Beware of Sharks
Category: Memories
Keep the Memories
“Sometimes even a thousand waves hitting the shore continuously one after the other also can’t erase few footprints on the seashore.”
Looks like the little bunny left as I no longer see him around. Sad. I did notice he ate all the Kale that was growing before he left, but I’m okay with that. That little growing body needs lots of Iron! Good luck little guy! Come visit once in a while!
Currently reading a book on Chatham by a native that lived his whole life there into his 80s. So interesting to read about how it looked to him as a boy and the retellings from his father and grandfather, and who related to them the times from their parents and grandparents. Amazing how much a place can change in a hundred years time or so. I bet a lot of it would be unrecognizable to those folks now – not sure if they would approve. I couldn’t add it to my Goodreads because it’s some local publication and isn’t in the database, although it does have an ISBN number.
All this beach time the last few days has made me want to paint a beach scene on a seashell. I will attempt to do that tomorrow. Maybe a coastal scene with a sailboat and lighthouse (if I can even fit that all on there and hope it doesn’t come out looking like ass). We’ll see. Got the idea from seeing some done by somebody on a revisit to the Eddy trail hike we did one more time yesterday, this time at low tide, so I could see the change over the flats. I’d have to say that it had become my favorite hiking trail on the Cape. Amazing how completely different a place can look – very unique place that only exists right there and no where else on the planet.
I want to make some Pineapple Cooler cocktails, I have all the ingredients except for coconut milk. Unrelated, I also need to find a place where I can buy some Chocolate Snakeweed that I want to plant in the garden as it’s a good at attracting pollinators. I’ve been uprooting the milkweed that has a tendency to grow around here but am thinking I might leave them alone this time as their blooms attract Monarch Butterflies supposedly.
I know this is sort of a rambling entry. Just trying to get some ideas down out of my head. Finally I’ve added the Linnell Landing shot at sunset to the store.
Visiting Nauset
Today was another full day. Well, actually slept in for a bit but in the afternoon tooled around Chatham hitting Little Libraries around town. I actually was able to find some good future reading I think, a book on Whitey Bulger and another book written by a Chatham native talking about growing and living there over the decades. Also found an original Winnie the Pooh edition book by Milne which I grabbed for LD. Unfortunately we also learned that one of the eating establishments here had to close due to an employee getting Covid. We had eaten a pizza from there a couple of days ago (take out) but hopefully we’ll be alright. I have no reason to believe that we won’t as I was only in there for a minute and had a mask on and the counter people also did and had gloves etc. and the employee supposedly wasn’t customer facing or handling food so they say. The news mentioned tonight that a bunch of people went to a party a couple of weeks ago, and most of them just happen to work at restaurants in the area. On top of that, although unconfirmed, it may have been one of those Covid parties that kids are having. If that ends up being true then that is truly terrible, putting everyone at risk, and they should all be fired and maybe more. I just don’t get why these kids don’t seem to get the danger of this thing and the fact that they’ll spread it to more vulnerable people.
It looked like rain might be coming in during the late afternoon, but it actually held out as we went down to Skaket and went into the water for a little bit of a swim in the bay. The tide was going out so for quite a ways the water was only up to my knees but that’s okay with me. It was a good time to go since most folks had already left for the day so being socially distant wasn’t any problem.
To wrap up we headed over to Nauset Beach and then Nauset Light. This is actually a famous Cape landmark and is the lighthouse depicted on those Cape Cod chip bags if you didn’t know. I did not know however that it is the most photographed lighthouse on the Cape. I walked around the light trying to get a specific angle that I don’t think most people shoot from – trying for something a little unique.
There were actually a lot of seals playing in the surf here tonight and we watched their heads bop up and down into the water for a while, floating and darting beneath the waves as the sun was setting, bathing the sky in blue and pink colors.
Clean Lines
Stay tuned for more updates today. If you follow me on Instagram I have some stories up from all the exploring we did yesterday as well.
Full Day
I’ll fill this entry in better later on but today ended up being a pretty full day. Started off the day with a hike in Kenrick Woods. We then spent afternoon in Chatham where I walked the Lighthouse Trail which basically is just along the shoreline (my favorite spot – the water and sand are so pristine and clear! Pictures forthcoming) and then connected up and explored a little bit of Morris Island, where unfortunately LD obtained a pretty big bug bite. Ended the early evening with a trip over to Linnell Landing where I took some more sunset shots.
