BIKING MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Arriving on Martha's Vineyard at Vineyard Haven we met up with the van and our bikes.

Starting at Vineyard Haven we biked to Telegraph Hill to see the East Chop Lighthouse. It was built in 1869 by Captain Silas Daggett and other local seafarers, frustrated with their unsuccessful lobbies
to build a light there.  Congress ultimately approved purchase of the light in 1875 - and it was known as the "Chocolate Lighthouse" during the 100 years it was painted reddish-brown.

We went on to Oak Bluffs to see see the famed Gingerbread Cottages - listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

After lunch we took the van to our hotel, the Harbor View Haven and Resort at Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard first colonial settlement and county seat since 1642.  The stately, white Greek Revival colonial houses built by the whaling captains have been carefully maintained.  For the past 100 years, Edgartown has been one of the world's great yachting centers.

The following day, cycling the lovely bike paths, we passed this

pretty lake with swans. (photo by Connie).

We stopped for a view of the ocean on our way to the spectacular Aquinnah cliffs, part of the Wampanoag reservation land. These dramatically striated walls of red clay are the island's main attraction.  (unfortunately I lost those pictures!)

The Aquinna Lighthouse, or Gay Head Light (Connie's photo) is perched at the top of the cliffs and is a working beacon that send an alternating white and red light in the night.

The historic fishing village of Menemsha, is home to families who have been in the fishing industry for generations.  It is also the town that Hollywood used in the movie Jaws.

There we enjoyed a delicious lobster roll for lunch at the Menemsha Fist Market, and had time to wander around the waterfront.  (Above photos are all provided by Connie Mccallum)

A stop at the Morning Glory Farm was the perfect opportunity for a group photo.