Massachusetts, A Day On Martha's V

 

 

Checking in at Cape Air Gate 1A my backpack is weighed.

I am then asked how many dozen Dunkin Donuts I have ate since arriving at PVD.

That’s,TF Green International, to Rhode Islanders proud of their airport.

 

 

Weight? 200 plus or minus fifty pounds. Passing the weight test, I am allowed to retrieve my backpack then wait with eight other passengers for our flight to be boarded.

 

Once at the airplane a Cessna 402, we are boarded according to our proclaimed weight.

For some reason, I am not the last one to board. Is it because I still have powdered sugar on my lips?

 

 

 

On board we are given a quick safety briefing and before long we are airborne to Martha's Vineyard only a 25 minute flight on Cape Air from Providence (PVD). There is also daily ferry boat service from New Bedford, Rhode Island which takes about 90 minutes to make the crossing.

 

Today the weather is beautiful and from about an altitude of 3000 feet we have a nice view of the New England coastline as we cross Rhode Island Sound.

With good visibility it does not seem long before Martha's Vineyard comes into view.

 

 

A few bumps on our landing approach then a smooth touchdown welcomes us to the playground of America's “Rich And Famous”. I am joining the likes of JFK, Martha Stewart, The Clintons and even President Obama in spending a summer day at “The Vineyard”.

 

Deplaning we are gathered in a group and allowed to take pictures before we are escorted off the ramp.

The ramp exit leads to the airport parking lot and local bus stop or baggage claim area inside the airport building.

 

 

 

 

Welcome To Martha’s Vineyard

 

It is not a long wait before I board Bus No.6 for Edgartown, the island's first settlement established in 1642.

There is also a Bus No.9 for Oaks Bluff another popular island destination. To both towns the bus fare is a steal for only $1.00. A taxicab will set you back about $25.00 unless it is coming from your campaign vacation fund.

 

 

The ride to Edgartown last about 20 minutes along a green flanked road with a parallel bicycle path.

Our final stop is at the Visitor's Center on Church Street. This is the main bus stop with connections to all other parts of the island.

 

 

A line is already formed for passengers traveling to Oaks Bluff. Bus service there is every 15 minutes.

 

Leaving the bus stop, a right turn on Winter Street and I am at St. Andrew’s Church.

 

 

 

 

 

The stained glass windows made by Louis C. Tiffany along with the pulpit, the bow of a dory from the schooner Northern Lights which use to be one of the largest ships in Edgartown harbor, reveals a bit of the town history. St Andrew's was built in 1899.

 

A few blocks down quaint streets and I am at the Town Wharf.

 

 

 

 

 

The harbor is busy and it seems I picked the right day to visit. The weather and scenery could hardly be any better.

I think others like myself feel the same way as there are smiles and laughter everywhere. The shared excitement of being here is in the air, a good, good vibration.

 

 

Across the harbor is the famous Chappaquiddick Island where Mary Jo Kopechne was found dead in a car belonging to Senator Ted Kennedy. The stain of it's past history is long gone as tourist regularly visit the island for it beaches, kayaking, biking and great outdoors.

 

Purchasing a ticket to board the On Time ferry for a visit to Chappaquiddick, I am threatened to be charged a higher fare.

Wearing a New York Yankees baseball cap does not go over well in BoSox Nation. A little friendly banter and I am given a smiling Red Sox pardon.

 

 

 

The ferry ride is less than 3 minutes. If I had my Speedo's I think I could swim the crossing just as fast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking back across the bay I enjoy a view of Edgartown from a small beach near the ferry landing. As boats pass by on a gorgeous warm afternoon it takes a little brain processing to realize that I am not in the tropics but in New England.

Spectacular homes lined the waterfront, some dating back to the 1800's when Edgartown was a major whaling port.

 

Another On Time ferry ride and I am back in Edgartown. At the Town Wharf I climb a set of stairs for an elevated glimpse of this charming town.

 

 

 

 

I also get a bird's eye-view of the On Time ferry crossing below me.