Back to It
Back on the Cape now, lunch in Sandwich by the canal, taking sunset photos at Harding’s Beach in Chatham (there was also some kind of modeling shoot going on there with two photogs in a woman in a bikini taking shots in the water, maybe for swimwear modelling?) and take out pizza tonight from a place called The Talkative Pig since we were near the location of that establishment.
This morning we walked the Kenrick Woods for a little bit.
Lil’ Buns
This is one of the baby bunnies that were born on the back deck in a flowerpot of Dianthus. I’ve currently nicknamed this little guy ‘Lil Buns’ but maybe Diane or Diana would be a better name? Open to suggestions! We were pleased that we were able to get to see him/her. We’ve had baby bunnies in the yard before but never so close and in a flowerpot on the back deck of all places!
Every so often Mom would come up and rearrange her fur in the pot and it was then that I knew we had something special happening. It’s mother, who’ve we named Gracie (full name – Gracie, the Goddess of the Garden. Source: Ladydoc), was seen hanging around the lawn as well. This little creature is sooo cute and I’m so glad that Gracie felt so safe as to give birth to it in our flowerpots. Luckily it can actually hide under the pots that are on coasters and I assume Gracie comes up to feed it occasionally.
Three Hikes in One
This morning we hiked around Mill’s Pond, saw a seal there. Then over to Fort Hill and hiked that, noticed a lot of different birds and butterflies which was cool – I also hiked the Red Maple Swamp (and I may do that again) which comes out of the woods in front of Capt. Penniman’s House.
Looks like they did the place over. Unfortunately the whale bones to the entrance have been removed, but I photographed them in 2014.
Waders Next Time
Time to give an update since the last entry. After the hike over at Kent’s Point we hit a couple of little libraries in the area but I still came up empty on any good books that I might want to read. Will keep trying though – usually get some good stuff down here. Hit the Hole-In-One for lunch and chocolate glazed donuts.
Later in the afternoon we went down to the pool and cooled off a bit with a little dip. During this time we learned back at home that the baby bunnies (of which there appear to be two) are hopping around on the back deck and hiding under pots! I hope we’ll get a chance to see them before they take off but if not, I hope they lead a safe and productive life. Figures they would pick this week to decide to get out of their mother’s home and explore!
We decided to head down to Paine’s Creek for tonight’s sunset shots. It’s actually one of my favorite places to shoot down here – I’ve gotten lots of great shots from here over the years and every sunset is completely different. All the times I’ve been here though I had never been when it was low tide (go figure). So I was able to get some interesting shots further out into the bay than I normally do. So I walked out there quite a ways to get some shots, including the one above, which I think came out okay. I should have paid a little more attention to my surroundings however because when I turned to head back, some of the water had come in and I needed to wade through the water to get back to the parking lot, so my sneakers and pant legs were soaked and caked in some mud. Hopefully those will dry out by tomorrow. Finished with a quick takeout dinner of fish tacos from a place called Guapo’s.
Every day so far down here we’ve been able to fill up pretty well, considering in the weird times we’re currently living through. Tomorrow morning I think we’re going to try to hike over at a place called Mill’s Pond.
Kent’s Point
Did an early hike this morning over to a place called Kent’s Point. This land contains more than a mile of undeveloped shoreline, and fronts on Lonnie’s Pond, Little Pleasant Bay and Frost Fish Creek. The main trail to the former Kent house site goes up the center of the property leading to a handicapped-accessible boardwalk overlooking The River and the northern portion of Pleasant Bay. We did it early before it got too hot out.
Thumpertown
Decided to check out Thumpertown in Eastham tonight. And that’s the shot you see here now as sunset was approaching. It’s a pretty good place to see sunsets. On the way back we grabbed some grub at Arnold’s just before they closed for the night. So day 1 so far was pretty loaded. I hit the grocery store in the AM, we hiked the Eddy Trail to the highest bluff in Brewster, searched a couple of little libraries (nothing good found as of yet – will keep looking at some more throughout the week), LD hit the pool for a little, tried to catch some sunset and dinner from Arnold’s. All in all, not too shabby.
