Lighthouses, P-town and wine

I began this morning with a swan flying in to land in the water below the window. This time, I just enjoyed the grace and elegance and did not try to capture a photo. 

Our game plan today was drive 6A to Provincetown and visit the Truro Vineyards. . We got as far as Eastham when we impulsively made a right turn into the Cape Cod National Seashore and discovered the beauty of Salt Pond. 

On a board near the pond, you’re asked to convey what you feel in 5 words. Mine were tranquil, pastoral, shimmering, inspiring and refreshing. 

The Visitors Center had a very cool topographical map of the Cape set on a raised platform in the center of the floor. Also a collection of sea shells that immediately brought to mind walks on singing and Wingarsheek beaches in my childhood. In the distance of the Salt Pond photo lies a Cape Cod house and weathered barn that added to my imaginings while standing there mesmerized by the view. 

While there we found a map of Cape lighthouses and added to our destinations for the day. First was Nauset Light. My attempt to video the beach captured a few moments of the wind surfers about 60 feet below me on the sand. And, yes, the wind was whipping that fast.  We learned that Nauset light was the North American end of the Trans-Atlantic cable that allowed electronic communication between us and Europe. The cable hut still stands, just below the lighthouse hill.   The rather typical Cape warning sign about beach erosion was prevalent throughout the day on this coast.

In Provincetown, we tried to visit Race Point Light but were stymied by road construction, so just walked the dunes for a bit.  

In downtown P-town, we walked the wharf and harbor, then took the parking lot attendant’s suggestion and dined at The Lobster Pot. We each tried a different lobster dish (Barbara - Newbury; me - Garlic Braised Cracked) OMG good!!! Plus, I tried Sean’s Bloody Mary  - excellent but the pepper combination sure cleaned out my sinus cavities! Perfect complement to the buttery lobster. We sat in the Lobster Chair on the wharf - the consummate tourists!

Aside - we learned of the fierce competition between Provincetown and Plymouth for next year’s HUGE celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims landing in Massachusetts. I am so, so glad we didn’t plan on visiting next year. What a zoo that will be. 

Truro Winery and Vineyards was worth the trip. The wine tasting offered 10 samples. Between the two of us, we sampled all. I brought home a bottle  as did Barbara, but hers is going to Brazil as a gift and mine will probably not last until we leave Sunday morning. 

Our final stop today was Highland Lighthouse just south of P-town. This structure was moved in 1996 500’ back from the cliff edge, just like the lighthouse on the Outer Banks. The boulder in the foreground marks the original spot on which the lighthouse stood.  Maintenance didn’t allow us to climb the tower. WHAT a SHAME!! (NOT) But the walk around the grounds was brisk and enlivened by the golfers playing the Highland Links course. Brave souls. I wondered if FB played here while he was at Mass Maritime. 

A personal note: Cumberland Farms gas and food stations are still prevalent. The good things last!!

Barbara deciding which wines to sample.

Excellent day visiting Cape beaches, witness video.

Provincetown from the wharf.

Home to consume our wine. I FINISHED the 450 yard yarn unsnarl! Celebrate!!