Also sincere thanks and appreciation to Globe Pequot and Amy Lyons, friend and mentor Andy Borsari and his wife Elvira, friend and mentor Mark Wile, Philip Elliott Hopkins, Rockport High School and classmates, The Office of the Mayor of Gloucester, Captain Gussy Contrino and his wife Gretchen, Twin Lights soda proprietor Pierce Sears, The Cape Ann Museum, Rockport Inn & Suites, The Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber, Saint Peters Club, My coworkers at Daisy Buchanans, DeeAnn Walker, Mary Beth from Salem, Christine Kostka Cohen, Geno Mondello, The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Whale Cove crew, Allegra from Beverly, Wellfleet Harbormaster Will Sullivan, Chronicle TV host Ted Reinstein, and Paul Jackson.
The path to enlightenment... or at least, to sand between your toes. This is Dionis Beach: loved for its dunes, beach grass, and bright white sand.
Your first sight upon entering beautiful Nantucket Harbor is Brant Point Light. Its perched at the tip of a sandy peninsula that juts out into the harbor. The current tower was constructed in 1901, but there have been nine other towers here since 1746.
A couple strolls down the sandy path to iconic Sankaty Head Light. This heavenly scene plays out on the eastern edge of the island, overlooking the ocean and Sankaty Head Golf Club. The lighthouse was built in 1850, and is still operational.
Nantucket doesnt allow any chain stores, and downtown has great New England charm, with flower-lined streets and brick sidewalks.
The historic Old Mill in Nantucket is the earliest working mill in America, built in 1746.
Early summer in Sconset village means roses. The homes here have gardens with riots of flowers competing for sunshine, and perhaps camera clicks. This one got to me... its like something from a fairytale.
On the ferry ride to Marthas Vineyard we had the great fortune to encounter this beautiful schooner, as we passed Nobska Point Lighthouse in Woods Hole. The ferry ride to the Vineyard is a perfect sightseeing opportunity if you like boats and lighthouses.
Overlooking the Elizabeth Islands and Vineyard Sound is Gay Head Light. The lighthouse stands 50 feet tall, and was built in 1856. The eye is always watching.
There are breathtaking cliffs at the far western edge of the island, in the town of Aquinnah. At 150 feet above sea level, you can see parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island from here.
High upon the marsh in the village of Menemsha is an amazing bronze statue that commemorates harpoon swordfishermen. Jay Lagemann designed it.
Its a tropical scene of aquamarine, at Menemsha Beach.
Edgartown Harbor Light sitting pretty on Lighthouse Beach by the entrance to the harbor. The current lighthouse tower was built in 1939, and it stands 45 feet tall.
On the beach next to the lighthouse, a person and a gull are equally interested to see if the fish are biting today.
A row of Gingerbread Houses in Oak Bluffs.
A fine day in June at Saints Landing Beach. This narrow beach with light sand is in the sheltered area of Cape Cod Bay, so the surf is usually light and tranquil.
Sandwich
In the East Boat Basin at the Sandwich Marina is the Annie Wilder. Its a beautiful, narrow, forest green boat, and I just love her rakish angles.
Dexters Grist Mill has been in operation since around 1654. Early settlers here used the mill to grind corn into meal, one of their most important means of sustenance. The mill is still in operation, with freshly ground cornmeal available for purchase.
At over a thousand feet long, the Sandwich Boardwalk is a fun stroll that leads directly to the beach. It features an ideal view of Mill Creek and the marsh as you cross it. The area along the boardwalk is full of biodiversity, providing a healthy ecosystem for birds, mammals, and marine life. This includes shellfish like oysters, crabs, and periwinkles. It also includes endangered bird species, like the piping plover.