We don't need a bigger boat

The weather was a mosh mash today - started quite overcast in the morning at 6am when we woke up, it brightened up mid morning but began raining towards the afternoon. Nether the less, today was the day I was going to step inside my favourite movie. 

We were up and out of the hotel by 6:45, without even so much as a cup of coffee and made our way to the Wood's hole ferry. It was going to take us to Martha's Vineyard, the setting for the movie Jaws! Before coming to America, I had researched places that I wanted to see and even scrolled through the film it's self to find familiar scenes. 

The island it's self is much larger than the film would have you believe and since the filming much has changed. I watched the island come into view from the bow of the ferry.

Once we were on dry land, our treasure hunt tour began. First stop was police chief Brody's house. The house had been renovated since the filming but The Internet told me it could still be found. With a rough location and a general idea of direction, we sought it out.

The house in the movie. And as it stands now.

I was surprised at the change but I can still tell its the place. 

Next stop was the causeway over the lake entrance. Where the shark attacked the man in the boat after the false alarm in the ocean. 

Shark! Sh....shark! It's in the lake! I looked but I just couldn't see it, maybe another false alarm?

By this point I was getting incredibly excited and rather nerdy. I think Sam found this very entertaining. Every piece of the film we found she chuckled as my face lit up. The beach where the Kitner boy got gobbled up was the same one as the causeway and I walked a little way along the sand and found it!

Looking at these photos now, side by side is giving me goose bumps. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love this film and this was like Christmas! 

We then made our way into Edgartown, what is known as Amity in the film. It's a beautiful little town and we were admiring the place when we almost forgot to find somewhere to park. Sam found a stop right quick and I had to do a double take. We were bang on! She'd parked right outside, what was the hardware store and bank! Way to go Sam!

We took a stroll trying to find the film's police station which was just a little way up the road. There was a fire hydrant on the corner where the chief does a famous little skip on his way to the hardware store. 

Now we lined this up and took, what I think is one of my favourite pictures of the day...

Although, that's more a limp than a skip. The whole town was gorgeous and I'm glad we visited when the trees were green. I can see why they used this place. It's right out of the screen of Hollywood. 

I'm hoping these are enough pics mum but even these don't do the place justice. 

I believe this to be, if not it but close, the Harbour master's shack. Martha's Vineyard was a whaling town sometime in history and references to it are all over the place. Like this rather delightful monument.

The stones in front of the white fence are all etched with names of men and families who used to whale or were connected with the whaling industry on the island. Each brick, it's own monument to that person. 

The Chappy ferry was next to find.

The ferry has changed, looks much safer than the one in the movie with a better dock, thankfully. Whenever I see the film I think the things gonna sink!

We were hunting for the lake where the Orca was sank at the end of the film but I needed a rest stop. It so happened Sam stopped a place she remembered reading about some time ago. So we took a little look at a non Jaws related attraction. It was called Mytoi. A garden set up many years ago by a Chinese man but when he died the local authorities took it on and retained it. It's not that large and didn't take long to look around but it was really pretty.

There were little water features like streams and springs all over the place and the sound of trickling water was most relaxing.

There were little spots to sit and admire the garden. We almost drove past this had I not needed a rest stop.

The garden was free but we left a donation and got back into the car. Pretty as it was, it wasn't on my tour list and I was eager to see what else we could find. 

Next on the list was the beach BBQ scene, and the Chrissy attack. Right at the beginning of the film, the kids are out at night drinking and having a BBQ, when Chrissy goes for a late night skinny dip, only to become Bruce's first meal.

The sands often shift and after the years it was going to be impossible to find the exact location of the scene. It was also rather windy and sandy. I find it difficult to go too far on such ground. However, we did find the beach.

And the dunes that they ran along.

The lake in the middle, is where the scene at the end of the film was filmed, where the orca sinks and the shark is blown to bits. 

By now the weather was beginning to turn and we started off towards hooper rock and the setting of the beach sign. Although the sign had long gone, only there for the movie, we found Hooper's rock.

Sam got quite wet when she took this. If it hadn't been raining, I would of spent a little more time getting the picture a little more like it is in the film, but even so, I'm proud as punch of this. During the film, the camera turns back and there is a light house....

Perfect!

We had one last place to scout. I REALLY wanted to find this. It was Quintt's shack. Quintt's is my favourite character, the salty sea dog shark hunter that comes out with such lines as "Here's to swimming with bowlegged women!" When making a drink toast, and which I adopted too. Poor Quintt gets eaten by the shark but he goes out fighting. I knew his shack had gone. Again, another building only there for the filming.

His shack is the one in the upper left of the picture, with the tall side building. The boat is the Orca, leaving for it's fatefully journey. We arrived at the harbour and the road just ended and Sam pulled in to a parking space. Another perfect piece of parking as it was right on the spot the shack had stood.

