Monday 3rd July – Martha’s Vineyard

One of several osprey nests on the route along the river

It was a glorious morning on the Cape and we were reliably informed that the sea was as flat as a mill-pond.  It was perfect condition to take the jet boat over to Martha’s vineyard.  This is despite concerns having been raised that the boat was really more suited to fresh water use on lakes rather than tackling the open sea.  No one else seemed to want to join us, so Simon and I got our gear together and joined Michael and Russ on the dock to ready our ship.  Our confidence was somewhat undermined straight away.  As the boat was being lowered into the water the current pulled it downstream and we watched as the only rope between the boat and the land disappeared into the water and the boat started floating away from us!  Luckily there was another pontoon blocking its path and Russ was able to catch up with it and return it to us.  I think this had something to do with the decision that Russ then made, to join us and make up the numbers….

The crossing was quite bumpy at times but we made it to the marina at Martha’s Vineyard within about 40 minutes. Having moored the boat to a buoy we then caught the marina’s taxi-boat to shore.  The decision was made to stock up on a hearty lunch at one of the many cafes in the marina before walking it off by wandering around the lovely character houses and exploring the island. 

The marina at Martha's Vineyard

An example of the ornate houses on the island

Awesome VW camper van

As well as being known for beautiful scenery, another interesting fact for fact fans is that some of the movie Jaws was filmed here. Something that has been fully capitalised on by the gift shops here (right). 

The 'lads' - Michael and Russ larking about in the marina

Simon posing in the jet boat

We spent a few hours on the island before heading back with Russ at the helm.  Going against the tide this time, it took a little longer to get back.  We reached the house about 3pm, later than hoped, as we had an afternoon paddle boarding session planned.  We had to cut it short – Simon and I literally took turns to kneel and then stand on the board and I’m disappointed to report that neither of us provided any entertainment by falling in. The current was too strong for me so I ended up moving backwards despite attempting to paddle forward!

I think I had spent too much time in the sun today causing me to have a headache so I went for a little lie-down before dinner.  We had told everyone how much we’d enjoyed our sunset cruise last night so tonight there was a larger group of us who spent at least an hour out on the water watching the wildlife until it became too dark and cold to stay out any longer.

Sunday 2nd July – Full circle; the return to Massachusetts

That says Cape Cod.....

From our disappointing final campsite, we hit the road towards Cape Cod, Massachusetts having been warned about how heavy the traffic can be on Independence Day weekend.  In fact, it wasn’t that bad getting over the bridge to the peninsula so we were there in just over two hours.

For those of you who missed the early blog episodes, Massachusetts is where this whole trip began on 9^th October last year when we landed in Boston.  Before we left in our RV on 20^th October we had pencilled in our 4^th July celebrations having been invited by David and his parents to spend some time at their summer house in Cape Cod.  So here we were, as planned, but I have to say it feels like it has come around so quickly.  A few more months on the road wouldn’t have hurt if you ask me, but I’m not sure the bank manager would agree!

The whole idea of celebrating July 4^th in style sounded amazing last year and on arrival at the house we realised that our expectations had been blown out of the water.  

It was stunning, a sprawling, multi–level house with a dock on the river complete with sailing boat, jet boat and kayaks to paddle over to the private beach!  Why didn’t we make a bee-line here earlier?  There is also a plethora of things to see and do on the Cape so it was now a matter of trying to cram in as much as possible over the next few days.  We were introduced to other family and friends staying at Michael and Frances’ house.  As well as Tash, David and their three girls, David’s sister Christine was there with her partner Will and daughter Evelyn.  Then Frances’ brother Russ and his wife Julie and friends Belinda and Phil. A house-full of people who were keen to hear all about our adventures.  We were especially keen to show Frances and Michael the road atlas that was a gift from them and that had become such an integral part of our journey.  They could tell this from its now dilapidated state!

