So, here we are on Martha’s Vineyard.
Let’s see . . .
Minus: The drive was wet. Started off misty, and then started actually raining before the halfway point. We stopped at Mystic CT for lunch and to switch drivers, and then my half of the drive? LOTS of rain. (In fact, we turned on the weather channel and heard that the states of Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire all have states of emergencies tonight due to massive amounts of rain.)
Plus: Since we didn’t exactly dawdle over lunch (poor Chappy didn’t get a chance to get out of the car at all), and there was very little traffic, even if it was going slowly because of the rain, we made it to the ferry in Woods Hole around 1:30 . . . well in advance of our 3:45 ferry tickets.
Bigger Plus: They were just finishing loading the service ferry (The Katama) and we got to be the next-to-the-last car on board. And gee, I haven’t backed onto a ferry in years.
Minus: Well, it was a little, um, choppy. We had an excellent view from our almost-at-the-front position and were just as glad we weren’t the last car on . . . they were right in the front and with the boat rocking that much, it was probably a little unnerving. In the picture, you can just see one of the "regular" ferries passing us amongst the choppy waves....
Plus: We were on the island by 2:30—extra vacation time! We stopped in Vineyard Haven for some coffee before heading to the inn, and Chappy was VERY glad to get out of the car for a while.
Minus: We had to sit outside and, while it wasn’t actually raining, it was COLD.
Plus: Our room—suite, really—is just as nice as last year. Two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchenette. Lots of room for Chappy to explore.
Minus: The flue in the fireplace is open and therefore a little drafty. (And no, I wasn’t able to get it closed, though I tried.)
Minus: Our take-out dinner was lousy. We order from the Newes all the time, but this time? Mom’s French Dip sandwich had no sauce to dip in. My hamburger was completely dry—no lettuce or tomato like there should have been. No ketchup, salt, pepper, or forks in the bag. And, they tried to put the hot bag of french fries on top of the chocolate cake with ice cream we ordered for dessert.
Plus: We called to complain, and explained that we’d driven all day, were in Oak Bluffs, and there was really no way we could put the dog back in the car to come back for a correct order, and so they credited Mom’s credit card for the entire price of the meal. Very nice of them, we thought, we would have been happy with half!
Minus: No wireless access in the room, and the dial-up is expensive
Plus: At least I can plan ahead and type these things out ahead of time!
Now . . . Chappy’s napping (finally!), I’ve had my shower, Mom’s sitting with her journal, and soon, the final episode of West Wing will be on (sniff). Things are good!
A pretty "plus"day I'd say. You are, after all, on the Vineyard. I wish you three a good night's sleep.
P. S. I love the photo of Chappy staring at the suitcase.
Posted by: Patty | May 14, 2006 at 08:11 PM
It must feel good to just be there after the hassle of traveling. Have a wonderful week!
Posted by: Carole | May 14, 2006 at 08:40 PM
I'm back! Hope you guys have a fantastic vacation. BTW, check out a little surprise on my blog!
Posted by: Shelley | May 14, 2006 at 10:09 PM
That picture looks like something out of the Perfect Storm. :)
Posted by: Chris | May 16, 2006 at 08:19 PM