R&R time for Obamas on Martha’s Vineyard

VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. (AP) — President Barack Obama has arrived on Martha’s Vineyard to begin a 10-day vacation.

The president landed at the island airport Thursday afternoon following an Air Force One flight from Washington to a Coast Guard station on Cape Cod, then a short helicopter ride across Vineyard Sound.

The president greeted well-wishers under sunny skies — accompanied on his flight by pet dog Bo, who happily roamed the aisles of the presidential jet. Wife Michelle was traveling separately with daughters Sasha and Malia after picking Malia up from summer camp.

Aides say Obama is looking to recharge his batteries after a strenuous start to the year. But he left Washington with one last blast at the GOP — for blocking a Senate vote on a small business aid package.