Salsa and Vineyards

After laying low Friday night, I was energized Saturday morning to do my weekly long run: 20 miles. I am starting to feel optimistic that a marathon is in my future. Running is my favorite way to get to know a new area, so it was the perfect opportunity to see the lay of the land. I ended up in Woods Hole--a nearby costal town with quaint shops and restaurants. I also stumbled upon the Nobska Lighthouse on the peninsula, which was a point of interest that I had planned to visit at some point during my time here. It was a stunning morning, ideal weather, and one of my best runs.

Still with energy, I rented a bike that afternoon and headed to the Shining Sea Bikeway--an 11-mile railroad route that was later converted into a bike path, which runs from North Falmouth to Woods Hole. Biking is my second favorite way to explore a new place, so I really enjoyed the trail. I will definitely be back, probably on foot next time. Between the morning run and afternoon bike ride, the outdoor activities made for a perfect day--the way I would prefer to spend every Saturday.

But the night had just begun! After my adventurous day, I spent the night in Boston with Jenalyn and our co-worker, April. We went to a Tibetan restaurant, where I ordered a tasty curried chicken. After dinner, we went salsa dancing across the street. Between the latino music and dancing, it was an absolute blast.

Although I wanted to sleep-in after such an exhausting and active day, I woke up early on Sunday to travel to the nearby island of Martha's Vineyard. I was looking forward to a quiet, solo adventure. From Woods Hole, I took a 45-minute ferry ride to the small island. The weather was chilly (50s), but the sun felt good. Still, a change from the 70 degree weather and humidity in South Carolina.

Vineyard's Haven was my first stop, where I walked down Main Street and along the local beaches. Similar to the general vibe of the Cape, Martha's Vineyard is a "seasonal" destination, with most shops closed for the season. Nevertheless, it was still pretty and worth the trip.

Unfortunately, the bike shops were also closed, so I walked about three miles to Oak Bluffs (should have done more research). This small town had a similar feel to Vineyard's Haven, except with a scattering of "gingerbread cottages."

Finally, four miles down the road lay Edgartown. Past the ice cream parlors and homemade fudge shops on Main Street was the Giant Pagoda Tree--the oldest and largest of its kind in North America, which was carried from China in a flower pot in 1837. Also in the area was the Memorial Wharf and Lighthouse Beach, with great views of the harbor and Aquinnah Cliffs.

Around sunset, I caught the bus back to Vinyard's Haven and the ferry back to the mainland. All in all, a tiring but exciting first weekend on the Cape!