 

 

 

 

 

Going downstairs, I hear a little girl scream.. “Ooh, daddy, daddy, help, yuck”. She is a part of a group of kids fishing from the wharf who has just caught a baby shark. Could it be a ...?

 

Of course, her dad comes over to help and she squeamishly tells him.. “I'm not fishing anymore”.

I'm not surprised to see a baby shark caught here because Martha's Vineyard is the home of “Jaws” the ultimate shark movie that even kept some of you (of course, not me) from taking showers in the 1970's.

 

 

 

 

Mayor Vaughn: And what did you say the name of this shark was?

Hooper: It's a carcaradon carcharias. It's a Great White.

From Steven Spielberg, Jaws (1975)

 

 

 

Opposite the Town Wharf mementos of Edgartown history are on display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About half a mile away stands the Edgartown lighthouse a replacement of the original (1828) that was severely damaged by a hurricane in 1938. Seasonal tours are available with a $5.00 admission fee.

 

Feeling a pinch of hunger, I check out two popular harborside restaurants for lunch.

The first, Quarterdeck is quite busy but offers mostly fried food. I pass on that option although I am not opposed to fried food.

 

 

 

I want to see what The Seafood Shanty offers besides a great panoramic view of the harbor.

 

 

 

 

Without a lobbyist contribution or corporate sponsorship $14.99 for fish and chips is beyond my lunch budget unless it is a special fish. I doubt it.

 

 

 

Querying a local for dining options, I get a recommendation for Espresso Love and set out in search of it. Following Dock Street, I make the turn on Main Street which is lined with shops and restaurants.

 

Along here bike rentals are available, $25.00 per day or $90.00 per week. A good way to get around. There are numerous bike paths available.

 

The Cupcake Diet. I don't know where I have heard or seen it but I am sure it exists so I have no hesitation when I begin it at Sweet E’s Cupcakes.

My first session begins with a no calories “Free Frosting” sampling.

 

 

I can feel the pounds dropping off before I even take the first bite of my Raspberry Mint Delight.

 

A light vanilla flavored cupcake, a raspberry mint frosting topped with a fresh raspberry and I am in love with this diet plan.

 

With many more flavors to chose from including “Smores” for just $3.50, you might also fall in love with “The Cupcake Diet”.

 

 

 

 

Planted in 1833, The Pagoda Tree from the Orient located just down the street from Sweet E's is the oldest of its kind on the continent.

 

 

 

 

Brought to the Vineyard in the early 1800’s by Captain Thomas Milton it now shades the Harborside Inn.

 

 

Attractive and historical homes with waterfront backyards line South Water Street.

 

 

 

 

One such home is that of Captain Pease believed to be the prototype for Captain Ahab in Moby Dick. It is known that in 1841 Herman Melville the author of Moby Dick sailed on a whale ship under the command of Captain Pease.

I am having a little trouble finding 80 S Water Street as many of the homes here have double numbering. Meeting a local on the street I discover this confusion is due to the Fire Department being confused and requiring the houses to be renumbered. In my discussion, I notice my local information source is wearing a chain with a New York Yankees pendant. I am not alone in BoSox Nation.

 

Heading in the general direction as I am, my fellow Yankee fan helps me find 80 S Water Street which has a police officer posted across the street from it.

In recent years the home was the residence of Patricia Neal, Oscar Best Actress Winner for the 1963 movie Hud.

 

Actress Neal passed away on August 8^th, 2010 and was buried the day I was visiting Edgartown.

 

More gorgeous waterfront homes.

 

Erected in 1828, I next make a brief visit to Federated Church. Federated Church is a traditional New England meetinghouse and still contains a chandelier which originally burned whale oil.

 

 

 

 

The congregation has since seen the light and converted the chandelier to electricity.

Oil was originally placed in the bottom of the glass vase.

Today, Moby Dick and his friends are happy.

 

Walking around it seems church steeples can be seen everywhere. One of note is the 92 foot clock tower of The Old Whaling Church. Built in 1843, today it is used as a town meeting place and performing arts center.

 

The bright white of this Methodist church provides a nice contrast against a perfect blue sky although can anyone tell me what time it is. I am hungry.