Eddy Trail
We made it to the end of the trail overlooking the bluffs into Cape Cod Bay! This is actually a very nice trail. As for a little history of it here goes. The trail is located on the site of the “planting fields” of the Saquatucket Sachemship and later divisions of farms for the colonists in the 1600’s. The area later served as pasture and tillage for some of Brewster’s leading farming families through the 1800’s. From Lower Road, the path leads past 1870’s barn and house foundations, through a grove of large holly trees, and then pine and oak woodland. The path ends at the highest bluff in Brewster overlooking Cape Cod Bay, which is where this shot was taken! It was currently high tide so the water looks close but I might return at low tide so as to see the miles of tidal flats that appear.
Cape Cod Life
I’ve been getting some love on my seal pictures on the Cape Cod Photography page from folks so I decided to put one up for purchase. Nice thing I like about this particular shot is the little baby in the background center. I’d like to get out to this spot again someday. On this particular day I shot this, all the planets aligned and the seals all wanted to rest and came up on this spit that was exposed from being underwater. The weather this particular day was cloudy with a chance of rain and a little windy. Maybe that’s a good time to go see them?
I am currently on the Cape now. It’s definitely different than other times though – wearing the mask, being socially distant. it’s just so weird. More later…
Bunny Baby Progress
One thing before I left was taking this picture of the baby bunny (there’s at least one in there!) peeking through the fur that it’s mother had placed on top of it to hide it and keep it warm. I’m hoping to document the entire early life of these guys with luck.
Off to the Beach!
We have arrived in Brewster for the week. Keep checking back for new photos and other adventures I may be taking!
Sandals
Some of the best memories are made in flip flops.
Wait for the Right Moment
Don’t be the sand in my shoe, when you can be the love in my heart.
The story behind the photo: Another sunset night at Rock Harbor, probably one of my favorite places on the Cape. This particular moment was low tide and as you can see, it’s pretty flat out there, you’ll be walking out there for quite a ways before you’ll get to some deeper water. You can see some interesting colored sunsets there depending on the weather conditions. On this particular evening, there was a somewhat purple tint and not a cloud in the sky.
More later…
New Life
Ok, there’s something moving underneath the fur where that bunny starting placing a nest in the flowerpot on the deck! More discovery to come!
Return of the Ospreys
The story behind the photo: I really like this one. Reminds me I need to get back into birding more. Anyways, we had taken a boat cruise around the harbor in one of the Cape towns last year, I think it might have been in Dennis or somewhere around there. And we just happened to pass by this osprey nest. Thankfully I had the foresight to bring my complement of lenses so I switched to one where I could get a closer shot of them. I actually have a bunch of different shots from this but I felt this was one of the better ones. I remember having to try to brace myself as the boat kept wobbling over the waves. I assume they were waiting for their parent although they looked like they were just about ready to head out on their own. The fact that their eyes are still brown rather than yellow also signifies them as juveniles. I like how the two on the right appear to looking directly at me.
They would also leave the nest every so often, maybe just getting the feel of flight. This guy up above decided to perch right next to this gull, who doesn’t seem that concerned, although I think I might be if I were him. They do prefer to eat fish rather than birds but if it got hungry enough…
Swimming in Buzzards Bay
Thanks to the Guidebook of Cape Cod for featuring one of my photos!
I am one hurting puppy today. Spent the day down in Fairhaven again at the Ladydoc’s friend’s beach house. We swam in the bay – it was somewhat choppy today – the waves actually seemed pretty tall at some points, but it’s so much fun to jump over the waves – plus since it’s a private area nobody else was there – it was pretty amazing. There are rocks there toward the shore though so you have to be careful at high tide. I did scrape my legs a little bit, the front of my left knee, and the back of my right knee, but not really all that bad. Hard to believe we were out there for an hour and a half! After we came in we saw that two guys in a canoe had capsized so everyone got help and called the authorities but they were alright. Really not the place for a canoe. A lot of folks kayak there, which seems a more appropriate vessel, especially for the way the wind was churning up the waves today. Hopefully a lesson was learned. It’s usually pretty calm but I guess the remnants of Fay passing through might have stirred it up a bit more than usual. Then I dried in the sun, and now I feel like a tired potato. Really spent, but feels good in way. Plus it’s much cooler and more bearable there then up here in the heat of the valley where temperatures reached 90 degrees.
We also spent a little time visiting a shop there that sells these Adirondack chairs, really nice ones, made out of composite. Bit on the expensive side, but they last forever. Seems to be in these days with everyone being home now I guess.
