Early rising for an early ferry to Martha's Vineyard, so our walk is not until the late afternoon. Charlie makes it to the car, but, sadly, on this special travel day, he is sleepy, lethargic, uninterested in food or affection. 

It isn't until we reach Woods Hole, and he gets out of the car to breathe sea air that he perks up, runs around a field, starts acting like himself again. The antibiotics are kicking in.  

Once on the Island, both dogs and I walk to the beach - we follow our familiar trail through woods and wildflowers, a long descent to the wooden stairs that land us on the sand, and soon, the surf. Our annual journey to this favorite place of inspiration, play, joy and beauty begins.

All photos and text copyright Kelly DuMar 2017