Beantown & Cape Cod Trip Adventure (Post 2/3)

After a whirlwind weekend seeing old faces, meeting new ones and an exploration of many of the neighborhoods of Boston, we looked forward to some more relaxing and peaceful days ahead as we made our way to Falmouth. When I had looked at resorts months ago, we wanted a place that had a pool, was beachfront, ideally had a restaurant and one that was relatively upscale. Many of the hotels on the Cape are more Bed-n-Breakfast style or are run-down or cheesy in an attempt to be kid-friendly. We didn't want to break the bank but also didn't want to live for six days without amenities. After much research, we had booked the newly renovated SeaCrest Hotel in Falmouth, just a short drive from main street and Wood's Hole. It was a great choice (albeit we encountered some very "green" staff as it was pre-summer season). They had an indoor and outdoor pool, a wide expanse of beach facing Buzzard's Bay, two restaurants, and beautifully landscaped courtyards. It had its quirks but we were okay with that.

Unfortunately for the first few days it rained or was foggy. We made the best of it poking around Falmouth Center on Monday while on Tuesday we headed towards the tip of Cape Cod, the roads narrowing and traffic almost non-existent once we got passed its "elbow". The beautiful dunes took on a different feeling in the cool mist. Then through the salty air we hit Provincetown. We walked around the docks and main street and had some lunch and then found ourselves continuing on past the shops and tourist traps to peak at the cottages and gray-shingle Cape homes. Some had luscious gardens/window boxes and a rare lawn while most were stacked so closely to one another than you could barely walk between them. Cats were aplenty, strolling in the alleyways or sitting in the windows. We found ourselves eventually at Pilgrim Park, the true site of the Pilgrims landing, a windswept marsh stretched for miles. On our return route, we walked through another part of town and remarked how unique a place Provincetown is.

After a harrowing ride back to Falmouth (an electronic issue with our rental car's engine made it difficult for Dave to drive without fear that the engine would shut off) we made it back to SeaCrest. We kicked around in the hot tub and indoor pool that evening hoping for better weather the following morning. Alas, when we woke, we were still socked in with serious fog. So we made our way back out to the Middle Cape and as we drove the skies began to clear. Luckily by the time we made it to Eastham, the sun was shining. We stopped at a pull-off point we had seen the day before, Fort Hill and hiked down a path, oohing and ahhing at the view. Wild roses bloomed everywhere (so did poison ivy, but we managed to ID that early on). Back in the car for a few miles more and we found ourselves at Coast Guard Beach. We enjoyed lazing around in the sun as Cole played in the sand (the surf was chilly).

After a few hours, we meandered back to Falmouth to clean up and head to the Cantellas for dinner. A short drive back to the mainland, we enjoyed the company of Kristen, Luke and the girls. Drinks, lobster, laughter and witty conversation ensued. The kids were exhausted when we finally said good night. We'd be seeing Kristen and the girls on Friday afternoon for some beach fun and again on Saturday when we planned to cruise around the Vineyard on Luke's fishing boat.