What a fantastic way to start the journey of a lifetime.* This pretty little bungalow in Chatham was our home away from home on Cape Cod for 10 days. Very convenient location, close to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, Short ‘n’ Sweet ice cream shop, and a local beach.

The tiny, tiny sign really says “Livin’ the Dream” and we didn’t put it there (but we do agree). Click photo to enlarge.

A year ago when we were first thinking about and planning the trip, we had no idea we’d be exploring by bike. But thanks to good health, good bikes, good planning (by Michael), good weather, and good trails, biking has been the best way to see the island. (Yes, Cape Cod ISLAND. When I referred to Cape Cod as “the mainland” to a Martha’s Vineyard ferry operator, he corrected me, saying that the Cape Cod Canal has changed the Cape Cod peninsula to an island. Who knew? By shortening the coastal passage and avoiding rough seas around the “arm,” it has saved countless lives.)

The arm of Cape Cod. We’ve biked it all. Unused railroad routes have been converted into trails that are fantastic and flat!

We’ve eaten  lobster in Provincetown

Louie the Lobster at the Lobster Pot in P’town.

The Lobster Pot, for our first of many  lobster meals: lobster rolls, steamed lobster, lobster casserole pie, lobster bisque…

…taken a beach visit in Nantucket…

The water here was warmer than Keuka Lake.

…done a lighthouse tour of Martha’s Vineyard

One of MV’s seven lighthouses, with a wedding in progress

…made a side trip to Chappaquiddick and the infamous bridge

The rails have been heavily reinforced since Edward Kennedy drove off the bridge in 1969.

…enjoyed a glorious sunset near Woods Hole

We always call this color sky-blue-pink.

…dipped our toes in the ocean near Dennis

The last time we were here Liz was three and chased after hermit crabs.

…and watched seals in Chatham

This seal put on a show for us at the Chatham fish market

…all from the comfort (sort of) of our bicycle seats.

Michael on the Provincetown dock

Nancy at what could be the best restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard…or not.

Over 150 miles in 6 days of riding. The absolute BEST way to see Cape Cod.

Now it’s back to Keuka and on with our eight-month adventure.

*Yes, the trip to Cape Cod was the first leg of our trip, but we just didn’t have this blog ready to go. Moving forward, things are in chronological and geographical order, we hope.