Our trip today was just under thirty miles. We left around 9am and got to Nantucket around 1pm. Again we are going to anchor out and we have found we can usually find a spot just outside of mooring fields. We entered the harbor and scoped out the listed anchorages but they were too far away for our liking. There were a couple of larger yachts anchored by the mooring field so we stayed away from them but found a spot for ourselves. We dropped the anchor and did our usual: waiting to make sure it had set. The nice thing we’ve noticed is that dinghy docks seem to be plentiful around here. That makes a big difference in our ability to easily get to shore, especially with the bikes. Once we had waited and made sure we were secured it was time to head to shore. We loaded up the bikes and set out for the dinghy dock. As we cruised to the dinghy dock we passed by some mega yachts. One was named “Friendly Confines” and was flying a Cubs flag. We speculated but couldn’t confirm that it was owned by the Cubs owner. Once on land we decided to visit Cisco Brewing, a highly praised establishment with an on site distillery called Triple 8. It was a beautiful 20 minute ride passed historic homes that all seemed to be competing for the best gardens. Although the brewery had ample out door space, it was packed and there was a pretty long line of not distanced patrons waiting to get in. We weren’t comfortable with the situation so we ordered some beer and a bottle of their blueberry vodka to go and took it to a beach about 20 minutes away. The brew was worth the trouble and the beach definitely worth the ride.
On the way back we stopped at a fancy market and got a couple of prepackaged meals and lemonade for the vodka. It will be nice to not have to eat our own cooking for a change. We made our way back to the boat and relaxed with dinner and cocktails, enjoying a perfect evening on the water.
Day 2- The next day Lauren had her heart set on visiting a town called Siasconset on the other side of the island. The area was settled as a fishing village in the 17th century. The core of one of the older fishing shacks known as “Auld Lang Syne” is believed to date from the 1670s, potentially making it one of the oldest houses on Nantucket. Various other cottages date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the houses were haphazardly expanded, contributing to the unique look of these Nantucket cottages.The bike paths on the island are extensive and nicely paved but it was still 8 miles one way. We headed out and enjoyed the ride for the first few miles. The last couple of miles I wasn’t enjoying it anymore, but we finally made it to town. We found a general store which had ice cream too, so we enjoyed some of cones. We biked around the town a bit and Lauren was aware of a ‘bluff walk’ she wanted to see. Travel + Leisure says this about it: “The ‘Sconset Bluff Walk (also known as the Cliff Walk) is the most scenic path in Nantucket. It goes from the picturesque village of Siasconset—where small fishing cottages covered in roses cluster along the bluff—to Sankaty Head Lighthouse. This public walkway cuts in front of some of the most beautiful properties on the island. To one side, walkers see lavish summer homes, and to the other, the bluff down to the Atlantic Ocean.” We found the beginning and walked it. It very much had breathtaking views. One of the residents left some painted shells on the path with nautical themed jokes. One of my favorites was “How do sailors wash their clothes? They throw it overboard and it’s washed ashore”
We ended up at the lighthouse- It was built in 1850, was automated in 1965, and is still in operation. It is located at the easternmost point of the island. It was one of the first lighthouses in the United States to receive a Fresnel lens. The lens has been called “the invention that saved a million ships.” We explored the grounds and found out this one was moved too due to the deteriorating cliffs. Now we had to bike back. We took a different path back and it was about the same distance. I was feeling pretty beat at this point. We finally made it in to town and back to the boat but not before grabbing some chowder and lobster roll at Sayles Seafood. I also got a pound of Nantucket Bay Scallops to cook later. We also made a quick stop at the grocery store for some supplies to take back with us. Frank was taken to shore and we relaxed the rest of the night.
Day 3- We hung out on the boat in the morning and took Frank to shore a couple of times. By afternoon we were back on shore and back on the bikes. I really didn’t want to ride far today so Lauren found some great spots close to town. We stopped at The Juice Bar Homemade Ice Cream. Lauren sure knows how to pick the spots! After our treat, we walked the cobblestone streets admiring the historical architecture and beautifully kept homes.
We took a short bike ride and ended up at Sandbar at Jetties Beach Bar & Restaurant, which is right on the beach. We had waited for happy hour and was able to get a table in the sand and enjoy the beverages. Later we stopped at Walters Deli for some sandwiches. I was happy we didn’t bike another twenty miles! We loaded the bikes and returned to Klondike. Tomorrow we are going to continue north and head to Fairhaven, Massachusetts…
