I was sitting at my desk one workday in 2002 and
my friend Julie called. “What are you
doing next Tuesday?” she asked. I looked
at my calendar. July 23 was clear. “Nothing.” I replied. She then uttered the most glorious words I’d
heard in a long time. “Do you want to go
to Nantucket for the day for $99?” (or
something to that effect). Oh. My.
Gosh. One of my dreams was coming
true.
Julie’s friend’s sister (?) worked for ATA Airlines
and we were able to get the family rate on a non-stop flight from Indianapolis
to Nantucket Island. Are you
serious?!
On the morning of our adventure, we were up at the
crack of dawn and flew to Nantucket.
Julie, her friend, her friend’s mom and me. I still couldn’t believe it.
The island was just as I had imagined. Lovely cottages with gardens in full
bloom. A quaint main street with a
plethora of shops and restaurants. Fresh
seafood. The smell of saltwater in the
air. Pure heaven.
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| Main Street |
We walked around for a while having such a fun time
and then for some reason I got it in my head that we should rent bicycles. I’m into bikes and the thought of cruising
around seeing the sights by bicycle seemed like a good idea. We could see more of the island in less
time. Eventually Julie agreed and we
split from her friend and her mom, and we went to a bike rental shop. The map looked easy enough and not too long
of a ride. And that’s where things went
downhill.
Once you left the main town, there was not much to
see. There’s water and tall grass. And some lighthouses. Pretty, but not super exciting. And it was hot. Wow it was hot away from the water. We brought shorts to change into, but no
extra undies. And what we thought was a
short jaunt turned into a much longer ride.
When we got back, we stopped at a public restroom and
tried to clean up with soap/water and paper towels so we wouldn’t reek on the late evening plane ride back home. Thinking back, it was kind of funny. Why was I so insistent on renting bikes? Why not do a boat ride? Why not just walk around more? I wish Julie had said, “Stop asking about
bikes! It’s too hot!” But she is a good friend and was trying to
appease me. The fault was mine.
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| I was smiling. Julie probably was not. |
In looking for photos of this trip, I couldn’t find
any. None. I know I had some, because I have a colored
pencil drawing of the Sankaty Head Light that I drew in an art class not
long after that trip. Luckily, Julie
found some photos and sent them to me. Unfortunately, no pictures of her or the
others.
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| Brant Point Lighthouse |
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| my photo shoot at Brant Point |
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| Sankaty Head Light |
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| my interpretation of Sankaty Head Light |
One random side note on the trip – we saw the actor Mike O’Malley
several times on the island, and I swear he was on our plane too.
Over the years I’ve thought about how I would like to
go back for a longer trip. Or for my
honeymoon (someday…) Until then I’ve discovered
a way to transport myself to the island by reading Elin Hilderbrand
books, which are set on Nantucket. The
first book of hers that I read (and still my favorite) is Blue Bistro.
My one trip to Nantucket was fabulous and memorable. ATA is no longer in business, so I’m thankful
that I had the opportunity to make a quick, inexpensive trip. And
that Julie invited me and I could share the experience with her. What a Beautiful Day!
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