Martha's Vineyard

Last weekend, we went to the Vineyard (pronounced with a New England lock jaw). Our friend Rachel's parents have a house there, and she invited us to come and stay. Martha's Vineyard is a storied place - one of those places you might just assume would be far surpassed by its reputation. But that wasn't our experience. The island is fairly magical - even when you don't see water, there's a feeling of being on an island. The landscape looks similar to other places in Mass, but there's a separation from land that you don't get on the main land (or off island as they say). There's a feeling of being apart from the rest of the country - only seven miles off the coast.

But before we were able to enjoy the intense seclusion of the place, we had to enjoy the insane crowds of a summering New England. People pack onto the ferries that leave every 45 minutes. We jammed ourselves on only to arrive in an even more crowded port town. But, soon, Rachel picked us up and drove us off to a wooded rural town, with a sandy, brushy oceanside landscape. Here's the view from the porch.

Elliot slept in the car from Oaks Bluff (the port town) to the house. He woke up and I can only imagine his surprise when he opened his eyes. Rachel's husband Charlie and their friend Andrea were at the house when we arrived. Without much delay, we got in the car and drove a mile to their semi-private beach.

The beach was great. Izzy ran free, Justeen learned to boogie board, and the bean just lounged on the beach.




At some point he asked that his mom and I leave him alone so he could more effectively pick up on some chicks. In no time, two of them (Rachel and Andrea) were by his side.

Notice the confidence with which he grabs onto his ladies. He surely must have learned that from his dad. After some time alone with his ladies, the bean demanded we all gather for a group portrait. Here it is, minus Justeen - she was behind the camera.

When we returned from the beach. We grilled some amazing fish, made some great food, and enjoyed the dinner in this snazzy little sun porch.

So even if Elliot doesn't remember his first (and hopefully not last) trip to the Vineyard (hint hint Rachel), I hope these pictures will remind him what a relaxing time he spent that one weekend in August.