I took a sneaky walk up a side alley and managed to snap a few quick snaps of the harbour itself.

Following the track of the camera as the Orca set sail out of the harbour. 

We'd done it. I had found what I had wanted to see all this time and I was extremely happy. 

It was now a drive back to the other side of the island where we had a quick bite to eat and boarded the ferry back to the mainland. 

I know many of you haven't seen the film for a long time, if ever. But if you are so inclined to watch it, hopefully you will be able to see some of the places I visited and see why I was so happy to have visited.

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We arrived at the hotel and relaxed for a bit, Sam took a nap and we then worked out what we were going to do that evening. As it happened we decided to check the hotel restaurant so we washed up and headed down. A couple of beers and a burger later.

The rain had stopped and it was wet but not raining. Warm and a little humid. The sky had just started to spark and rumble and I had wanted to take a little stroll but after the two beers and big meal we decided to go sit on our balcony and turn in for the evening, looking forward to a sleep and a lay in.

I'll call him Laurance

Today was road trip day. We had a good 3 hours of traveling ahead of us and we had to get to it. We started early and packed a bag for three nights and headed out. 

We were headed for Cape Cod. This is one of Sam's favourite summer places and she seemed very excited. We took breakfast at the local dinner. I had eaten there when I was here last and looked forward to the revisit. After a hearty breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs - over easy and hash browns, there was nothing to stop us now and we headed west. 

The drive had little of note. Long highways with the occasional idiot cross cutting lanes and causing either me or Sam to shout insults their way. We entered  Massachusetts.

And carried on driving. 

Although, there was one road sign of note. Fans of the Simpsons may be interested to see..this..

I looked out for Bart on his skateboard but alas, no sign. I was also wondering just how many Towns named Springfield there actually were in America. Was this the right one? 

We reached Cape Cod at around 3pm.

A little further down the road I noticed a sign for a couple of towns that tickled me pink. 

Yes, you read that right. Sandwich and Mushypeas .... I was now a little hungry. 

We checked into our hotel. It's not bad, nothing to write home about, although I guess I just did. We were beards there ten minuets when we up'd and left. 

"Ice cream!"

Sam was taking me to her favourite ice cream place, the sundae school. We drove through Cape Cod and admired the wooden beach houses, immaculate lawns and white picket fences. It was delightful. 

We arrived at the Sundae School and I was a bit demised. Where was the beach? Nether the less, we went in and ordered frame a vast array of oddly named ice creams. 

I had a Shark's tooth. Which was strawberry ice cream with white chocolate chip pieces in. Then we went to eat them on the beach. We had to drive a little way and I was concerned that we'd be drinking our ices. I tried to explain to Sam that back home, we'd have such an ice cream shop right on the front. You know, have the shop close to where you will be wanting to actually eat the ice cream. Rather than drive there. She was having none of it. Apparently THAT'S how they do it here. Whatever, it was delicious when we actually arrived at the shore line. 

We then drove around a little more and found a beautiful bar. Set right on a harbour with tiered decking and we enjoyed a cool beer. By this time we were getting a little hungry and I was thinking we should eat where we were. However Sam had other ideas.....

And here it is! Lobster?! We named him Laurence and Sam set about teaching me how to eat such a thing. Ripping, tearing, cracking I finally got much of the meat out of the tail and into the butter but when I set up to eat it....

The taste is much like shrimp but the texture... It's like eating your own snot! So rubbery and stringy. In the end, I just couldn't eat it. Not only that, Laurence came with fries but I was so put off I didn't even want to eat them. My apatite had completely vanished. I felt bad for Laurence, I just couldn't eat him, but Sam made me feel better by saying he gave his life for science because now I have discovered I don't like Lobster!

This is the lobster boat, where I doubt I'll be sailing in again. 

We took a look around Cape Cod a little more and found another bar. It was getting dark so though sitting indoors would be a better idea. We found this bar called The Black Cat. We went to park but were instructed its a valet parking, this was turning out a little posh! We walked in and found the bar to be very busy so we aimed for the "bar at the back". As it turned out, this back bar was outside. Well lit with deck chair style stools. Flame lanterns surrounded it so it remained warm. It was nestled between two houses so felt like you were in someone's back hard. It was friendly and relaxing, we found our new favourite bar! 

We headed out and turned in. Here's a clue as to what tomorrow brings.

I read a book!

Blades of sunlight snuck through the window and his eyes slowly opened. He moan quietly and twisted a little amidst the light sheets. With his head more full of sleep than not, his eyes unglassed he looked around the blurred, unfamiliar room. 

"How did I get here?" He thought. "Where is here?"

