Cranebeach

A swift drive up the coast and you find yourself submerged in leafy neighborhoods, in the proximity of Ipswich. We should have known that traffic would hit regular standstill when traveling on Memorial Monday but it was no hindrance and the parades were all adding to our spontaneous roadtrip. Rebecca and I pulled up at Cranebeach and following a friends recommendation, we were all set to sprawl out in the sand with our picnic for two in tow.

The swooping dunes cascaded into the deep, vast depths of the north shore and desert foliage was scarcely scattered across the dry surface. The parking price was enough to seriously raise our eye brows but we didn't grudge the expense with perfect, clean facilities conveniently placed, dune trails to hike and an immaculate expanding white beach. 

It was the ultimate day of relaxation, the gusting breeze kept the temperatures at a manageable heat and we were free to enjoy the stunning panoramic scenery. To walk off the sun bathing stint, we followed the trails through the maze of sand dunes until we hit the sea edge once again.

 

We called into one of the numerous family farms offering its produce to passersby on the ride back to Boston. Russell orchards was an enchanting spread of land housing plenty of farmyard creatures as well as peach, apple, strawberry and other fruit orchards. We couldn't resist the temptation of their cider donuts, fresh ice cream and of course a carton of cider for the keeping.