Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Block Island getaway

We have been hammered with so much snow and rain this year that the first sign of sunshine found us scrambling to make the best of it. We had to take a vacation. Only, I picked a place that was just a little colder than we imagined it would be...Rhode Island. The forecast said it would be nice and sunny, in the mid-60's. What we didn't realize is that we had to factor in the cold sea breeze, so a 65 degree temperature turned out to be 45-50 degrees. But, we were on vacation (if you can call a 2-day trip a vacation), so we didn't really mind. Barely dodging the floods that had ravaged the state a few days earlier, we drove to Point Judith and took the ferryacross to Block Island, where we spent the weekend. I grew up in a beach town, so I soaked in the familiar sights and smells of the harbor.Though it was literally the first weekend of the season, the ferry was packed. Probably a lot of people like us, who were dying to get away!

A fellow passenger on the ferry, all set to partae
Leaving Point Judith behind
Block Island, as you can see, is a not-so-bustling little town, just opening it's doors to tourists, after a long, laid-back winter.


An artsy storefront

We checked into the 1661 Inn...a nice little B&B on the island...one of the very few that are open year-round. The island was shrouded in mist most of the weekend, hence the ghostly pic.

Our living quarters

...complete with bike stand.

Complimentary decanter of brandy in the room was a nice touch.
We lunched at the only open restaurant on the island. Ah! Clam chowder...how I cherish thee!
We biked along the road overlooking the beach. It doesn't look too hilly, but to the novice cyclist that I am, it was! We didn't bike much, but every steep mile left me gasping. We managed to get some decent pics before the sun disappeared.By the time we got the the lighthouse, the mist had completely taken over. We were told that on sunny days, we could see seals basking on the rocks. Of course, no such luck on a misty day like this!
Dinner was at Sharky's, another place that had magically opened by dinner time. We opted for clam chowder (again!), a fried squid appetizer and shared a seafood platter. The waitress served us the main course, then promptly knocked a glass of merlot onto DH's lap, staining the only pair of jeans he had brought on the trip. The poor woman was mortified. DH took it in stride...it takes a lot to ruffle the guy. The food was delicious and we tucked in, despite having eaten a huge lunch and a pre-dinner, brandy-accompanied snack.

I had to force myself out of bed at 7, but I don't get to run on the beach everyday, so I had to do it. It was not much of a run as I am still recovering from tendonitis, but with only the waves and the shrieking gulls for company, it was a serene experience.

15 comments:

zzz said...

Beautiful pics. Sounds like you got a well deserved but short vacation.

asdhley said...

I love these pictures! It looks like you had a great weekend!

ajh said...

This is a wonderful post. I love the ocean too! I am headed for the Outer Banks on Friday and I can't wait. I have never been to Block Island but it looks great especially early in the season!

Marlene said...

What a nice little town! Looks like a great getaway, even if the conditions weren't ideal. You'll have to plan another trip for a hot & sunny summer weekend.

Heather said...

Looks like a great getaway! I have never been to the east coast and definitely have a trip like that on my to do list. :)

Erica said...

Being from the Boston area, these views look so familiar :) Love little spots like this. Glad ya'll had fun. Just gorgeous

Beth said...

Beautiful pictures and it sounds like a wonderful get away. I'm sorry you are still feeling your tendonitis. I totally agreed with your comment about the Born to Run book. I liked it but it was hard to know how much to buy into the whole barefoot running thing. I think if you have great form and aren't injury prone that you can get away with a lot more than if you have mechanical issues. It has definitely motivated me to get to the root of my issues and try to get out of my orthotics. We'll see. Good luck and I hope you are 100% soon.

I Run for Fun said...

ahj and Heather, Block Island is definitely worth a visit.

Beth, I agree...for people who are used to decades of running in shoes, barefoot running may cause more harm than good! I am starting to walk barefoot around the house and jog a few minutes on the treadmill to see if it will help at all.

Srividhya Ravikumar said...

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lauren said...

Your pictures are awesome - what a cute town! I have never been to rhode island, but we definitely need to plan a trip up that way!

Lindsay said...

what a beautiful place! i have only been to RI once when i was a young teen/pre-teen, so i don't remember much (or where we went). my cousins vacation at block island often - maybe i will have to bum a vacation with them! :)

Ali said...

I love all your pictures. My favourite is the last one, that house is my dream house. right on the beach ... heaven. Sounds like a great trip.

Mica said...

What a fun trip! I love little island B&B's. How lovely, I wish I could visit one right now.

Good for you, getting up at 7am for a beach run!

Irene said...

I was having computer issues last week and couldn't comment on your last blog post!

Beautiful pictures! So calm.

erica said...

wow! Absolutely beautiful! Sounds like a fabulous vacation! I just came across your blog and love it!

Have a fabulous day!

xo