 

There are many eateries available in town especially along Main Street. Not looking to break the bank, I stop in at Edgartown Deli on 52 Main Street.

“How you doing”?

“No, how you doing?, You are the one on the working side of the counter”.

 

This little exchange brings us both smiles as I order the $10 “Special of The Day”. I think it even gets me a few extra ounces of ice tea as my cup is topped off before it is served to me.

 

For about $12.00, I have two fresh crab cakes with chipotle sauce along with fries and coleslaw.

The crab cakes are moist with a good amount of crab meat, the chipotle sauce adds a nice touch.

 

 

 

By a measure of customers that soon fills the place, I think Edgartown Deli’s other offerings are just as good.

Breakfast is also available, so is a huge selection of sandwiches. Interestingly most beverages must be purchased from an indoor vending machine.

 

 

Recharged, with slight detours I find myself back at the Visitors Center.

 

 

 

 

 

Classic Automobile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joining the line I wait with others for Bus No.13 to Oaks Bluff a $2.00 bus fare.

This time of the year the town is congested with traffic and the buses are running a bit behind schedule.

I find a little shade as the sun is beating down on some areas of the line.

 

The first bus arrives and I am the cut off point for the next bus which we are promised will arrive in 6 minutes. It's hot.

From Edgartown to Oaks Bluff is approximately five miles and the bus goes along State Beach to Ocean Park.

 

This route provides a few stops for the beach without the hassle of beach parking.

One popular beach area is the bridge where parts of Jaws (1975) was filmed.

 

 

 

 

Leaving Bus No.13 at Ocean Park, I descend street stairs to the rocky beachfront below.

There is no fear of “The Great White” here as swimmers enjoy the crisp beach water.

 

 

 

 

 

With refreshed memories of not taking showers in 1975, I am comfortable just strolling the surf.

 

 

 

 

Originally a part of Edgartown, Oaks Bluff took on a life of it's own in 1835 as a result of a Methodist week of spiritual rejuvenation. What started with a few pitched tents soon attracted thousands to the area from all over New England.

 

The original site of a preacher stand remains today at Trinity Park.

 

 

 

 

 

The Tabernacle located there is listed in the National Registry Of Historical Places.

Once a real estate sales gimmick, each August on Illumination Night hundreds of Japanese lanterns decorate the Tabernacle.

 

 

 

Trinity Methodist Church built in 1878 is still here and the park is surrounded by quaint colorful houses which reminds me of being in Key West.

 

 

Trinity Park Homes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wesley Hotel from 1879 is also located in Oaks Bluff and has a part of the island history because of a fire there in 1894.

Apparently the owner wanted to build a big and better hotel so he committed arson to get his project started.

 

 

Even before there was CSI, Oaks Bluff he got caught and spent three years in prison. Brilliant.

 

A first for me. A carousel where the horses have real horse hair. I am glad that is the only thing they have that's real because I hate a bucking horse.

 

Registered as America's Oldest Carousel, the Flying Horses can be a historical treat if you don't mind your world going around and around and around and around.

 

 

 

Various ferry services from the mainland also arrive at Oaks Bluff. There is a nice marina with shops and sea side restaurants.

 

Good places to relax and enjoy the scenery. Along the beachfront you may also catch a radiant New England sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

I am not so fortunate as I must board Bus No.9 for the airport.

 

 

 

 

Leaving Martha's Vineyard although I did not have a $75,000 a day vacation expense account like Michelle Obama, I did have a rich experience here. The charm of the island has enticed me to come back again to explore and discover more of it's offerings.

 

I promise myself I will be on Martha's Vineyard again soon and next time for more than a day.

 

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California, Santa Monica.. So LA!

 

 

 

Leaving Wilshire Grand Hotel it is a short walk to Grand and 7^th. I am looking for a “Big Blue Bus”.

Familiar with “Small Yellow Buses”, I am excited that things are becoming bigger and more colorful in my life.

 

 

The No.10 Santa Monica Express bus soon comes to an abrupt stop in front of me. Without exact change for the $1.75 fare I deposit $2.00 and inform the driver that I am giving her a 25 cents tip. This brings a smile and a new bus driver friendship.

