The arcade took me back to the summers my family spent on Catalina Island. There was an arcade across the street from the small beach in Avalon. We usually stayed at an inn, or would share a house with my parent's friends somewhere near the boardwalk. My sister and I must have been 8 and 10-ish (I'm older). My parents would give us $5 each and we would spend hours in that arcade! $5 wouldn't last five minutes in the Newport arcade... But even the smell took me back. Saltwater, electronics and filthy beach kids. I think that may have been the first time that my sister and I could roam somewhat free.
Aunt Michele had told us about a cliff walk in Newport that she thought was amazing. At breakfast, an older couple told us it's a must see and that we should definitely do the hike before we leave town. The kids agreed, and were eager to check it out.
The path was an easy walk along the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. We took the "40 Steps" down to where the surf meets the rocks below. We had a great time climbing on the rocks and posing for pictures. As we got closer to the water, the rocks became really slippery. I started to slip and luckily caught myself. The kids, of course, laughed and laughed. They reminded me of the the time I slipped and fell down a waterfall in Australia. I'm sure I've told them the story 100 times. 99 of those times is because they've asked me to tell it... And of course I always do. But seriously, since that fall, I'm always a little more cautious on slippery rocks.
There I was, on a hike in the treacherous mountains above Brisbane, Australia. Mt. Tamborine, I believe it's called. The name even sound treacherous... I decided it would be good idea to climb into the waterfall to pose for a picture. That went without incident. But, as I made me way back to me fair maiden (My Ausie friend who took me hiking), I slipped something terrible and hit me head and shoulder on the slippery, but jagged rocks, before sliding the rest of the way down into the river below. As I came up for air, I was quite shocked that I was still alive! In a gesture to let me fair maiden know I was OK, I decided to lift my arms up, as a champion would do. But, only my left arm would rise. That was when I knew there was a problem. A big problem.
The ER doctor agreed as she sent me off with my x-rays and my arm in a sling. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday, mate," she said. "Thanks," I said. The next day I left Australia for New Zealand with a broken collar bone. And the rest, as they say in Newport RI, is history!
Now back to the cliff walk. It was gorgeous! As we got to one end of the path, we come upon a fine dining establishment that had a big green lawn overlooking the Atlantic. The kids were hungry, and so was I. I was pleasantly pleased to find clam chowder on the menu. As a long time lover of clam chowder, I have waited for this moment for a long time. Yum! It was my first ever clam chowder in New England, and man was it good!
And with that, we were off to Martha's Vineyard! Now, you can say a lot about Facebook. Good and bad. But one of the really good things for me, is reconnecting with old friends. After my first post about our trip, a dear old friend asked if we would be coming to Martha's Vineyard. I replied, "yes we are."
Paul Size and his family greeted us at their home in Martha's Vineyard with open arms, even though they had just gotten back from a European tour. Paul is the lead guitarist for the Red Devils and they spent the last six weeks on the road opening up for ZZ Top.
I haven't seen Paul in over 20 years. We've both gotten a little older, and slightly bigger, but otherwise, neither of us has changed... It was great catching up with Paul and meeting his wife, Amy, and three-year-old son Kai for the first time. Kai LOVES Bruder trucks and tractors. In fact, their driveway is like boy kid paradise! Jaden wasted no time jumping in with Kai and his trucks! It was very cute to watch the boys at work. Mazzy even jumped in for a little digging!
As the sun went down, we decided to head into Edgartown for some dinner. Parking was not easy, as the small town was packed with out-of-towners who "summer" there every year. After a few rounders, we did finally find a spot. Tonight, Mazzy's palette led us to a nice restaurant on the marina, called The Atlantic. The food and atmosphere was perfect! We ate and then over indulged on ice-cream at a local joint around the corner before heading back to Paul's house.
Paul and I did a little more catching up, and then went to bed. It's great to see old friends!
Day 5 – August 9, 2017
Start: Newport RI
Destination: Martha's Vineyard. Edgartown MA
State traveled through: Connecticut
Mileage (Muscle Car): 78.3 Miles
Mileage (Ferry): 8.1 Miles
Being Mazzy. I'm pretty sure she's having fun...
Mazzy got the high score on B-ball
hoops at the arcade!
hoops at the arcade!
A precious moment at the Cliff Walk in
Newport RI
The rocks and tide pools below the cliffs
My first clam chowder in New England!
Getting fancy in Rhode Island!
In the belly of the ferry to Martha's Vineyard
A dear ole' friend and his amazing family!
Boys being boys.
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