Nantucket

We booked a cute little B&B right in the heart of Nantucket. I must admit, it was not my first choice as we are not a B&B family, but everything else was booked. Well actually there was one room left at the hotel I wanted to stay at but it was $2800 a night. Needless to say, that was out. Things are crazy expensive here, even our B&B rooms were $400/night. We had to get two rooms since each room only slept 2 people but fortunately, they were adjoining. Kids each had a twin bed and a bathroom in their room and Bill and I had a queen but no bathroom—-thankful for the adjoining door.

The breakfast room was literally right outside our bedroom door. Kind of crazy and I can’t imagine having one of the rooms that had to share the bathroom in the hallway. It really was like staying at someone’s house. Breakfast was delightful — so good in fact I had yogurt for the first time in 2 years. Delicious and thankfully no issues. Zach of course made himself right at home and met a Japanese couple the first morning pulling up a chair to their table and asking about suggestions of things to see in Tokyo. Language was limited but of course this did not deter him in the least.

I met another mom at breakfast who was there with her son. He was in 3rd grade and had just read Moby Dick so they came down from New York for the weekend to visit Nantucket. So fun. We talked about our shared love of reading books and then visiting the destinations with the kids and I shared some of my previous scavenger hunts I had created based on books. Her son asked about California and suggestions by Sonoma so of course I suggested Jack London. But, as soon as I said it, I hesitated and asked, “It is Jack London right? That doesn’t sound right.” We googled and yes it was correct, but the questioning look on my face must have remained. When they were leaving, she gave me a hug and asked, how long it had been since my treatment. I was taken back as we had not even broached the subject of breast cancer. She looked at me and said, “that is normal, what just happened here. 3 years, it takes about 3 years before all the memory, words and cognition come back. I am 6 years out—chemo, radiation and surgeries—and I don’t even think about it at all anymore. You will get there but for now, know that is completely normal.” And then they were off. I am not often speechless, but that moment I was. Such a kind, insightful comment and I was so appreciative. So, knowing I was not going crazy, - at least that day! - off we went to explore the beautiful town of Nantucket!

Details of our visit - because I KNOW we will be returning in the near future.

Sunday: We arrived on the morning ferry at 9:30am, checked into our adorable B&B and headed to breakfast. I have read so much about Nantucket that I had envisioned the town in my mind and it did not disappoint. We spent the day exploring, first stop — the lighthouse and beach. Zach, our dog lover, found every dog to play catch with on the beach and in the water. One lab, a little too enthusiastic, nipped him on the wrist. Within the first couple hours of our visit turns out we could have used some of those first aid supplies we need for Thailand! Thankfully there is a Stop and Shop grocery right around the corner to stock up. In the meantime, Zach has tracked down a Boy Scout troop who was more than prepared to help clean his wounds and bandage him up.

Monday: We did Gail’s tour which I had pre-arranged and had the opportunity to explore the entire island. Timing was great because the tour was in a van and it was an on/off rainy morning. Weather cleared up as soon as the tour ended and we spent the rest of the day at the beach digging for clams, building a crab habitat, fishing and then exploring the town some more. Another bite—this time by a crab : ) The town is great; picturesque as you imagine Nantucket to be. Great shops, bookstores, restaurants and cobblestone streets. That evening, Melina and I wandered down to The Nantucket Hotel for drinks on their deck by the fire-pit. You can’t help but be relaxed on this island.

Tuesday: We had to catch up on some schoolwork so we visited the library in the morning and then took the schoolwork to the beach. This town is so quaint I am beginning to wonder if perhaps I want to stay here long term.

Tuesday night Bill and Melina went to the Inktober art event at the library where they were welcomed with open arms into the community event and had a blast. [Hello new Nantucket Inktober friends! Hope you enjoy following our travels]. They went to dinner at Town and Zach and I ate in the garden of our B&B and explored the cobblestone streets.

Sadly, Wednesday came too soon and it was time to leave Nantucket. The only thing that made it bearable was that we were headed to the Vineyard : )