So, we had a marvellous week on the Cape, staying near Wellfleet in a wonderful wooden house nestled up a sandy track, hidden away in the pine forests of the Cape Cod National Seashore. I must confess I wondered whether our Kia Rondo* would make it up the steep and windy track - there was a hold-your-breath moment when it almost starting sliding backwards.... but we made it fine and were glad that we did.
Each family living in the forest has nailed their name to a tree to tell their friends where to find them. I wonder whether the ant population of Wellfleet is able to read too, as several colonies seemed to know where to find our empty house and had taken up residence when we arrived.
One of the special things about staying in a place like this is that you are "close to nature". The absence of TV chatter, streetlamp glow and traffic hum means almost total silence, apart from the rustle of raccoons in the grass. Mum kept a detailed list of all the animals she saw during the week, which included chipmunks, wild turkeys and glow-worms. And an awful lot of insects.
Nearby is Gull Pond. The water is crystal clear and is also very warm (especially compared to the Atlantic at Newcomb Hollow beach!). It was in this pond that Zoë took her first proper dip in the water; she was very curious about the experience and didn't make a peep when she was plunged in up to her shoulders. Hopefully this bodes well for her upcoming swimming lessons.
Zoë takes a different kind of dip in the kitchen sink
Two old farts relaxing on the wooden deck in the evening; note the 2 empty wine bottles they have drunk "to keep the mosquitoes away"
Our favourite shop on Route 6; if any more inflatables are lashed to its roof it will probably rise into the air like a psychedelic dirigible
Yes, I know, how childish of me, tsk tsk....
Luckily Eamon was able to come out on the fast ferry to Provincetown to join us for a couple of days of sun and seafood. Over the week Mum and I ate a lot of unfortunate crustaceans (much to Dad's horror) and we left on quite friendly terms with the owner of the liquor store in South Wellfleet (much to Dad's delight).
Your name is Shelby? I am going to call you DINNER
A terrific and exhausting week was had by all. Sady, Mum and Dad fly home tomorrow, but we're looking forward to the 4th July celebrations this weekend.
* Once again, Dollar surpassed itself with its quality rental vehicles
No comments:
Post a Comment