Obamas take a beach lunch on second vacation day

8/21/2010 09:10:09 AM

EDGARTOWN, Mass. – President Barack Obama is enjoying a picnic lunch at the beach with the first family.

The Obamas took about a 10-minute ride from their Martha's Vineyard vacation home to a private beach where aides said they planned to picnic.

The family was not seen by the White House press corps, but clusters of well-wishers waved to them as they passed a bustling farmer's market and several crowded intersections en route.

The president golfed and went shopping at a bookstore Friday during his first full day on the island getaway.

First lady Michelle Obama visited Oak Bluffs earlier in the day, stopping at Mad Martha's for an ice cream cone.

The weather was perfect for the beach: warm, sunny, with little humidity.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

CHILMARK, Mass. — President Barack Obama is keeping close to home at the outset of his vacation on Martha's Vineyard.

He golfed and went shopping at a bookstore Friday during his first full day on the island getaway. But for the second consecutive night, he stayed at his 30-acre compound rather than venturing off-campus. Nearby Oak Bluffs attracted a crowd of thousands for a fireworks show.

The president's plans for Saturday were unclear, but an aide told his traveling press corps they would be unlikely to see him, regardless of his activities.

The weather was perfect for the beach, golf, a bike ride or visit to the island's several towns: warm, sunny, with little humidity.