Even more water

If there's something I love more than land, it's water.

I am not sure if it's the summer months that make me yearn for the sea, or just that, once the weather gets warmer, it's easier to visit, but as you can see from this post and this post, I am relishing my time by the water these days.

Yesterday we took a day trip to the Cape. One of the nicest things about Cape Cod is the pristine nature of its beaches. You will be relatively bored there if you are in search of a lively beach packed with surfers and families, concession stands, fairs and shops all along the water. While some of the hundreds of beaches there are more popular than others, each is less crowded than an "Ocean City" any day, and still more desolate, with colder Atlantic water, than the Outer Banks.

S and I were in search of a beach site we'd not been to yet, and found Nauset Light Beach in Eastham. Eastham, for its Fort Hill area, is probably my favorite town on the Cape. Nauset Light Beach only added to my love for this little stretch along Route 6.

We got to the beach a bit after 7 in the morning and parked for free, which you can do even in peak season if you get there and the National Parks aren't yet open - parking lots open at 6am, the "parks" technically at 9. There were a few couples around, a few fisher people and a few folks walking their dogs, but that was it.

The sun was still rising, and it was chilly and warm at the same time. We did a tour of the four lighthouses in the area, Nauset Light House and the Three Sisters. Then we plopped down on the beach for some snacks, a nap, and just a little time for a walk along the freezing waves. It was overcast the whole day, with peaks of sun cascading over the water every so often.

We then drove up to another favorite, Provincetown, and visited the Julie Heller Gallery, where we learned about local artist Sol Wilson and his portraiture of the area. We finished off the day with lunch at the Squealing Pig and a leisurely drive home.

If I have my way, we'll be visiting the Cape all summer. I already have in my sights a few trips to see concerts there, a good movie at the Wellfleet drive in, some time spent getting to know the lower Cape - only an hour drive from us - and perhaps another visit or two to enjoy some art. Waterside, it will all be fun!