Camping in the Cape

Feeling well established in my little town of Weston, my feet firmly on the ground, my bearings well in place, friendships growing and travels expanding, I feel comfortable in my current life. Having a few treasures at my doorstep, short weekend trips are fun and reasonable. Having met Danielle, a South African, from Namibia, I find myself making a friend for life, which is not easy to do on such a journey. Her sense of travel and adventure provides me with much excitement and relief to know we share interests that have already mapped a bond. A camping in Cape Cod invitation was therefore well accepted. A site where a pitched tent, lanterns and already blown up king size mattresses are provided, the acceptance grew even more so. Five girls, five hour trip, one night, one great memory. We were welcomed into our camp site by what was and still remains a mystery, of the she man experience. Having watched a number of horror movies filmed in various settings, this scene sent flashes through my mind of “ The hills have eyes “ and “ Wrong Turn “ scenarios meshed together to create an imagination illusion of what later events would deem inevitable and explainable. Nevertheless we ‘checked‘ in, and followed the instructions and the map, to what would be the next 20 minutes of circles, missed exits, déjà vu, heated discussions and debates, to eventually find our site. We did some foot exploring and then headed to Providence for some lunch and shopping. We stopped at the lighthouse on the way, to revel in some island history and culture courtesy.

 

 

 

We accumulated handfuls of quarters for the pricier than usual parking meter and walked the colourful and busy streets.

Stepping into some unique stores, and striking gold when the familiar flag of home, slightly tattered, blowing in the salty breeze, pulled at some heart strings and resulted in some squeals and shrieks. We popped into the “Karoo Café” to be delighted but all the South African favourites in merchandise.

 

 

Searching for a typical Cape Cod dining experience we were recommended the Lobster Pot, which was clearly the place to be having collected our lobster shaped vibrating alert pad, a 20 minute wait, we entered a buzzing ambiance of bibed patrons and satisfied smirks. The tempting drop a penny and win a lobster ploy of the shot glass in the jug of water made me drop lip like a kid denied a toy at the store. Nevertheless I indulged in the famous bowl of Tim’s Clam Chowder, 4 time winner of the Cape Cod Chowder festival, and 3 time winner of the Boston Chowder festival, a winner indeed, delicious. The Lobster Avocado Cocktail was my next choice, colourfully presented in a stack of succulent sensations. Satisfied and concerned about our parking expiring we headed back to find a stop n shop, a liquor store, and smors ingredients, to make it back before sunset, to begin our night time camp fire experience. Who said you need a man for the outdoors, we had the perfect evening of melted marshmallow magic, cold beer, old school music charts, singing, dancing, fire, stories, laughter and pure happiness, in the middle of the woods. A few moments of weakness during the night, with “Blaire witch“ references, lead a certain individual to call for comfort in which the next morning’s greeting of cold dismal rain provided some light hearted banter.

 

We showered and made our way to the town of Mystic, where we captured some beauty of yet another preserved little town of tales prevalent in the states. Another stop, lead us to the “Submarine Force, Library and Museum” in which we climbed aboard the world's first nuclear powered vessel, first ship to go to the North Pole, and first submarine to journey "20,000 Leagues under the sea." Listening to the facts over a speaker controller, snapping some shots and having a few marvelling moments at the lack of space in the vessel itself, provided a fascinating tour. All in all a great trip with some great girls.