Okkkkkklahoma

My cousin Dan and his wife Tracy are currently living outside of Albany. They made the 5 hour drive to catch the ferry and the rest of the story goes something like this... 

There were dozens of people waiting at the ferry landing, but I think my pacing and constant change of location for hopes of a better view made me stand out. When Dan and Tracy came off the boardwalk a stranger remarked "about time you got here, she's been waiting forever!" (I had really been waiting about 10 minutes). 



We started with a picnic on the island of Chappy. My roommate Sharon told me I HAD TO get Cape Cod potato chips to go along with our chicken salad sandwiches, so I obliged. Leading up to this point was pretty much a blur- I think I overdosed on adrenaline. 



Tracy was anxious to break in her new camera- and I think her 500+ pics achieved that. We went to the Japanese gardens, Mytoi, where we both enjoyed the Fox Gloves especially. 

A trip to Chappy isn't complete without a visit to the Cape Pogue Lighthouse, so that was the first of our lighthouse tour! Next was the Edgartown Lighthouse back on the 'main' island.

I've been wanting to stop and take a picture by the Oklahoma Ave sign since I first saw it. There aren't any other state street names, but somehow Oklahoma made it onto the island.

Exploring entitles you to ice cream. We tried out one of the many local ice cream places and were pleased with our findings. 



I took Dan and Tracy to one of my favorite spots- Offshore Ale. They treated me and my roommates to oysters on the halfshell, brews, and lobster mac and cheese!

 


The Strawberry Moon on the solstice was really pretty over the ocean. 

Not Pictured: Backdoor Donuts. Dan and Tracy got to smell, wait in line, and subsequently taste the hot, fresh apple fritters. Pictures wouldn't have done this experience justice anyway.

I picked the kids up Tuesday morning for another full day. We checked out Blackdog Cafe and then continued up island to the Aquinnah Cliffs.

Lighthouse number 3 was the Gayhead Lighthouse. 





I drove Dan and Tracy to Lobsterville (yes that's really what it's called) to see the shore on the up island side. We also got to view this osprey and its chicks way up on their special osprey pole.



We made a pit stop at Alley's General Store, 7A coffee, and the Field Gallery in Chilmark. 

Next on the agenda was Polly Hill Arboretum. There were tons of gorgeous trees and shrubs in bloom and the weather was pretty cooperative. 

 




Lunch was....more seafood! I was making fun of Dan for eating so much seafood, but in retrospect I think I ate more! Net Result is a good spot for an easy seafood lunch- I ordered a fish sandwich and Dan got the steamed lobster!

We headed back to my place for some down time and to pick up Dan's herb bread. This is a recipe made famous by his mom. We both had great memories of the bread, but neither of us had enjoyed it in years. 



I hadn't checked out Bad Martha's Brewery yet, so we all got to experience it for the first time together! It was a super cool spot as it is nestled in a nursery. There were rocking chairs, flowers everywhere, and a cool "porch" to sit on. 

After this is when I strayed from seafood, but Dan kept the streak going with a lobster roll.

Then we headed to the Martha's Vineyard Sharks baseball game. This is a collegiate league comprised of athletes from schools all over the country. The team has a pitcher from OU that was pitching that night!






It meant so much to me that Dan and Tracy went to such lengths to come visit me! There's nothing quite like talking to people that know your life and your family.  I'm glad I'm living in a fun place that isn't too bad for a little vacation :)