Cape Cod Meanderings with Barbara Johnson

There are those of us who have to be near the ocean. Maybe it’s the negative ions from the sea that energize and sooth us.
You can walk along the edge, dodging the waves as they roll in, looking for shells, hoping to find a piece of sea glass, or just a pretty rock. If the rapture of beach combing isn’t for you, looking for seals or watching the surfers is a thrill. Webster says a beach comber is a “drifter or loafer”. Sounds good to me. We all need a time-out occasionally.
If you’re a walker or a bike rider, there are all kinds of trails and paths, many leading down to the sea. Our National Seashore invites you to roam through the woods and fields. Bring your binoculars in case you want to do some bird watching.
Kayaking is very popular, good exercise, with easy access to calm waters. It’s also the best way to cruise along and check out all the waterfront properties.
“Mother Nature” rules here on the Cape. You can certainly enjoy a sunny day in July or stand in awe watching the storm waves crash on the beach. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute”.
You can tell from all this that I could never live away from the coast. If you’re as drawn to sea and sand as I am, it’s time to invest in your own piece of paradise.
Find your new home on Cape Cod with Barbara Johnson 508-255-5100 Ext 718 barbaraj@capecodhomefinder.com Please visit her website at www.BarbWJ.com
Then come home to Cape Cod, you can get lost here too.

MUSINGS - Lyn Carlin

Musing (myoo’zing), adj. 1. absorbed in thought; meditative. –n. 2. contemplation; reflection

Even on Cape Cod where the pace is advertised to be calmer and more serene, those of us who choose to call this beautiful place our home need an occasional break from the daily routine. The wonderful realization for us is that we don’t have to go far to find many special places .So, for natives, wash-a-shores and visitors, alike, here are some of my favorite spots for “musing” on the lower and outer Cape:
Kent’s Point, Orleans. This 28 acre conservation parcel was acquired by the Town of Orleans in 1988. At the end of Frost Fish Lane, you can park and begin your short journey on clearly marked paths.. A slight detour will take you down on the beach and then back up to the point, where you will find a bench, perched on the bluff, with the peace and quiet of Little Pleasant Bay, in all it’s splendor. Sit and reflect upon all the good things in your life and…you can take your dog.
Paw Wah Point, S. Orleans. We walk to the end of Namequoit Road (lucky us). Legend has it (great story for the grandkids) that Chief Paw Wah had his tepee out in the middle of the pond all winter. The combination of a warm spell and his fire proved his undoing. The Chief and tepee, having sunk to the bottom of the pond, it was only fitting that it bear his name for the ages. Just up the road lies the parking area and access to another wonderful conservation area. There is an easy trail down to the beach, also on Little Pleasant Bay. Look for a special table at a resting place on the way where you can enjoy a snack or just sit and look about. A turn to the right on the beach will take you to the opposite side of the Portanimicut Road landing where shellfish boats and local fishermen move in and out. A stroll to the left offers a seat in the sand to watch the birds, maybe a seal, or to contemplate tomorrow. In August you have a terrific vantage point to view the catboats come out of Arey’s Pond for their annual gathering on the Bay.
Fort Hill, Eastham. We park in the lot just below the Capt. Penniman House (usually open for a tour on seasonal weekends) and take the trail through the Red Maple Swamp, out to the Indian sharpening rock. Look down on Heminway Landing, and across the marsh to the Coast Guard Building. The loop takes you down to the water and back up to a bench at the top of the hill where you can view the ever changing colors in the marsh, and think how lucky we are to have all of this at our fingertips.
Pamet Cranberry Bog Trail, N. Pamet Road, Truro.. This is a favorite. Park just below the youth hostel and follow the trail which begins across the street, It’s a hefty walk for some, especially when you come upon the high dunes in front of you. Climb to the top. You can do it and you will be glad you did. When you get there, the ocean will spread out forever in front of you. Slowly, turn full circle and you will think that you’ve come upon Ireland or Scotland. Sit down in the sand right there and take it all in. It’s good for the soul. .If you choose, you can retrace your steps a bit and go down onto the beach. Walk to the south to the public beach, back to the road which used to connect S. Pamet with N. Pamet, go to your right and you will get back to the parking area.

Many of you have your own favorite spots. Put aside the excuses. The brain, as well as the body, needs a rest now and then. These places offer a free recharge. So go and meditate, contemplate, and reflect on all the good in your life. You’ll come back a better person. Good musings.