Vignette of Martha's Vineyard

We took far too many photographs on our vacation to Massachusetts to post, but I wanted to share some taken on our final day at Martha's Vineyard. A highlight of our trip was taking a cruise on the "Alabama," an old sailing ship with a young, spirited crew. We were on board the ship for 3 hours enjoying the tranquillity of the open water. The photograph above was taken right before sunset - a dramatic sky over calm water.

I fell in love with the ship mascots - two lopey black labs, very sleepy by the time I took their picture! The name of the company providing our cruise was "Black Dog."

Here Kevin is scanning the horizon, the tall masts of the ship looming above him. It was amazing to watch the crew at work hoisting the sails and coiling the heavy ropes. They were full of energy, nimble, and strong.

Here's a look at the Alabama at rest, docked at the Vineyard Haven marina from where we started our cruise through Nantucket Sound.

After disembarking the ship, we dined at the Black Dog tavern, and we both had, what else? ... fish! Kevin chose wasabi crusted salmon and I had the catch of the day, island bluefish ... a first time experience for me ... and it was delicious.

The sailing cruise and dinner at the tavern were our last activities before heading home early the next morning ~ the perfect conclusion to a most memorable stay.