 

On Interstate 10 or “The 10” as most Angelenos would call it, traffic is bumper to bumper. I think I see a turtle pass us by.

I have my doubts that we will get to Santa Monica anytime soon. My doubts are soon removed as I witness some bus driving skills that I am sure not even Ralph Kramden could compete with.

 

“Y'all better watch out, I am driving a 40,000 pound bus” our bus driver warns those brave enough to enter her path. I love it!

Too much for even the bus to handle, a PA announcements request “Open your windows, my transmission is over heating”. With it's engine turned off we sit a few minutes on the side of the interstate to allow the bus to catch it's breath.

“Don't worry, y'all going to be OK on my bus”

 

Sure enough it's not long before we are in Santa Monica but not before some more impressive bus driving skills.

 

 

 

 

 

Besides a beautiful beach within walking distance, “The Third Street Promenade” is also a part of Santa Monica.

Cool restaurants, movie theaters, street performers and shops makes this a great place to hangout.

So LA, even guys can be seen shopping here.

 

 

At Cabo Cantina, I sit back and take in the scenery while enjoying a Torta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steak, grilled onions, green peppers and jalapenos sandwiched between warm soft toasted bread is another way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico.

A daily 4-7pm Happy Hour 2 for 1 Margarita would be a nice complement.

 

 

 

 

From the cliffs of Santa Monica I view a wide beach expanding as far north and south as I can see.

 

The weather is California beach beautiful in the mid 60's on the cliffs and 70's on the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I cross Pacific Coast Highway then relax on a beach sidewalk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As bicycles and skaters go by, I watch a family enjoying a game of beach volleyball.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The World Famous Santa Monica Pier lies to the south. A walk along the pier is a must.

 

There Forrest Gump invites you to dine at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company or visit the nearby Santa Monica Aquarium.

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to venture beyond Santa Monica bike and roller blade rentals are available along the beach.

Venice Beach is just a few miles or less to the south or Malibu Beach about the same distance to the north.

 

 

 

 

 

“Ice Cream, One Dollar A Scoop”, “Ice Cream One Dollar A Scoop”, I swear I hear from a pair of parrots parked on the side walk as I make my way back to find the No.10 bus.

 

 

 

 

250 percent cheaper than the going rate on The World Famous Santa Monica Pier, I investigate.

 

 

 

 

“One Scoop Coconut Pineapple, One Scoop Butter Pecan”, “ One Scoop Coconut Pineapple, One Scoop Butter Pecan”.

 

Did I say that or is there a guy around here with two dollars?

 

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: California,Santa Monica,Santa Monica Pier,Venice Beach,Malibu Beach,Pacific Coast Highway,LA,Big Blue Bus,Santa Monica Express Bus,Wilshire Grand Hotel,Third Sttreet Promenade,Cabo Cantina

Indiana, Indianapolis

 

 

 

The weather is pleasant for a summer afternoon as I leave the Hyatt Regency and cross the street for lunch at Champps. Should I have the 22oz Beer Special for $3.75 or a regular 16oz for $3.65.

 

Ummm, WWHSD? What would Homer Simpson do?

A Bar-B-Q pulled pork sandwich topped with Tabasco fried string onions, served with a side of coleslaw and potato chips, I think I have made the right choice.

Still in a beer research and sampling mode, my next stop is at the Rock Bottom Brewery.

Surprisingly cold inside, I guess because of the in house brewery. I am forced to take my 16oz case study (A Blue Moon Variant) to the outdoor street side patio.

 

 

With limited tables available, I am soon approached then joined by two locals Ron and Mel. As luck would have it, Ron and Mel are experts on the local Indianapolis scene. From local city businesses and the housing market condition to local music and nightlife, I am soon filled with Hoosier knowledge.

 

With outdoor cafes, a unique city center and great restaurants, downtown Indianapolis has a European feel to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anchored at the city center is a Monument Circle a part of a memorial to Indiana's veterans from the Civil War forward.

 

Fountains, open spaces and wide steps makes this a good place for a relaxing break.

