A Maine Event - Before Heading South

Tuesday, July 10

Today we're back on the road again on our own pair of wheels - initially accompanied by our two good friends: American-Ellen riding her big black cruiser, with Ronda in hot pursuit in the SUV [because she was obliged to move on swiftly to her workplace].

It was suggested that, as we're located in such close proximity to the State of Maine, then we should all go take a look, before we must sadly say our mutual farewells to each other.

So by late morning our three vehicular convoy, comprising of eight wheels in total, sets-off in a broad dog-legged easterly direction to one the most photographed coastal landmarks in Maine; conveniently perched on a handy rock at the extremity of Cape Neddick, the Nubble Lighthouse.

Its foghorn does work, BTW ...

.. and so say all of us, including this dedicated artist - who must have a mighty-fine and vivid imagination too!

In the public car park we spot a wannabee Pan-Europeaner. Actually it's a chap and his missus up from Kentucky, who has semi-converted his US-bought ST1300 into a Pan by adding aftermarket Pan-European emblems and an imported top-box trunk. He had me fooled for a moment though .. 'till he opened his gob and started ... er .. tawkin'

"Yup, I dun fixed-up them thar fine decals on this here 100 maul anar motorsickle. Shoot, not no-one's got them in ma entar AY-ree-uh, not no-how! She's a bewt tho ain't she? Baugh l just lurve this heeya motorsickle - yup, I got'it REAL bay-uhd"
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Methinks: 'Well now Baugh, I just can't wait to hit them thar southern states ... YEE-HAW!'
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And another BTW: As you can see, Rhonda is definitely, definitely in the market for a new lid .. There's just no bout to doubt it.

After a delicious lunch of steamed lobsters, plus tons of other seafoody-type accompaniments, in the close-by Nubble Lighthouse Restaurant - the weather starts to clear, and it is finally time to say goodbye to R&E, who have been THE most perfect of all hostesses.

Listen guys, we really hope that you carry out your promise and do indeed visit us in Cornwall next year. As you like coastline and good seafood, then you’ll just love it way down there in the very, very far southwest of England.

It's kisses and cuddles all round. We then head south towards Boston .. and beyond

Wednesday, July 11

Last night we travelled on down to Cape Cod; and the seaside township of Hyannis in particular, specifically to catch the morning's ferry to the nearby offshore island of Martha's Vineyard ...

.. home of and playground to the ill-fated Kennedy Family, amongst other world-famous personalities.

But as to a whistle-stop tour? ... (a) do we rent and ride one of the highly competitively priced scooter/motorcycles [$70]; or (b) take the more leisurely option of the bus [2 x tickets = $46]?

Not an easy decision to make. However, we hastily decide upon the easier, fully narrated (b) option

Here's the Gay Head (Aquinnah) Lighthouse, situated at the Island's western end, which guards the entrance to Vineyard Sound. Characteristically alternating its red ...

.. and white flash every 15 seconds

MY SUMMARY: Martha's Vineyard offers diversity to the visitor. It's obvious that the locals share a spirit of Yankee independence, which is probably due to their separation from the mainland.

With a land mass area of about two-thirds the size of England's south coast-based Isles of Wight, Martha's Vineyard is certainly worth a visit. Indeed, we had our first taste of American ‘Summer Brew’ beer here - and mighty fine stuff it is too ;o) ;o)

And another thing: Many scenes from the 1975 classic film 'JAWS' was shot around the island. Remember the swimmers all rushing out of the water in a frenzied panic? That was filmed on a Martha's Vineyard beach.

But I simply can't help but draw many parallels with the Isle of Wight. I dunno why? It can't be the money involved, as the two places are probably worlds apart when it comes to the issue of wealth [the IoW being much the poorer of the two by a straightforward per-capita comparison basis].

Maybe it's the varied colours of sand, and apparent cliff erosion, at Gay Head that reminds me so much of the IoW's Alum Bay. I just dunno at the end of the day. The two islands just feel similar to me?

Ho-hum