Despite the number of visitors, there was still plenty of rooms left in the house for us to stay inside.  However, we have become so comfortable in our RV that we hoped they wouldn’t be offended if we chose to stay in the camper which we’d parked on the driveway.  All we’d need would be to plug into an electric socket and we’d be set.  Except we had issues with that.  It was very warm but as soon as the air conditioning unit kicked in we were tripping the fuse because we were drawing too much power! We didn’t want to cause problems, so we resigned ourselves to staying in the house, sure it would be perfectly comfortable!  But Michael wouldn’t hear it, and despite our protestations, next thing we knew we were on our way to Home Depot via a scenic detour of the Cape including taking in the Kennedy’s compound.  The tour was great but Michael really didn’t have to buy a power lead that he may never use again once we’ve gone!  On returning to the house the new lead solved our power problems and we were set.

Meanwhile, everyone else had been preparing a dinner of chilli, rice and salad for us all.  Mid-meal, the evening was tinged when Eleri fell and smashed her chin on a heavy wooden chair.  The blood and tears flowed and it meant a trip to the emergency room for Tash and David.  Unbelievable.  For the second time we’ve visited in a row, poor Eleri has ended up in hospital.  And these are thankfully the only times she has ever been in hospital.  We felt like some kind of bad luck omen for her.

We went out to relax on one of the decks overlooking the water.  It was such a stunning view we went down to the river to get a closer look and started noticing some of the birds flying around. Russ joined us and our in depth conversation led to us getting an invite to join him on his boat up the river to take in the sunset and get a closer look at the osprey flying about.  

I could get used to this.

We Brits may quite rightly love our National Health Service, but thankfully Eleri was seen very promptly at the hospital and had her chin glued.  Better than getting stitches, but she will be bruised in the morning and it means that she must stay out of the water for the next week or so which may prove difficult in these surroundings.  But no lasting damage.

Everyone tucked into some good ol’ American Pie and Tash and I had a catch-up while I met her newest arrival, the very happy and smiley Aeofe (right). It felt good to be back amongst good friends knowing that we would have a really enjoyable few days ahead. 

Saturday 1st July – completing the 48 states!

Waking up in what was probably our last State Park of this trip, I went for a walk.  It wasn’t the most picturesque scenery and I had made the mistake of setting out without putting any mosquito repellent on, which tarnished the experience slightly, but I was still happy I had made the effort.

 

Checking out, we headed into New Hampshire to stock up on cheap booze for 4^th July celebrations and top up the gas to the max – we spent $73 on booze and another $73 on gas! Our preparation was not complete until we had visited a nearby Walmart for us both to have our last US haircuts.

Being the Saturday of Independence Day weekend, we struggled but finally managed to find a campground with space in the State of Rhode Island for our final night on the road.  It was a 2-hour and 20-minute drive through Massachusetts to Echo Lake and there it was – Rhode Island; we had completed the 48 states!!  

We had bought some bubbly to celebrate our achievement with but it didn’t seem fitting at this campsite.  How can I describe it?  It was very ‘local’.  The place was seething with families sharing a large field, most of whom were pretty drunk by the time we got there. Our site wasn’t exactly defined so people wandered right across it and there was no electricity or fire pit.  And it was $50 for the night.  Bit of a rip-off.

Spot our camping spot..... no, I can't either, it was basically parking in a field.

I think we both felt a little deflated to be honest, it wasn't the fanfares and exuberant atmosphere we had hoped for but we were still determined to make the best of the situation.  Si sparked up the BBQ and we had steak with sweet potatoes and cracked open some beers.  The best we could then do was sit back and watch as the family disco started and some of the worst songs in history were amplified into our ears.  That included the ‘birdy song’ so I don’t feel I need to explain any further!

After the disco, there were several illegal but lengthy firework displays overhead, which we took to be the rest of the revellers celebrating our achievement with us.  Or it may have been pre-4^th July celebrations?  You decide.