While waiting for the 8 p.m. Martha’s Vineyard to New Bedford ferry, an immaculate, red Jeep Liberty pulls up to the dock. In the passenger seat is a women who looks just like Edith Head, but with solid white hair, not a speck of any other color. (Edith is the chick in the pic.) “Edith” air kisses her (I’m assuming) daughter who has popped out from the back seat.

“Edith” says, “Love youuu. Call me when you get home.”

As the Jeep leaves the dock, I notice two things:

• The Kerry/Edwards ‘04 campaign sticker still clinging to the bumper.
• The out-of-state license that reads CHPQUID2.

Only in Martha’s Vineyard.

Where can you pay a 30% mark-up on everything? Martha’s Vineyard!

Where can you get the Boston Globe and New York Times delivered to your seaside manse? Martha’s Vineyard!

Where can you spend $4.47 for gas? Martha’s Vineyard!

Where can you see what Cape Cod would be like as an island? Martha’s Vineyard!

For the last four years, I’ve taken the New Bedford ferry to Martha’s Vineyard to bike around the island with Swansea Brother, a.k.a. Roller Derby Brother.

We visit every VJ Day. (The second Monday in August is “Victory over Japan Day,” a state holiday in Rhode Island. I love this holiday because it’s so un-P.C.)

Don’t get me wrong… MV is a lovely place (Life is Good store in Vineyard Haven!). But the only reason I go is to spend time with my brother and this year I got to chill with my kick-butt niece.

Nantucket is a playground for the wealthy and MV is not far behind but you can still do family stuff and get in a nice 65 mile bike ride to boot! Check out more photos from the MV ride.

Kick-Butt Niece on the right.