Block Island plus Adams

I'm back home now, but toward the end of my eastern sojourn I visited the Adams National Historical Site in Quincy, Mass.  This is the house John Adams was born in, in 1735.  The home was about 50 years old at the time.  Next door is the home, also owned by the family, where John and Abigail lived after marrying in 1764, and where John Quincy Adams was born in 1767.

Unlike many of the founding fathers, John Adams did not have financial troubles.  This was mainly because he left the family financial matters to Abigail, who from all accounts was every bit as sharp as Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama.  The Adams' previous residence was a middle class dwelling, but by the time John returned from Europe after the Revolution, their financial status had improved and they were able to purchase this home, Peace Field, a short distance from John's birthplace.  This house was originally much smaller and in bad repair...soldiers had used it as a barracks during the Revolution...but the Adams family eventually enlarged and renovated it into a handsome mansion, full of 17th to 19th century art.  John and Abigail died here, but the home remained in the Adams family well into the 20th century.  BTW, John Quincy was really sharp.  He went to Europe with his dad in 1777 at age 10, learned French, and was an interpreter to the court of Louis XVI at 13!  Eventually John Quincy learned 14 languages, and served his country as an ambassador, secretary of state, president, and congressman...after his presidency!  And...his wife was hot.  JQ was, according to our tour guide who was very knowledgeable and really into the family, lacking in people skills...in otherwords, he was a geek 200 years before there were geeks!  But he was brilliant. 

Rhonda suggested we go to Block Island for the day.  As with all of her culinary suggestions, this one was spot on!  Here we're on the ferry, leaving Point Judith, bound for Block Island.

Cuttin' a wake, headed into the Atlantic.  It was a windy, choppy crossing...we took the high speed ferry, going 20 knots into a 20 knot headwind, so it was blustery, with big swells.  Bracing! 

Coming into Block Island.  The main town, New Shoreham, has all the modcons, while the rest of the island is peaceful and quiet...a fine combination!

Rhonda at the Southeast Lighthouse at the Mohegan Bluffs, on the south shore of Block Island.  We rented a Smart Car convertible and cruised around the island...very cool!  As you can see, it was a beautiful day...bright and sunny, temps in the 70s.

The Block Island shoreline.  Gravel roads lead to many secluded beaches.

At the northern tip of the island, there are grasslands.  On this clear, blustery day, the Atlantic was filled with whitecaps, with the Connecticut mainland in the distance.

A seagull standing sentinel on the northern tip of the island. 

Coming back on the ferry, we saw this lighthouse at Point Judith and went to investigate.  There's been a light at this spot for about two hundred years.

The day before I left, I strolled down to Easton's Beach in Newport.  Fine stretch of sand, within easy walking distance of downtown.  Water temp in the mid 60s...it gets warmer later in the summer.  I really liked Newport...the city combines history, scenery, dining, shopping, sailing, partying...can't think of a better place to spend the summer!