Thursday, October 13, 2011

day three: the prettiest walk of my life

 
 
 
there's a little black dirt path that runs beside our little cottage. it's about a mile long, flanked by sheds and maples. i love to walk along it when evening starts to strike and the light is low and golden. up until last week, it was my favorite walk on this earth.

then we went to newport, rhode island. and took the cliff walk. and i declare, one would be hard pressed to find a more spectacular pathway. rocky ocean shore on the left! mansion upon mansion on the right! rosebushes. towering skinny trees reaching toward the cloudless sky. grassy lawns screaming for a morning picnic.

it started brisk, but with coffee warming my hands and my pashima around my neck, the sun quickly seeped in and warmed our red noses. it was so, so incredibly lovely.

this was the day of the second french fry sandwich, at the little pizza joint we found ourselves at after the planned seafood restaurant was closed for the season. the day of the cape cod potato chip factory tour, a bit of a letdown, taking only about one minute to go through. (however, if this trip taught me anything, it's that i love a good factory tour. i think it's the free samples.)

we reached dennis, massachusetts right at dusk. running to mayflower beach just in time to catch the plum colored sunburst. then, the pristine sky turned on us, growing gray in a matter of seconds, pouring on my bare feet as i ran back to the parking lot.

we sunk into a restaurant just to take cover, not realizing until we sat down and ordered water that the tablecloths were white. there was a wine list on the table. and the waiter was wearing a suit. fancy. we ordered bowls of chowder, satisfied with our humble meal. we were saving the big one for maine lobster.

we were the only ones in our motel that night. the owner explained that no one really comes to cape cod at this time of year. and at that, we shook our heads. because with the leaves changing and fall tiptoeing in, it seemed like the most magical place to be.

24 comments:

Lauren Quinn O'Neill said...

I would have to agree on the cliff walk, vacationed every summer there growing up. Magical.

... said...

What a beautiful spot! :) A moment you'll never forget!

The Soul Anchor said...

These look gorgeous! I would love go to on a vacation soon.

Off the Cuff said...

Looks beautiful and like you are having a wonderful time!

Stephanie said...

gorgeous! the photos and the writing. :)

Unknown said...

Oh wow! Those homes are so pretty!

Unknown said...

beautiful, simply beautiful. thanks for sharing a bit of your walk with us. sometimes fancy restaurants on chilly days that are complete surprises are the special tid bits of lovely memories. always love your writing. xo

Valerie said...

we thoroughly enjoyed this walk as well when we were there about a month ago! simply beautiful pictures - i'm enjoying reliving your road trip with you!

jeanette from everton terrace said...

I've always wanted to go. Just the name, Cape Cod, it sounds so romantic to me. We saw Rhode Island last year and I could not believe the mansions, amazing.

Southhamsdarling said...

I agree with jeanette above - just the name Cape Cod sounds so wonderful, and I am very envious of your trip. It all sounds absolutely delightful and you describe it all so beautifully - as always!

Whim Wham Life said...

Gooooorgeous! And your scarf! I want:-) xoxo

erika said...

What a lovely beach! I'm glad you had it all to yourselves.

Emily said...

the best chips in the entire world! Looks like you are having such a great time! Glad it wasnt absolutely freezing at the beach for you guys!

Amber said...

newport is one of my favorite places. kevin and I spend our first anniversary there and I cant wait to go back. That walk is gorgeous and those houses, I mean come on!

the southern hostess said...

Stunning! Looks like a movie set.

Holli said...

Wow. Wow wow wow!

Suz and Allan said...

Absolutely breathtaking!

Jillian said...

I have been looking forward to these posts for weeks now. Since as soon as I read that you were taking this trip. The kids and I have been studying the New England colonies during the 16 and 1700s. Its so much better to see these areas in "real life" photos. I plan to get hot chai and read your posts tonight. So glad ya'll were able to have that time together. Wanna plan a trip for Jason and I?

mary kate said...

wow that walk looks great! Im going to have to visit some of these same places, you make them look incredible :)

Niina - My Paper Chaos said...

Looks wonderful! And it really sounds like you're having a really great time! :)

Some Korean Website Highjacker said...

what a trip you guys had! oh Courtney, i've loved catching up and seeing the places, foods and sun shiny days captured just brilliantly. can't believe it's the slow season there though, from my perspective it looks absolutely like out of a dream. xoox ♥

Janette said...

Have you ever heard of the band Barlowgirl? I think you look like Alyssa in that smiley shot picture... You should google Alyssa Barlow and tell me if you agree...

Janette, the Jongleur

Yours Truly said...

Hey my name is Sydney, came across your blog through a friend. Have to say your vacation, road trip post make the idea of my kids growing up and leaving the house so my hubby and I can do nothing but travel seem FANTASTIC. I hope you are having the best of times.

Cara-Mia said...

What? No one goes during this time of year? But it looks so wonderful! I want to go to Cape Cod more than ever now. *sigh*

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