Just then a heavy thump shook the bed and he peered down its length. He made out the big green, excited eyes and large black and white furred shape of a cat "Parker!" And he remembered where he was.

Pulling on his clothes, some jeans and a dark t-shirt, his socked feet shuffled along the polished floor boards towards the door. His back ached a little, it happens when spending nights in an unfamiliar bed. He reached the head of a straight wooden staircase and, holding on to the well fixed handrail, he creaked his way down. Down towards the quiet tap tap tap that was emanating from below.

Turning left at the foot of the stairs, bathed in fresh morning light from the door at the bottom he turned and was met with a smile. 

"Mornin'" came a greeting.

A mirrored greeting of his own, trademark greeting and he chuckled. 

"Morning'" he replied in the original English accented greeting.

Sam was sat at her lap top in the middle of the room and busily working on something or other. The desk strewn with wires, a phone, coffee cup and other such pariphinalia of someone who was busy working for 'the man'.

"There's coffee in the kitchen."

He shuffled into the kitchen. Socked feet sliding from polished wood to Lino tiles and we made his way past the large enamel sink to the coffee percolator. Pouring himself a cup, adding two almost full spoonfuls of sugar and a little cream, he took a sip. The dark nectar seemed to bite into the remaining sleep that infested his head and dissolve a little of it. A few more sips would clear it almost altogether.

He returned to the table and slide a chair out. It's feet grated against the wooden floor lightly and he slumped down upon it, elbows on the table and hands cupping the coffee mug.

"Sleep well?"

That day would be a lazy one for the English explorer. After the long day before, he actually welcomed that. After much of the sleep had been defeated in his head by the champion coffee, he settled down. While his friend, Sam was busy working, making phone calls tapping furiously on her laptop, doing things that seemed to only make sense to her, he opened his book. Today he would relax, be lazy and read about his heroes- Rytlock, Logan, Eire, Caith, Snaff, Zoyza and the others.

The clock soon clicked over to a time when Sam's laptop was finally closed with a satisfying click and she shuffled her way into the warmly lit front room. She plopped herself down upon the sofa and sighed a sigh of relief. He closed his book and smiled up, just then wondering to himself

"Why am I thinking liking I'm writing a dammed novel?!"

Anyway.......

Today was one of Sam's day to work so I had to occupy myself. After which we were both eager to get out of the house and go adventuring. It was decided we would go for a look at Schenectady. 

We went to an area known as the Stockade. It is a historical part of the town, with some old buildings. Some rather lovely and interesting architecture from around the era of 1770 - 1800 ish. 

Sam pointed out a house that she used to live in when she worked in Schenectady.

The widows to the right of the bay window were her old flat. We carried on looking around this old part of town and it was very scenic and pleasant. 

After a drink in a nearby bar we went to "Jumping Jacks" an open air burger joint by the river. 

"A taste of America" Sam called it. The food wasn't the best in the world but the experience of going to such a place was fascinating. We watched dads bring their boys for a burger and ice cream after their little league game. We watched high school kids on their dates. Which amused us no end. One couple in particular we thought hadn't been seeing each other that long as the blonde girl jabbered on and on and the young man just smiled, listened and nodded the whole time and when they got up to leave, he gingerly touched her back as if to hold her but had a nervous clench to his hand and just kinda hovered at her waist. Young love. How we chuckled. That being said, it was like a scene from some movie or another. I loved it. 

We then drove back into Albany and had a final drink in a local bar, where a baseball game was being shown. I thought it was the mets but we didn't take much notice of this game. 

We then went home and sat out on the porch for about an hour. It was dark but still very warm. It's actually rather good to sit out on the front porch in the evening and watch the locals do the same or go about their business. As we were driving about that evening, we saw this thing happening all over. Neighbours talking from porch to porch without the incumberment of high fences or hedges. Couples sat out front enjoying a glass of wine. I think it makes a great community. Sitting walled or fenced in one's own back garden just doesn't do that. It was most eye opening. Although I doubt I'll be doing that when I get home, the neighbours will be wondering what I'm up to. 

Another great day and we turned in.

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Toolips! Flag! Too lips! Flag!

The first post from American soil!

I managed to get up at 3am and do all the final tasks before leaving. Well, except closing the kitchen window - thanks Rob. I even got to say goodbye to all my friends in Guild Wars before the taxi arrived at 5am and I was whisked to the airport to catch the plane. After some really sunny weather, it had turned and was cloudy and raining, which made the thought of leaving the UK even easier. Got checked in and boarded the plane and settled in for the 7 and a half hour flight to Newark.

Look! Delta airways is the plane next to us. Ahh I flew with you last time. 