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling adventurous, you can climb 332 steps to the top of the monument for great views of the city. The extra 6 ounces of beer from earlier in the afternoon make the $2.00 elevator ride more appealing.

 

Near Monument Circle I meet another local Hoosier.

A little on the heavy side and with an attitude, Chay is beautiful and she knows it.

Some rough neck scratching to break the ice and eventually she warms up to me.

 

 

It's a brief friendship as she is soon off to work giving a few customers a romantic and historic carriage ride around the city.

 

South from Monument Circle, I am reminded that one of my favorite drugs Prozac has it's foundation right here in Indianapolis.

A plaque honoring the company founded in May 1876 by Colonel Eli Lily can be seen along Meridian Street.

 

 

Don't worry if Prozac does nothing for you. Need to get up in the next 36 hours, Eli Lily also has a product for you.

 

In close proximity to downtown you will also find Lucas Stadium home to Peyton Manning and the NFL Indianapolis Colts.

 

 

 

 

 

All is quiet in the afternoon as I pass through the “Wholesale District” Indianapolis nightlife and cultural center.

Here you can find a great Jazz and Blues Bar the “Slippery Noodle” founded in 1850.

My local sources tell me it is worth the return trip after dark.

Ummm, WWHSD?

 

For more on Downtown Indianapolis visit: http://www.indydt.com/

 

Technorati Tags: Downtown Indianapolis,Indianapolis Colts,Peyton Manning,Champps,Rock Bottom Brewery,Homer Simpson,Slippery Noodle Inn,Monument Circle,Prozac,Eli Lily,Colonel Eli Lily,Blue Moon,Wholesale District,Lucas Stadium,Hoosier,Indiana

Indiana, USS Indianapolis CA-35

 

 

 

Mention Indianapolis and for most people like myself, the INDY 500 and Danica Patrick or the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning comes to mind. Few think of the NBA Indiana Pacers or the USS Indianapolis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, I have a history lesson that will forever be etched in my heart and mind when I think about Indianapolis. I have always had and always will have respect for those that serve our country and defend my freedom. On this Saturday afternoon I am privileged and honored to meet a few great men that served long before I was born.

 

 

USS Indianapolis, named after this great city played a significant role in World War II and sacrificed the majority of it's crew in doing so.

Assigned a top secret mission, the ship sailed from the US West Coast near San Francisco.

 

 

 

 

Unknown to it's crew it delivered the Atomic Bomb, “Little Boy” that was dropped on Hiroshima, August 5th 1945.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul, a Signal Man First Class from West Virginia (According to Paul, The Best State in The Union) joined the US Navy at age 17. This was in 1944 after he dropped out of high school. Awakened in the middle of the night because his commander wants to double the night watch, Paul reports to his position on the bridge.

 

 

Around midnight from the bridge, Paul witnesses a kamikaze attack that destroys the area of the ship where he would have been sleeping.

Today at 83, he is cheerfully trying to recruit me into the US Navy.

 

 

 

On July 30^th 1945, the USS Indianapolis is attacked and sinks after being hit by two Japanese torpedoes. To date, it is the worst US Naval disaster. 880 men lost their lives in a most horrific way. Only 317 survived.

 

 

 

 

To what do you attribute your survival? I ask Louis (Kayo) a survivor.

He somberly points skyward and tells me a part of his story.

In the water with only a life vest and surrounded by sharks, his will to live and not drinking the salt water allowed him to survive 4 nights and 5 days.

 

 

 

I spend the next hour hearing more amazing stories from true American heroes.

One survivor tells me he did not even know a nuclear bomb had been dropped until he was recovering in a hospital after being rescued.

 

 

 

I am indebted for their service along with their personal sacrifices and gladly purchase an autographed book with their stories. For me it will be a treasured keepsake.

 

 

Thanks Paul, Thanks Louis and to all who served on the USS Indianapolis CA-35.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Technorati Tags: Indiana,USS Indianapolis,Hiroshima,Little Boy,Atomic Bomb,Danica Patrick,Indiana Pacers,Indianapolis Colts,Peyton Manning,Signal Man First Class,West Virginia,Indy 500,US Worst Naval Disaster