television at the bar.

(I still have my original album, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. Hey Bartender!)

Dessert was a shared Limonatta cream cake. Husband said he didn’t want any and ended up eating 2/3rds of it.

Light as air and positively delicious, how could he not?

One more slightly inebriated photo later…

(It was a nice looking place, you’ll just have to take my word for it.)

Day 4… over and out.

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Cape Cod Day 4…. the Oak Bluffs Victorians.

January 8, 2020 Rivergirl 16 Comments

Martha’s Vineyard is lovely.

An oasis of windswept rugged shores…

Small fishing communities…

And marshlands.

But the sun was going down and there was still too much left to see! The husband told me we had enough daylight for one more site, so I knew it had to be Oak Bluffs.

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Everyone we spoke to recommended we go there and see the marvelous Victorians, so we did.

Not really sure where we were going, or where they actually were, we found a narrow street…

And a few rows of small houses. Yes, they were cute…. but I figured that couldn’t be what all the fuss was about.

And then we turned a corner.

And the houses got larger.

And larger.

And larger still.

In a word?

Stunning.

One after another, lined up facing the ocean.

It was quite impressive.

Naturally, I’m hanging out the window like a crazed canine clicking away, taking pictures of as many as I can.

Pretty close.

Just imagine her holding an iPhone….

I wanted to get out and walk but the husband was having none of it.

Yes, the day was ending….

But… but…

I know I didn’t photograph them all!

( It wasn’t until I returned home and did a little research that I realized we had missed the most famous part! Next time. )

Sun setting…

We headed back to the ferry….

And got ready to say goodbye to the beautiful Vineyard.

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Cape Cod day 4…. where we search in vain for a lighthouse to explore on Martha’s Vineyard.

January 7, 2020 Rivergirl 39 Comments

Who doesn’t love a lighthouse? Raise your hand.

If your hand is up, go sit in the corner while the rest of the nice people enjoy this post.

We didn’t have any luck exploring the first lighthouse we’d found since it was on private property, but hope springs eternal.

Decisions, decisions.

East Chop has a lighthouse?

Decision made.

Yay!

A lighthouse….

Boo… a gate that closed it to the public.

0 for 2, we headed to the next one. We’re nothing if not persistent.

Onward!

But apparently not that way.

In case you’re wondering? I’ll take that house, right there.

Oh, alright. I’ll take Idris Elba as well.

So… Gay Head Light.

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We found it, parked down below and walked through the gate.

Then we saw it.

It…

And the gate that blocked the entrance to it.

May I just say…. WTF Martha’s Vineyard?

Strike 3. Okay, I give up.

There it is, a perfectly nice lighthouse.

I’m sure it was marvelous inside, not that we’ll ever know.

But the views of the Aquinnah Cliffs?

Admittedly, pretty wonderful.

Wind?

A wee bit.

Goodbye hairdo. Next trip to the Vineyard? I’m wearing a hat and never taking it off.

And because every vacation post must have rocks?

Rocks.

Rocks that mark the sight where the lighthouse originally stood.

Rocks.

Rocks with the late afternoon sun.

You’re welcome.

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Cape Cod Day 4, Black Dog Tavern, Vineyard Haven.

January 6, 2020 Rivergirl 33 Comments

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If you live in New England, I can guarantee you’ve seen numerous bumper stickers, t shirts and assorted swag with the ubiquitous black dog silhouette.

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But on day 4 of our fabulous Cape Cod adventure, we had lunch at the real thing.

The original Black Dog Tavern on Martha’s Vineyard.

For a sweetly illustrated history, click here.

It’s a rustic little place…

With some fabulous views.

Filled with maritime history as well as the flavor of the sea….

And on the day we had lunch there?

Even an adorable real life black dog on the beach.

(No worries… it was a cool day, he had water and his owners checked on him regularly.)

Cocktail?

Don’t mind if I do….

Since we were at the Black Dog, I tried a Black Dog Orange Crush.

Which might have to become my new favorite way to wake up the day.

Happily sipping, we enjoyed watching the ferry.

The boats..

The harbor…

And local craft beer disappear.

But yes, the food. We came for food…

Quahog chowder. Thick, creamy and delicious with homemade croutons made for a nice start.

What’s a quahog you ask?

It’s a large hard shelled clam.

quahog

Isn’t that just typical human behavior?

Name your pet, then kill him to find out how old he is.

Sorry Ming, you deserved better. And I sincerely hope you weren’t in our soup.

I was in the mood for a good chargrilled burger and this one didn’t disappoint.

The husband? He inhaled two dozen mussels.

Replete, we said goodbye to the real black dog….

The views…

The pier….

And the original Black Dog Tavern.

Fervently wishing they would come to Maine and build one on our coast!

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Part 2… of something I started a while ago then promptly forgot about.

January 5, 2020 Rivergirl 29 Comments

Language.

By definition, the method of human communication.

Glorious varieties abound, so let’s take a look at some foreign words you may not be familiar with… and their meanings.

