These are the cliffs of Aquinnah located on the western tip of Martha’s Vineyard. These multicolored cliffs have been of interest to geologists and paleontologists for many years helping them to recount millions of years of the earth’s formation. Bones of camels and wild horses as well as fossil bones of ancient whales have been found in the cliffs.
Many years ago people were allowed to climb the cliffs… today the cliffs are protected by law against such adventures. The cliffs look different in each season… this particular picture of them was taken in the fall when the cliffs are exhibiting cooler colors from the vibrant oranges that appear in the summer. To walk beneath the majesty of the cliffs allows you a closer look at the drama that took place in their formation.
There’s not too much more I can say about the cliffs, I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
But if you visit Martha’s Vineyard you must try and see them, you won’t be disappointed they are spectacular.

4 comments
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October 18, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Lina
Joan,
What a beautiful website. I love the Vineyard and wish I had a youth
like your’s with the summers spent on the island.
Just lovely.
Lina
October 24, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Seamond
While we can no longer climb and clamber over the cliffs, I have my memories of doing just that. Included in those memories is one very MEMORABLE trip when Davy Bettencourt and I (after being told several times by parents not to go near the edge) went not only near the edge, but too near the edge, and we tumbled down over poison ivy, brush, rose bushes, red clay and rocks and sand. When we reached the beach, we were so out of breath we had to look like goldfish out of water. We knew we were IN FOR IT. So, we walked to the lower elevation cliffs and climbed up, to be met by our respective parents, who after whupping us good (something we royally deserved for scaring them to pieces) we then were bathed in multiple changes of water. It took me weeks to get rid of the “mica” look from my skin, but I’ve remembered it all my life as probably my most special encounter with the Gay Head Cliffs. (I think Moshup was laughing!) Seamond
March 6, 2008 at 1:31 pm
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