Day Five : Block Island!

This morning we woke up in Mystic.  We had a quick continental breakfast before starting our journey to Block Island.  The fog was thick as we drove, and it lasted a good part of the morning.  We met up with Aunt Betty and spent the day with her, hooray!  She was awesome enough to bring three adult bikes, I pulled the girls in the trailer, and we rented Ryan a tagalong behind Coleson.  We boarded the 9:30am ferry and rode most of the way in the fog.  It was a fun ride, but we couldn’t see much.  The ferry left from Port Judith, Rhode Island and took right at an hour to reach the island.  Fun fact we learned today : Block Island is the smallest city in the smallest state.  Once situated and on our bikes, we headed north up the island.  There are bikes everywhere, but also some cars, so it was a little bit unnerving, especially with my wide load.  But once I got used to the traffic flows, it was good.  The ride out wasn’t too bad, only one hill, but it was fairly doable.  We parked our bikes out on the end of the island by the beach.  We sipped delicious fresh lemonade from a food truck guy [there’s nothing commercial out there].  The kids had a great time playing in the water and soaking their shoes.  We skipped rocks and they dug in the sand – which worked even better after we were done with the lemonade and they could use the cups.  After playing for a bit, we headed towards the lighthouse.  We went far enough for some photo ops before turning back.  We saw lots of seagulls of course, but we also saw several baby ones which were really cute.  We found crab shells and snail shells, and the girls walked the balance beam on quite a few pieces of driftwood.  Abby found a torch/driftwood and tablet/rock and pretended to be the Statue of Liberty for awhile.  It was a beautiful beach with the ocean on one side and a pond on the other.  Like how I said pond?  I’m like an adopted northerner.  Pond = lake.  What a gorgeous place and a fun way to spend the morning.

The ride back towards the commercial, downtown area was waayy harder.  Unless of course, you are Chloe.  Then you fall asleep in the bike trailer.  I couldn't believe it when I glanced back and saw her.  She was out.  Her poor head bobbing all over.  Abby tried to help her hold it back, but Chloe didn't seem to care either way.  So, as I was saying, for the rest of us : Lots of uphills, but the biggest issue was the headwind.  I felt like I was blowing backwards, it was crazy.  By the time we stopped for lunch, we were pretty much worn out.  The trailer is heavy, but at least I’m used to it and it’s sturdy.  I pulled that most of the way, but I did do the tagalong for a mile or so as well.  That thing was absurdly awkward.  I felt like I had no control at all, we wiggled to and from, and I couldn’t go in a straight line to save my life.  So needless to say, when we finally ate lunch at 2:00, eight miles later, it was delicious :)  We dined at The Beachead.  [I think it’s Beach head, but it only has one “h” and is one word].  The food was great, and the view from the porch couldn’t be beat.  We had shade, fresh sea air, ice cold water, and the yummiest french fries – what more could you want?  [besides maybe some Coke, us Atlanta folk don’t do all this Pepsi].  After lunch, I rode the tagalong back to the rental place, while Coleson and the kids picked us out a magnet.  All in all, we did about nine and a half miles on the bikes.  We attempted to catch the 4:00 ferry, but it was pulling out as we came running down. 

Aunt Betty hung out by the shops, and the five of us used the extra time to walk out on one of the jettys.  They have these awesome jettys all around this area – massive rock walls out into the ocean.  They block the waves and divide the beach and other useful stuff, but they are also really cool looking and really cool to climb on.  Ryan was off and running.  Literally.  I can’t tell you how many times we had to yell for him stop and wait for us.  Abby did great as well, and even Chloe enjoyed them, although she needed a good bit of help.  We made it all the way to the end of our jetty.  It went straight out and curved back around, creating a calm, pool area where boats were tied up and people were swimming.  We then did a couple more stores since Mommy hadn’t gotten to shop the first time around.  Coleson and I picked our vacation souvenirs - Block Island shirts, and then we went ahead and boarded the ferry for the 5:15 return.  Instead of benches, this time we had green movie theater type seats.  The kids loved them and drove us crazy hopping from one seat to another.  We were on the middle level, so we were inside, although there were open windows everywhere.  It was much warmer in there then it was on the breezy rooftop on the way to the island.  Aunt Betty took a short nap, I found a small Coke, and we returned to the mainland about 6:15.  Without the fog, we had much better views.  New England has some great architecture and charm.  Once the ferries dock, the first thing off are the cars.  Surprisingly, it’s really fun to watch the cars drive up from the bottom level of the boat and head up the dock.  This morning it was mostly work trucks and landscapers and even a Direct TV van.  Tonight it was all cars – Betty counted 19.  It’s almost as good as a parade!  We were reunited with the bikes, and walked back to the cars.

We made it to our hotel here in Warwicke RI, just outside of Providence, somewhere around 7 or 7:30.  The kids kept occupied on the drive here with a sheet of yellow dot stickers.  One at a time they covered their mouths and eyes with stickers and then asked for pictures.  They were happy and there was lots of laughter coming from the back :)  Once here we unloaded, took much needed showers, and then went to dinner at Wendy’s.  I know, I know, it’s not exciting, but when it’s after 8:00 and everyone’s tired, you choose quick and easy.  Plus the adults, at least, were still digesting our huge and very late lunch! 

We had a great time with Aunt Betty, and we are so happy and grateful that she spent the day with us and helped us with the biking.  She’s an amazing biker and has done some awesome rides and trips; it was nice having a pro :)  But mostly we just love her company and getting to see her.  She’s staying here at the same hotel, so we’ll meet up with her again for breakfast.  She and Ricky are headed to Pittsburgh after this, and we won’t be able to see them later in the week in Weekapaug, so I’m super happy that today worked out.  It was nice to chat, and we also got to see dress pictures for Chris and Meghan’s upcoming wedding.  We’re looking forward to a nice trip up for that in October [without kids.  Yikes and yahoo all at the same time.]

I really enjoyed our day on the island.  And of course being outside and getting exercise and sharing family time are three of my very favorite things.  Thankful for a fun day!  Good night all, off to get some much needed sleep!