Road Trip - Let the Good Times Roll

If anyone watched the movie Road Trip from 2000 (or even the trailer for that matter) there was nothing fun or good about that flick. My recent Road Trip with Nancy and Melissa however, was all fun with loads of good times.

After packing up the MVY rental house and the car to the hilt, we waved good-bye to Massachusetts and the East Coast heading to our new adventure in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a journey of approximately 1500 miles. First stop beautiful Niagara Falls, NY. My expectations were not the highest. Yes, there is a touristy feel, but it does not take away from the spectacular and amazing power of Mother Nature. The mist rises regardless of the weather and can be seen for miles as 600,000 US gallons per second flow over the falls!

Less than 24 hours later we were on the road again traveling west and south along the Canadian border on our way to Chicago, IL (Chitown to us mid-westerners). There was no construction or tolls, little traffic, smooth roads and the On Route areas were new and clean! Tim Horton's was the fast food choice at every stop. We thought it must be the Canadian version of McDonald's and were pleasantly surprised that healthier options were offered- soups and sandwiches as well as donuts and other pastries that we by passed even though they looked fresh and delicious.

Although there are a few wind turbines in MA (on Cape Cod and MVY) I had not previously seen a wind farm. This part of Canada seems perfect for them because the terrain is very flat and there is nothing but corn and soybean fields for miles and miles. We re-entered the USA through Detroit (a pretty skyline from afar), crossed the state to drive along the shore of Lake Michigan, through not so beautiful Indiana where a billboard proclaimed that 4,000 plus bridges statewide were in need of repair! It was an 8 hour plus drive and the skyline of Chitown was a welcome sight. We packed two days and three nights with sightseeing, dining, and wining. An architectual boat cruise along the Chicago River (wonderfully informative, hope I can retain some of the info imparted),

Navy Pier and the ferris wheel (I couldn't take a picture as we were all a little freaked out because it was so high),

the famous Bean,

the biggest and coolest amphitheater,

drinks at Trump Tower,

and the cherry on the sundae, a tour of Wrigley Field and the club house.

Then it was on the road again to our final destination -- HOME! We even played the tourist in Minneapolis taking a segway tour which was a blast,

but the main event was moving into the new digs.

Thanks Melissa and Nancy for partaking of a road trip with Tour Guide Barbie, helping with the move, and most important making memories. Love you!

Memories.......

After a relaxing two week beach side vacation at The Ponte Vedra Inn and Club and saying a sad good-bye to our PVB friends, Colleen and I arrive by ferry in early June. She, ready to get to work earning spending money for college at Nell and 20 Main. Me, ready to get to work on the building phase of our new house. We are both happy to arrive on "Paradise North".

Building gets off to a slow start, but the constantly sunny, warm days allow the architect and builder to make up precious time. The plan, to have the house buttoned up in time for the cold winter. So far, so good.

Rachel arrives for her summer adventure with Aunt Mary. Her promised job having fallen through, she pounds the pavement and scours the shops with Colleen and quickly secures a position as a sales clerk at The Black Dog on Main Street and agrees to babysit the caretakers 6-year old son. This is her first night on island enjoying dinner with a view at The Boathouse.

It must be Wednesday! A local up island bake shop with an outdoor pizza oven opens to the public every week. You bring your own toppings (or not depending on your preference), drinks, and chairs, they provide the dough and extras for a nominal fee. Delicious, but you cannot be a germaphobe and remember the bug spray. We didn't and were almost eaten alive.

July 4th. So much FUN! Em arrived with multiple friends in tow. First order of business, a beach day. Then a little backyard golf game. The boys are tenting because of tight quarters in the house. I think they liked it better outdoors anyway :)

July 4th wouldn't be complete without the traditional home made flag cake and kid photo.

Off to dance the night away at The Boathouse. I won't ever be able to think of 7/4 without remembering Dynamite and Don't Stop Believin' and watching the kids own the dance floor. A brief intermission to watch the fireworks over the harbor and then back to dancing!!!

The revelers.

Finally figured out what a good beach vehicle is for us, a 4wheel drive Jeep Rubicon. Jim found a 2003 "Tomb Raider" version with 3400 miles. Still needs a little pimpin', but no worries about getting stuck in the sand with this baby.

Running errands with the top off.

Dinner on the beach one night. Beautiful, just Colleen, Rachel and I, not another soul in sight, just the way I like it even if it was a little chilly.

We did multiple kayaking trips. The first was on Sengekontacket Pond. Fun, but not too exciting, we lasted about an hour.

Next we ventured to Lambert's Cove for an evening kayak. This was much more fun! We kayaked out about 6 pm, played team kayak frisbee, crossed the channel to the ocean side beach and had a lovely picnic of champagne (water for the underage), crab dip, lobster rolls and cookies. Enjoyed a beautiful sunset and then kayaked back along the shore in the dark with glow sticks and watched the phosphorescent organisms in the water light up like fireflies.

No summer on MVY would be complete without a beach day regardless of the weather. It's all about family, friendship, and fun.

Mel, Nancy, Evan and Colleen.

Mel - relaxing and celebrating after the job search is over.

Em and Kevin happy to escape city living for awhile.

The chefs.

Day is done.

And summer comes to a close too fast. Our last night on MVY before heading off to take Rachel home to Virginia and celebrate 35 years of tradition -- the Crab Bash. Bye-bye MVY until next time!