The beaches and dunes spanning the Atlantic coastline have been designated Cape Cod National Seashore, protected as part of the National Park Service. The Salt Pond Visitor Center lives at Eastham, where the park boundaries expand inland to encompass more land as it stretches to the north, but, like many shops and restaurants, was closed this time of year. At that site I found one of the few trees celebrating autumn in grand style.
Along the road, I startled a wild turkey.
In 1836, Eastham residents petitioned the Boston Marine Society to build a lighthouse because of numerous shipwrecks. Originally there were three of these sentinels; the light now standing was the center. As with many lighthouses along the coast, this one was moved four times due to erosion. The red paint was added in 1940 to aid in identification during the day. Nauset Beach was named for the indigenous peoples of the area.
Walking the beaches, it all seemed more dramatic in off season; I wasn’t distracted by all the people that would have been around in summer. Breathing deep the sea air, I could feel the soft sand where my foot sinks in, the tight wet surface along the water’s edge, the cool of the ocean lapping at my feet. Looking out, the waves go on almost forever, breaking only when they reach land. The next shore would be Europe—maybe Portugal, Spain near Compostela where the famed Camino trail ends, or France along the Bay of Biscay.
For lunch, an iconic lobster roll
A stop to see the lighthouse in evening, while driving back another day from Provincetown
Cape Cod: Yarmouth and Hyannis, Chatham, National Seashore, Provincetown, Yarmouth, Chapin sunset, Cape Cod Canal, Sandwich, Nor’easter, Falmouth, Woods Hole
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
Great post, Ruth. Love your images which bring back good memories of visiting the Cape.
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Thank you, Jane. I’m glad you enjoyed this and it brought back good memories!
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Great photos Ruth! I was there in July to visit an old friend who lives in Hyannis. I have been there many times over the years but your descriptions are SO beautiful and enriching. Enjoy your visit with your son and wife.
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Thanks, Bonnie! I so appreciate your comment. It is a lovely place to spend time.
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Lovely pictures and narrative, as usual. It would be nice to go there now, with less people and beautiful fall color. I miss New England. We haven’t been anywhere in over 2 years. Darn Covid.
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This was the first trip I’ve taken since the pandemic. It was a strange year for autumn colors, but I’m not complaining! So nice to get away for a little while. Thanks, Barbara.
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Autumn in New England is truly another world! We have some red leaves here in California, but not nearly as abundant as on the other side of the country. Absolutely picturesque, and I’d return to New England for those delicious lobster rolls (although this is the first time I’ve since a roll served with greens??).
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Autumn in the wasn’t as showy as I remember from my childhood, just an off-year I was told, but there were still some trees in color. Perhaps the restaurant was trying to be a little more healthy with the greens these days. It was delicious!
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Some lovely photos here! I especially liked those from the beach. Walks on the beach in the autumn can be so peaceful!
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Thanks for your visit and comment, Susanne! The coastlines in your country are dramatic and beautiful, I remember (.ie).
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Yes, can’t complain about the Irish coastlines! I live near the sea, on a peninsula and near some stunning areas.
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I spent some time wandering up your west coast a few years ago and it was wonderful. Having some Internet problems right now but looking forward to checking out your site soon.
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Your photos and the write-up transmit a sense of calm and tranquility. Uncrowded beaches and the ocean stretching as far as your eye can see are good for the soul. Sounds like you had a lovely day.
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There are so many pretty little places around the cape and serene beaches. I missed the ocean, living inland. Thanks for visiting, Leighton. I’ll catch up soon with my favorite bloggers – came home to Internet problems at my house, still working on it!
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Your photos bring out the character of New England.
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Thanks, it’s been fun to share my impressions of these charming little towns and beaches.
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This looks like my idea of a perfect coastline, at least as seen through your lens – quiet beaches with interesting photo opps (I love your shot with the driftwood!), soft light, space to breathe in the sea air, a picturesque lighthouse or two, and great seafood!
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Yes, it is all those things. That driftwood definitely piqued my imagination, lots of photos (this was the best one).
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Great shots, Ruth. I especially like the startled turkey – it is close to Thanksgiving…😊
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Thanks, Kerry. There were a group (gaggle?) of wild turkeys in the yard one day, too dark for a good photo. I don’t think they are hunted there.
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The last time I heard wild turkeys was in a forest close to here – on Thanksgiving!!
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They must have been celebrating – happy to be alive!
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🦃🦃🦃🦃
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Those beaches look amazing and that turkey is great 🙂
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The beaches are so lovely without the crowds. There were five or six wild turkeys rooting around in the fallen leaves around the house one day. Couldn’t get a good photo, but fun to watch them.
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It’s funny how quiet Cape Cod is during the off-season. It’s a great time to visit to have the shore all to yourself.
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True. On one hand I would have liked it warmer to swim in the surf, but the lack of crowds made it a quiet, enjoyable time to appreciate the beaches.
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I’ve never been out that way, but you’re making it look very tempting.
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My first time to the cape, although I’ve been to Boston a few times. Fu exploring little towns and beaches, with a New England feel.
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Thanks for this delightful meander in a part of the world I’ve not visited. It looks beautiful, and your photos are gorgeous.
Alison
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It was a delightful meander! I will have a few more posts to share. Thanks for your comment, Alison, glad you enjoyed it.
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Love your autumn tree colours! And the pictures of the beach is really stunning … oh, and I could almost smell your lobster roll & chips!!
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Thanks so much. The lobster (and the beach) was such a treat; I don’t get to do that often living inland.
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Cape Cod sure has a lot of faces. The one time we visited we only had time to take the highway to Provincetown and back, so we missed the ocean views and beach walks. Also, I like the choice of lobster roll in lettuce leaves. Ours was in a kind of hoagie roll – a little too heavy for my taste.
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I spent a few weeks on the cape and was able to explore different towns and beaches, a delight until the storm hit. I’ve missed the ocean, living inland! There was a bun hiding under the greens.
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The bun was well hidden! I agree about missing the coast, Ruth. Growing up in Los Angeles, the beach and the ocean permeated my DNA forever. We make a two-week trip back to San Diego every summer, just so I can get my “fix” of white sand and blue waters.
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Ah, that sounds nice. I grew up on the other coast, New Jersey. Lots of beach time in summers.
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Wow… wonderful captures!
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Thank you!
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