Day 6 – (08/21) Cape Cod, MA

Today was a touring day.  We were up and on the road to Cape Cod by 9:30am. We used the National Geographic Old King’s Highway scenic route as a guide for our trip from Sagamore to Provincetown.  Basically, we followed US 6 and MA 6A.

We crossed the Sagamore Bridge, then took MA 6A for a scenic journey past the history and architecture of Sandwich (1637), Barnstable, Dennis and Brewster.

Sandwich

Greek Revival Courthouse in Barnstable
(from New England's 19th century "granite age")

Just outside Dennis, we took a side trip to the observation tower on Scargo Hill.  It’s 160 feet above sea level and one of the highest points on the Cape.

Scargo Hill - Observation Tower

Scargo Lake & Cape Cod Bay

We saw some interesting road signs.  What do they mean?

    High Traffic Enforcement Area ... does everyone have to drive here?

    Slow Blind Drive ... will punctuation improve this?

    Thickly Settled ... huh?

Here's proof of one

A ranger at the Salt Pond Visitor Center suggested stops at numerous light houses and the Marconi Station site as we continued toward Provincetown.

Nanset Lighthouse
(we could only drive by; the parking lot was full)

The Marconi Station stop provided great views and a reminder of a huge success.

Marconi Station from observation platform

Looking southeast toward Marconi Beach

Marconi's success

Marconi's invention

The Highland Lighthouse stop held a fun surprise.  Carol struck up a conversation and learned the gift shop clerk had graduated from North High School in 1962.

Highland Lighthouse

The road ends at Provincetown.  We stopped there for a late lunch.  The Lobster Pot was highly recommended.  The place didn't look like much from the outside, but the meal and service were outstanding.  Carol had Codfish Au Gratin.  Dick’s seafood platter (shrimp, scallops, fish and calamari) was the best either of us had ever tasted.

A great place for seafood

Downtown Provincetown was pretty overwhelming.  Foot traffic was the most chaotic we’ve seen in any ocean-side town.  Businesses along Commercial Street were jammed together; many were really tacky.  It seemed everyone was selling parking spaces.

Commercial Street

Commercial Street

Provincetown Harbor

Cottage along Cape Cod Bay

Cottages along Cape Cod Bay

We got back to the campground at around 7pm.  


This was the first time we had seen Cape Cod.  It's different than expected.  The drive from Sandwich to Brewster on MA 6A was quaint.  Gardens were tended, homes were maintained and commerce was hidden from view.  We didn't see sand dunes or ocean from the main highway until we had nearly reached Provincetown.