We have arrived at the Maria Mitchell Association on Nantucket Island after a very cold (37-degree wind chill), wet day at Plimoth Plantation (correctly spelled).  I must say that the actual plantation was amazing.  The three sections of the main site included the following:  a Native American gathering which included people discussing their heritage and lives, a settlement where role-players told us about their daily lives and dwelling places, and a crafts building where present-day artisans practiced their craft using only primitive means.  Then it was on to the Mayflower II and Plymouth Rock.

With the gale-force winds, stinging rain, and soaked clothing, we were looking for something big to justify our insane drive to see everything Plymouth had to offer.  What we got was a nondescript boulder (maybe just a mid-sized rock) that was surrounded by an open-air, Greek-revival building.  Needless to say, we looked, snapped some pictures, and bolted over to the ship.  The ship provided a mild respite from the weather; however, we were soon driven out by the ubiquitous school children whose natural curiosities tended to cramp our languid style of learning. 

Once back to the vans, we sought shelter at the Cape Cod shopping mall.  While neon lights and modern-day commercialism probably goes against all that Thoreau and Emerson believed in, the warmth of the indoor facility, as well as the opportunity to purchase warmer clothing, was tempting.  We ended the day with a grand feast at Olive Garden and a sickening ride on a high-speed ferry to the island that almost took out half our students and our fearless leader. 

We are now settled in our rooms and are feeling rather cozy in the small, but intimate living room.  Tomorrow offers a break from the inclement weather, as the forecast is calling for clouds, but no rain.  Keep your fingers crossed, reader, for we need your wishes and prayers for the trip back.  I don't think Mr. Rutledge can handle another choppy ride.