On one hand, going to Cape Cod on Labor Day weekend seems really silly…crowds and the like.
But..we were heading to Cape Cod while the crowds (and there were lots of people!) were heading away from the Cape.
And…we’re not really used to the concept of “the season” — basically, after Labor Day, things really slow down in many New England areas. Restaurants close (or reduce their hours), destinations reduce staff and availability and the like. Took a bit getting used to.
Day 1: Arrival and the 3 Sisters!
We drove past many cars heading out of the Cape, over the bridge and into the mid-Cape area at Eastham to stay at the Atlantic Oaks RV Campground.
Atlantic Oaks
Zoe Ready for a ride
To some extent, this park was similar to many others we stayed in: somewhat old, lots of trees and a bit out of any town. Nice, however, and it was full. We’ve noticed that the NE season may be over but RV parks are still full.
Our plan was to explore, as fully as possible, the eastern Cape — especially the National Seashore.
Beach here we come
Checked out the Visitor Center (pretty much closed due to Covid) and..made a reservation for a ranger led Kayak Tour on the Salt Pond Bay next to the Visitor Center.
We found out the “Cape Cod Potato Chip” lighthouses (officially known as the Three Sisters Lighthouses)
Original Three Sisters site
Three Sisters
Three Sisters
were available for visiting and headed over there not quite knowing what to expect. The parking area was almost deserted; Covid prevented actual indoor visits but there was a nice, lightweight hiking trail and the beach. We weren’t really prepared for a Beach Day but..totally enjoyed jumping into the Atlantic and walking the shore.
Day 2: Kayaking and The Beach!
The ranger-led kayak trip was great – had about 1 hour intro to the Seashore and then a guided tour of Salt Pond (it was pretty windy or that part might have been longer). Some interesting factoids: Native Americans really did use/trade with wampaum (and the most prized pieces were dark purple on the inside of the shell). Zoe spent the rest of the trip looking for clam shells that were purple inside and found exactly none!
After the kayak tour, took a hike around the Pond & then headed to the beach. This time we were prepared: beach chairs, towels, drinks & snacks. The beach is fabulous: not crowded (!!), warm, little wind and almost no surf! Perfect for relaxing, people-watching and walking.
Day 3: Rain, Rain & More Rain!
This was a stay-at-home day with pretty serious rain all day.
Day 4: After the Deluge!
Beautiful day, some scattered clouds and a pretty beaten-up beach due to the rain and wind from the previous day. As the day went by, noticed lots of major clouds & wind building up…and a few “shark” flags displayed on the beach.
napping on the beach
Day 5: Ahhh..m
to the beach