Cape Cod: Full Circle

After flying into Boston at the start of our vacation, we immediately headed SE out of the city towards Cape Cod. We needed to get the Jaws vibe going, so the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy in Chatham was the place to be. This organization is all about shark conservation, research and education. It basically brings truth and science, as opposed to what Hollywood portrayed!

Model of a real shark studied by the team

Model of the shark used in the filming of Jaws

While Jeff was focused on the sharks, I admired the flowers and trees that I noticed were so colorful and in full bloom. I commented about it to several locals at various places we visited and they claimed it was one of the best years for blooms and we were experiencing it at a peak time. 

Me and one of the many blooming rhododendron

When hearing "Cape Cod" one likely thinks of the ocean, and yes, we made it to the water's edge in Chatham. We touched the Atlantic Ocean (it was very chilly), but did not touch the horseshoe crab. This guy was beached, and we're not sure if it was still alive, but we did put him back in the water just in case. 

Of course, near the shore was Chatham Lighthouse. It is under the management of the US Coast Guard and was not open, but still makes for a lovely picture.

Near the lighthouse was Chatham Windmill. This is simply a nice park now, but back in the 1700 & 1800s, it was a wind-powered grist mill. It has been restored and when the wind is good, it can actually be used to grind corn into cornmeal.

Near the windmill was the really nice, large Chatham Labyrinth. Labyrinths are a single continuous path from the entrance to the center and back out, typically circular in shape. They have existed since ancient times in various cultures, often used as a space for meditation and reflection. Jeff and I compared our "journey" after waking in and back out -- while he reflected, I contemplated how I could construct one in our backyard! (Coming soon...) 

After deep reflection (and backyard construction planning), it was time to eat at the Chatham Pier. Fish & chips for Jeff, a seafood-free salad for me and soothing sounds by the water for both of us.

At the end of our vacation, we visited another corner of the Cap: Falmouth, MA. Why? Fancy houses and a lighthouse. Highfield Hall is yet another historical home built by a wealthy family years ago and restored by current day community members who appreciate the nostalgia. We enjoy the stories that come with it. And the gardens...they almost always have beautiful gardens surrounding the grounds!

Neat old tree near the old house

Nobska Light sits at a high scenic spot overlooking Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Sound in Falmouth. It was not open, but provided one final ocean view before making our way back home and away from the water.

The traffic back into Boston was a bit of a beating (partly because it was Friday afternoon and partly because we were avoiding toll roads in the rent car), but we enjoyed the view and vacation vibe just a little longer before heading back to the hot, flat plains of Texas!