So far on this road trip we’ve seen two Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, cascades, smaller (than Niagara) waterfalls, rivers, and Boston Harbor. On our next few stops we kick it up a notch with Cape Cod Bay, Nantucket Sound, Barnstable Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean. And you know what that means – lighthouses!

Click on the first photo in each group and scroll to see the square photos at full size.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit Fall for New England 2021.

Our New Digs and Great Chowder!

Our New England road trip continues with three nights in Cape Cod. After some sightseeing north of Boston and treacherous Boston traffic, we arrived safely at The Soundings Seaside Resort in Dennis Port, MA. By the time we unloaded and unpacked it was time for dinner, and we decided on a place that was close and delicious on a previous trip. In case you’re wondering who has the best clam chowder on Cape Cod, it seems like it might be Captain Parker’s Pub:

“We’ve participated in the Cape Cod Chowder Festival, the Newport Chowder Cook-Off, and the Boston Chowder Festival accumulating a total of 18 first place trophies and earning us the title of triple crown chowder champions. Our chowder has appeared in numerous programs on the Food Network and was even mentioned in a question on Jeopardy!” ~ READ MORE

The Three Sisters and Nauset Light

Three 15-foot high masonry towers were built by Congress in 1836 out of Eastham residents’ concern for loved ones at sea. They soon were given the nickname “The Three Sisters” because “from sea they looked like women in white dresses with black hats”. The ladies standing here today are actually versions two. With changes in the shoreline so constant, moveable lighthouses became a thing and the originals were left to fall into the sea.

Eventually part of the Nauset Beach Light Station (about a quarter mile away), they provided a landmark for sailors along the Outer Cape from 1838 to 1911. Turns out these sisters have quite a story after erosion forced them further inland.

In a nutshell, they were deemed unnecessary, sold at auction, used as dance studios and summer cottages before the National Park Service reunited them at their original location. Visit the website to read the story of their separation and their journey back to this location in Eastham, MA.

I didn’t bother with a photo, since the Nauset Light was topped with repairmen and scaffolding, surrounded by caution tape, with a crane and bucket at the ready. There are some beautiful photos on its website though!

More Construction, Beautiful Views

The Highland Light (AKA Cape Cod Light) is owned by the National Park Service as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro, MA. Although disappointed with the shroud of tarps surrounding the Highland Light, the walk out to the Atlantic Ocean was fantastic. Erosion also forced this light’s relocation in 1996.

From a sign: “These tall cliffs seemed like solid ground when President Washington authorized the construction of Cape Cod’s first lighthouse here in 1797. But over the years, the waves of powerful winter storms have battered the base of this cliff. From time to time the upper part of the cliff falls in large chunks to the beach below. Of the ten acres bought to build the 1797 lighthouse, fewer than four acres remain.”

The beautiful deck below is as far as we could go to stay safe on the eroding coastline and it is also the original location of the light. Besides a great view and pleasant, warm breezes, we had nice conversations with two couples. One couple were full-time RVers from Bismarck, ND and the others were just enjoying the views in their home state. Visit the website for some non-shrouded views!

Visitor Center with Dunes, Views, Trails & Whales

Also along the Cape Code National Seashore, Province Lands Visitor Center has exhibits, dunes, views of the Atlantic, and miles of walking and biking trails. And whales may be seen swimming offshore! Too bad we didn’t bring our dune buggy!

P-Town Lobster

No trip to Cape Cod is complete without a trip to Provincetown – a cute little town at the top of the Cape. There was some kind of traffic situation going on, so we parked and found our restaurant pretty quickly. Our dinner included marina views and outside dining, so even though the food was just so-so, it was an enjoyable end to another beautiful day. Next time we come back, there WILL BE shopping!

“Provincetown is at the northern tip of Cape Cod, MA. The seaside town is on the site of the Mayflower’s landing in 1620, commemorated by the towering Pilgrim Monument and neighboring Provincetown Museum. P-town is known as a longtime haven for artists, lesbians and gay men. Numerous galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, cabarets and specialty shops are clustered on and around lively Commercial Street.” ~ READ MORE

Ya Gotta Love Cape Cod!

Next up: The Search for Lights

Happy trails,
Barb