Arrived at Newark on time. Apart from the fact I could actually see New York City as we landed, I didn't like Newark as much as I liked JFK. It seemed dirtier and the porter I had was an unfriendly idiot. It seemed as though he thought his job was to just push me from point A to point B regardless of what I wanted or needed to do and he didn't even know how to do that! I had to ask him TWICE to take me to a toilet and when I asked if I could go outside for a smoke. He said that was ok. However, when we got there he informed me that, He'd leave me at the door and I would then have to make my own way through security and to the connecting flight. Which, I found out, was all the way the other end of the airport. I had lots of time to get through security, seeing as I would of only had to do it once anyway but no, we just didn't want to be there. He even made me walk through security which meant, because no one was in the chair when it went through, he had to wait for another chair! I kept my eye on him while waiting as It seemed like he was just going to wander off. Needless to say, I just told him to take me to the connection, waved him off like an aristocrat to the staff and didn't even give him a tip. I sat there chewing furiously on my nicotine gum, reading my e-book. I hate Newark!

I arrived in Albany on time, if anything, a little early, after a small prop plane and a very bumpy flight. It was warm but overcast but this time I got to see Albany in the light and without rain. I met Sam and we went home.

After a relaxation period, we had a clear afternoon and evening. So decided to visit The Olde English for a beer and a meal of traditional English fish and chips! If anyone ever asks me where to get good fish and chips, I'll recommend getting a flight to Albany. 

The weather held off and so we decided to take a short stroll in Albany park, mostly to work out my stiffened muscles. After that many hours sat down, I was feeling pretty bad and a short stroll, was much needed. 

Albany in May is beautiful. I learnt of the city's Dutch heritage from last year but I had arrived this time in time for the annual celebration of that. The city plants tulips everywhere and put on such a wonderful display. So we sat in the park and admired the tulips. 

Albany park in bloom.

View across the street.

Some Tulips. Tried sending this pic to Nina to say "Hi I have arrived, have some flowers" but stupid phone wont send pic messages while over here it seems. So here you go Nina. Some flowers for you.

Albany really do love their Tulips.

Looking up towards Mosses. Not the man taking the photo, but the statue at the top. I doubt this old man parted the Red sea... just sayin'! But apparently the guy depicted in the statue did. Damn photo bombers.

The last two, looking across the lake. It's a lot different from when I came in November and I like it. 

After our sit in the evening sun, we went home for ice cream and an early night. After being up and traveling for over 24 hours, I was beat and went to bed. Although I did have a couple of inquisitive visitors in the night. A couple of rather cute cats wondering who this is sleeping in their bed. 

It's the final Countdown!

It's finally here; the night before Christmas.. oh wait. Well the night before Awesomenes.

I'm all packed and the house cleaned. I would like to make a suggestion to Sam, who toiled for hours cleaning her house - pay someone ELSE to do it. It worked out great! Downloading films to my iPad right this second. All my documents seem to be in order, clothes laid out ready and the taxi to the air port is booked and fueling up. I will be scooting off to bed shortly to get a few hours sleep before the taxi picks me up at 5am. I'll be setting my alarm(s) for 3am(ish) so I can get up and talk to my American friends before I have to wheel my suitcase out to the kerb and catch a flight.

The poor little kittens are blissfully unaware their Daddy is not coming home for three weeks and I'm a little sad to see them left behind. However, I know they are in safe hands (Feeding and care rota is on the fridge FYI). There is one last thing to do;

If any of you wish to track my flight(s) then there are many flight trackers available (one is here) and my flight details are as follows;

United Airlines UA19 08:40 depart - 12:00 arrive (local times) - Newark
United Airlines UA4911 13:32 depart - 14:40 arrive (local time) - Albany (whateverthehellthatairportis)

So enjoy my e-post-card and my next post will be from American Soil!

Money makes the world go round and pretty pictures.

I have less than a week to go now, in fact, at the time of writing this, this time next week I'll be just about landing in Newark!

packing is almost put together and I have got my currency for my trip.

Just look at all that lovely monopoly money! This is just quick spending money for when i first arrive although some of those bills have already been ear marked to find their way into some stripper's G-strings. *laugh*

I was also rooting around in my pockets and and tidying up the shrapnel of English coins and I found something out (with a little help from the internet.)

Here is a collection of such loose change. 88p to be exact, enough, probably to get a cheap burger from macdonalds BUT, placed face down something really quite patriotic happens...

wow you see that?! Each coin has a separate part of the British royal crest on it and put together forms a kind of jigsaw puzzle!

See?! How cool is that?

yeh, i know what your thinking; "What's this got to do with your trip to America?" Well the answer is, not a great deal but it's pretty cool and I wonder if American coins can be used to make a currency Jigsaw?

Anyway, see y'all in a week!