Shemomedjamo (Georgian)

You know when you’re really full, but your meal is just so delicious, you can’t stop eating it? The Georgians feel your pain. This word means, “I accidentally ate the whole thing.”

I don’t know about you..

But I have totally shemomedjamo’d in my day.

pie

Backpfeifengesicht (German)

A face badly in need of a fist.

Oh, I think we’ve all met a few of those.

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Faamiti (Samoan)

To make a squeaking sound by sucking air past the lips in order to gain the attention of a dog or child.

I’d just call it a whistle, but who am I to argue with a Samoan?

(Okay… so I was looking for a GIF of a big bad Samoan warrior when this popped up. Big bad Samoan bat will kick your *ss!)

Gigil (Filipino)

The urge to pinch or squeeze something that is irresistibly cute.

I have this every time I watch the movie Magic Mike…

But maybe that’s just me.

Magic_Mike_foto_film

Lagom (Swedish)

Maybe Goldilocks was Swedish? This slippery little word is hard to define, but means something like, “Not too much, and not too little, but juuuuust right.”

*See above comment and picture of Magic Mike cast*

Zeg (Georgian)

It means “the day after tomorrow.” OK, we do have “overmorrow” in English, but when was the last time someone used that?

Never.

No one has ever used overmorrow in my presence…. and I want you all to start right now.

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(Proof positive there is a meme for everything)

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Cape Cod Day 4 … a special moment in Menemsha, Martha’s Vineyard

January 4, 2020 Rivergirl 30 Comments

When we left Edgartown I saw a sign saying Menemsha, and something in the deep dark recesses of my brain sparked.

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To be honest, I didn’t even know why until I got there.

The art wasn’t familiar.

Neither were the warnings about jellyfish and nude bathing…. two things that should never be experienced together.

So while the husband made a new friend…

I walked around wondering why this particular place had called to me.

Wind?

Just a wee bit…

It was a lovely spot.

And as I wandered…

I realized what I was doing.

I was walking in my late father’s footsteps.

He was an artist….. and had painted this very spot.

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That’s why we were there.

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Because all my life….. I’d seen the word Menemsha on a few of his paintings and never knew what it meant.

I lost my father when I was 15.

Much too young…

We missed so many things.

But for a moment, on this day….

He walked with me.

And my heart was full.

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Cape Cod Day 4, Edgartown (and because you knew there had to be some…. rocks.)

January 3, 2020 Rivergirl 23 Comments

First stop on Martha’s Vineyard?

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Edgartown.

A beautiful place to visit…

A nerve wracking place to drive.

The streets are narrow and many of them one way.

Which is charming…. until a delivery truck blocks your only egress.

But let’s get back to beautiful.

Park your car and walk…

Because that’s the only way you’ll discover all the wonderful nooks and crannies in town.

Since we were there in November, off season…

We practically had it all to ourselves.

Full of old world charm…

And coastal breezes…

I highly recommend an extended stroll.

And the required clothing souvenir from the Black Dog.

(Okay, I bought 3… so sue me.)

I could have easily walked and shopped all day but the husband will only tolerate so much of that.

So we headed out.

And drove past mile ….

After mile….

After mile…

Of stone walls.

Seriously, I thought they would never end.

Some houses had them in the front, to the sides and around the back.

Some sections of the road had them lining both sides.

And speaking as someone from Maine, which has it’s own fair share of stone walls…

I must say, this section of the Vineyard put us Mainers to shame.

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Cape Cod Day 4….Martha’s Vineyard

January 2, 2020 Rivergirl 15 Comments

The forecast for Veteran’s Day was warm and bright so we decided to book passage on the Steamship Authority’s car ferry over to the Vineyard. This is something I’ve always wanted to do and I was tickled pink. Having no idea where, how much, or when…. we dropped by the ticketing office the night before and were rewarded with these –

Free tickets for the husband.

How sweet was that?

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We reserved a spot on the 9:30am ferry from Woods Hole and were told to arrive half an hour before departure. Ever the type A personality, I made sure we were there 45 minutes prior and as soon as we pulled up, they pointed us towards the 8:15 freight trip and boom!

We were on board.

With a giant load of Christmas trees.

Being used to small Maine island ferries, I was amazed at how large these ships were.

And how clean, and how spacious, and what great views they afforded.

We happily roamed around taking pictures…

And found a snack bar!

Okay…. it wasn’t open off season, but still. If you want a snack on a Maine ferry? You better dig in your purse for that crushed pack of Nabs from 2003.

And then, before we knew it….

We were there.

Approaching Vineyard Haven.

And yes, it was just as beautiful and quintessentially coastal New England as you would imagine.

Here’s another ferry getting ready to depart, so you can see how large they are.

We had booked an 8:30pm trip back, so we arrived ready to spend the whole day exploring.

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Of course none of the tourist information kiosks were open this time of year and we had no utter clue where we were going. ( I didn’t find this map until we were ready to leave.)

So we just drove.