Eastham Love
Allow me to be a “Promo Ho” for a sec: I got a lot of love on the Eastham shot on the Cape Cod Photographers group, so I decided to add the high resolution version of it to my shop for purchase if anyone’s interested. Also, jigsaw puzzles of my work will be coming soon, which I think is a really cool idea! Check out this particular product here: Eastham Love! And stay tuned for the jigsaw puzzle versions!
Yesterday I forgot to mention that a transformer blew on the street, so we and the neighbors were all without power for a bit. We all streamed out of our houses asking if we all had the same experience, since everyone is home these days. We even got to talk to the neighbor that never has spoken to us in 3 years! She finally introduced herself to us and as we were talking, maybe she’s not such a bad egg after all.
This morning was spent hanging at the car mechanic’s shop getting an oil change and inspection sticker. Mine was up in May but due to the pandemic we all got a few months extra so I figured I’d get it done now. No sweat. I also noticed this morning that our Balloon Flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are starting to bloom now! Yay! Pretty cool how they “balloon” out, hence the name.
I finally beat all 30 levels from Slimoban – the game I mentioned a few days ago – really good game! Oh! We’re going to try out a drive-in tonight, one of those pop-up locations. Should be an experience! I’ll update as to how it went later! Update: The drive-in was fun! Saw E.T. Ahhh, memories. I remember my first drive experience must have been when I was about 10 – the original Freaky Friday was the movie, down at what is now the Meadow Glen in Medford.
Sunset Serendipity
“Sunsets are always better shared.”
The story behind the photo: This happened to be one of the last shots I took on the night this was taken at Rock Harbor in Orleans. I actually have a bunch of various scenes from this area on this particular night, but as the sun was setting and it was getting close to be getting time to go, I kept watching this couple in a rowboat go around the bay a couple of times. Finally I saw that they positioned their boat in order to take in some sunset scenery and so I decided to take a picture of that. It was a spectacular night for a sunset too. Complete serendipity as to how this one all turned out!
Throwback Truro Thursday
I’m working on different things that I want to see on the Cape this year, so I’m taking notes on different things. I think this time around, besides the usual sunset and lighthouse shots (see above) and wildlife when I can get it (which is a given), I’m thinking some trails and hikes and maybe around some of the kettle ponds. Since this year has to be different, maybe it’s a good time to discover some new things that I wouldn’t normally see while there. If anyone has any good places of note regarding my search on this – leave me a comment!
More later…
The Plot Thickens
The story behind the photo: As sunset was approaching, we were driving around Eastham looking for some other viewing places of the bay that were less crowded and came upon some residential area, driving down some quiet local roads. Reaching the end of one of the terminals we encountered this location. So I got out and snapped a few and there it is. It was nice that nobody happened to be there at this particular time. I remember how quiet it was. Perhaps folks who live here were having dinner in their homes at the time. I think we’ll try to get back to this location again.
It would appear that this rabbit that keeps coming on the deck may have something on her mind rather than just checking out what plants are up there. When I look into the dianthus pot there appears to a dug hole. Cut to this morning and I noticed the hold had some fur placed in it. Cut to a few hours later today and now I notice some twigs on top of the fur. Could this bunny actually think about putting some little bunnies in there? Hell of a place for such a thing, with us coming in and out all the time. Still, I am curious to see how this pans out – maybe it’ll be nothing, perhaps a decoy nest possibly – but what if it becomes something?
Today’s movie watch is Doctor Sleep – the sequel to The Shining. I don’t feel it was good as the Shining (but how could it be). Totally different – more like a bunch of vampires type of movie. Not bad in the least, just different and that’s how you have to view it I feel. If you think it’s going to be like The Shining you’ll be disappointed. I especially liked the scene in the Overlook where Dan meets his father who is now the bartender and the conversation that ensues (they couldn’t get Jack apparently so they tried to do it with a sort of lookalike which was cheesy to me), but overall it’s just a different kind of film. Not what I was expecting.
The hummingbird came by again! But once again, only stayed for a second so I couldn’t observe it in detail in time. It’s so weird seeing this thing, the way it moves, hover and fly sort of robotically – up, down, side to side, that it takes time for my mind to process what the hell it is. And by the time you figure it out, it takes off.