Thurs 16/8 7214 steps and about 70kms of cycling
One of my bucket list items was to cycle around Martha’s vineyard. So we set off on our bikes to the ferry. It was a bit scary due to traffic, but I am getting more confident which helps.
By the time we had our bikes sorted, there were hardly any chairs left on the ferry, so we split up. I ended up sitting next to wonderful lady, from Martha’s vineyard, who advised us on where to go. We chatted all the way over. She informed me that this was the busiest week of the year on Martha’s Vineyard and the Clintons and Obamas were on the island for some of the special events.
We arrived and soon were cycling off to South beach, as we were advised that it had waves. We took the back roads and bike paths and had a lovely ride. When we finally got there we thought we would be able to get something to eat there, but we were wrong. It is pretty undeveloped. Understandably, when you see the beach. It is a narrow strip of sand, with short quick dunking waves. The water is like soup and there are shells under the water, not sand. Still I went in and I must have provided some amusement for the many lifeless bodies soaking in the sun on their camping chairs, if they opened their eyes. This was not a beach as we know it.
We got back on our bikes and cycled to Edgartown where we shared a seafood board for lunch. I even ate oysters, which were very nice. We cycled back to the ferry, and then back to our campsite. It was a very long day. But well worth it.
Chuckle of the day: Me trying to be graceful in the water
What I learnt: As I was told by my new friend: The culture of Martha’s vineyard is changing. More and more rich people are buying homes for huge amounts and flock there for the summer. Some have little respect for nature and leave litter on beaches. Property prices and cost of living has soared. Come Spring, the “Vineyard shuffle” begins as landlords start to increase rent so permanent islanders such as police and teachers are forced out of their homes, setting up tents in the local campground or sharing with friends. Fishermen who have been there for generations, are struggling because the Japanese fish in the area and do not have to obey the USA fishing rules. There is racial tension between the locals and the many Brazilians who have moved to the island. They form the core of the labour force, but many are illegals.
How sad that such lack of respect for the environment as well as fellow humans exists in such a beautiful place.
Kim's journey 