Exploring Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

It's only July, and the East coast has already experienced at least two heat waves with temperatures soaring into the 90s and lower 100s F. As if that wasn't enough, last Tuesday an EF-1 tornado packed with 110 mph winds touched down on Cape Cod, the arm-shaped peninsula on eastern Massachusetts, causing extensive damages and power outages. Boats had a wild ride in the storm (see video). I'm sure our friend Joe is mighty glad he moved his boat out of the Cape several years ago.

We have sweet memories of Cape Cod, and have explored from the tip of the peninsula at Provincetown to the end at Falmouth via car, bike and boat. It is a popular summertime destination, not just for Bostonians, but also for celebrities and past U.S. presidents. In fact, President John F. Kennedy's hometown is in Hyannis, and he created the Cape Cod National Seashore. Thanks to his foresight and enthusiasm, we have forty miles of pristine sandy beaches, salt marshes and ponds to explore, relax and enjoy.

We visited one summer day in June a few years ago. The Salt Pond Visitor Center at Eastham has an outstanding museum, and magnificent views of Salt Pond, Nauset Marsh and the Atlantic Ocean. We enjoyed a short hike on Nauset Marsh Trail.

Idyllic scenery along the Nauset Marsh Trail

Pretty view of the marshes

Nauset Light and path from parking lot to the beach

walkway from the tall dunes to the beach

Dunes and drama of the ocean surf

You can't possibly leave the Cape without savoring some yummy seafood. In the past few years, we have been patronizing Kreme and Kone, a local family-style restaurant famous for their fabulous fried scallops, clams and fish.

Fried scallops

Fried clams with belly

Family-style restaurant where you line up to order at the counter

You can sit outside and watch kayakers glide by on Swan Pond River

It's still hot in some places. Swimming in the river or pool is a great way to cool down. How are you dealing with this heat?

Information you might find helpful
Salt Pond Visitor Center
50 Nauset Road, off Route 6, Eastham

Nauset Marsh Trail, Eastham
Length: 1.3 mile loop
Skill Level: Easy

Kreme and Kone
961 Main St West Dennis, MA 02670

This post is shared on Our World Tuesday and Image-in-ing.

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