Reconnections and New Discoveries

Hanging on the porch

The week of July 24th was the first visit to our cottage for our longtime traveling friends, Pat and Glenn Demanche. It was a long overdue visit.  Typically, we spent considerable time rocking and talking on the porch, where the people watching is exceptional (Are we watching them or are they watching us?).   In addition to time on the porch, we walked around Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, went to the beach, enjoyed a fritter at Back Door Donuts and an ice cream at Ben and Bill’s, participated in community sing at the Tabernacle, had dinner on the porch and at the Lookout.  These are normal Vineyard activities when we have visitors.

Community Sing

Dinner at the Lookout

However, our annual pilgrimage up-island to Menemsha, Chilmark and Aquinnah was the highlight of their visit.  We stopped at the West Tisbury Grange for the Artisans’ Fair.  The artwork is creative and awe-inspiring.  Wendy had a chance to visit with John Holladay, newly retired Falmouth High School teacher, who shows his work there.  We travelled to Menemsha for lunch, we had chowder and sandwiches on the docks.  We didn’t see Jaws in the water but one of the fish markets was preparing a thrasher shark that was caught that morning.

Artisans' Fair

Menemsha

Our next stop was at Gay Head, what a spectacular view!  The clay cliffs, Elizabeth Islands, Nomans Island, and Vineyard Sound are beautiful.  We even watched someone fly a drone over the cliffs while we were there.  We climbed to the top of the Gay Head Lighthouse, too.  Finally, after a quick stop at Alley’s General Store, we experienced Chilmark Chocolates.  This was a new find for us!  After waiting in line, we bought beautiful, yummy cashew clusters, Tashmoo truffles and butter crunch.  OMG!  This is definitely a keeper! 

Gay Head Light

Gay Head

A big thanks to Pat and Glenn for introducing us to Chilmark Chocolates!  We had a wonderful time reconnecting!