Video of Pictures Taken During Trip to Williamsburg, VA

Assateague & Chincoteague Islands

Assateague Horse on Road - Maryland Access
+++SEE BOTTOM OF ARTICLE FOR INFO ON JOINING US AUGUST 9-11, 2011+++ 

Wild horses, prairies, estuaries, plains. Sound like something you would find in the south or out west?  Assateague Island, situated on the Maryland and Virginia borders, is an east coast destination for adventure and relaxation.

There is a Maryland access on the north end of the island (close to Ocean City & Berlin, Maryland) and a Virginia access on the south end at Chincoteague Island, VA. No roads connect the MD and VA sides on the island (which would make the drive much faster).

Maryland Access

Assateague Island is managed by three official park agencies. Assateague Island National Seashore is cared for and managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Department of Natural Resources (State Park). 

This part of the island is accessible from the Maryland side on MD Rt 611. The Barrier Island Visitor Center is located on the RIGHT side of the road just before the bridge that takes you to Assateague Island. This is the National Park Headquarters for the island and a MUST stop for information, maps, and other vital information related to visiting the National Park part of the island. 

There is no lodging close to the Maryland side of the island. Most people choose to stay in Ocean City, Maryland or surrounding communities that are within fifteen minutes to half hour drive from the island. Camping is available on this side of the island, including RV hookups.

Virginia Access

Assateague Lighthouse

 Chincoteague Island access is about 1.5 hours south from the Maryland access on RT 13 & 113.

Chincoteague Island is in Virginia and adjacent to Assateague Island. The Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge is the southern end of Assateague Island in Virginia, the refuge was established in 1943 for the protection of migratory waterfowl habitat.

Over 14,000 acres of beach, maritime forest, saltmarsh, and freshwater marsh habitats are home to a spectacular variety of migratory birds, plants, and other animals. The Toms Cove Visitor Center is located on the south side of Beach Road, prior to the beach parking areas.
On Chincoteague Island you will find lodging in the form of hotels, cottages, beach houses, campgrounds and bed & breakfasts. Seafood restaurants can be found here and offer a variety of local fresh fish and shellfish. 
                   
Both islands are famous for the wild ponies that actually populate Asssateague Island. The Chincoteague Fire Department has a "pony roundup" annually in July and "swims" the ponies to Chincoteague for auction to keep the herd on Assateague at a manageable level.

GENERAL CONDITIONS TO CONSIDER
Summers at Assateague are generally hot and humid. Mosquitoes, biting flies, gnats and ticks are abundant from spring through autumn. Insect repellent and/or protective clothing is recommended. It rarely snows in the winter but it is often cold, damp and windy. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for long walks in the sand and hard soled water shoes/sandals or for wading in bay waters.


ACTIVITIES
Assateague Island at both the Maryland and Virginia access is a great vacation destination within easy reach for many East Coast residents. There are sightseeing cruises that depart from Chincoteague Island May through October, kayaking & canoeing, fishing (crabbing and clamming also), hunting, hiking, biking, photography and other activities that continually make this a paradise for visitors that enjoy outdoor recreation.

Assateague Island has over 37 miles of beautiful beach and has been rated one of best beaches on the entire East Coast. Search for seashells on white sand beaches, enjoy swimming along the Atlantic coastline or just relax on Assateague's vast unspoiled beaches.

The Assateague Lighthouse is on the way to the beach in Chincoteague and definitely worth a visit. Restoration has been ongoing and the light is still active.

CAMPING
NOTE: Campers may not bring firewood from out of state. Firewood must be purchased locally.
Camping at Assateague will be a pleasant experience if you plan ahead! The barrier island habitat can be harsh if you are not prepared. Camping is available only in the Maryland district of Assateague Island. Campers are reminded to bring firewood, sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind.
Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds:

• Oceanside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and an upright grill.
• Oceanside Walk-in: Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Sites have a picnic table and an upright grill.
• Bayside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and ground fire grill. A Drive-In "Generator-Free Zone" is located in Bayside B Loop.
• Group Camping: Organized clubs and affiliated groups must use group campsites. Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking area. Sites have a picnic table and an upright grill. Group campsites are available for reservations year round at $30 per night per site.

HIKING

Sunrise Hike Near Toms Cove
Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge

Hiking on a barrier island is a very unique experience. Be prepared for the challenges of heat, humidity, biting insects, fast approaching storms and changing tides. Hikers need to assume individual responsibility for planning their trips and hiking safely. Before setting out on your hike, stop by a park visitor center or ranger station to obtain needed warnings and recommendations. You will increase your odds of a safe hike, decrease your disturbance to park wildlife, and lessen damage to resources.

Trails are well kept and marked. The Maryland trails incorporate boardwalks and take the hiker through specific habitats. 

Beach Hiking
Visitors interested in hiking on the beach should also consider:
Terrain: Beach hiking is much more strenuous than hiking on a hard surface. The hiking terrain is flat, but the sand is soft and uneven. Visual distances over sand are deceiving. There are few landmarks and it is easy to underestimate mileage. Please take this into account when planning your hike.
Tides: Knowing the tide cycles may help you. Hiking at low tide offers a somewhat flatter, harder sand surface. Hiking at high tide usually means hiking higher on the beach in soft sand which is extremely fatiguing.
Footwear: Sturdy walking or hiking shoes offer the best support for long hikes in the sand. Keep in mind, wet shoes filled with sand can cause serious abrasions.
For backcountry camping enthusiasts, two oceanside and four bayside sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for visitors who wish to backpack or paddle the island.

BIKING
A great way to explore the island!
Maryland
Cyclists may travel to Assateague over a bicycle-pedestrian bridge and follow a paved bike path along Bayberry Drive through 4 miles of island habitat.
Virginia
A paved path leads bicycles from Chincoteague to Assateague. Enjoy these paths, too!
Wildlife Loop - 3 1/4 mile loop
Woodland Trail - 1 1/2 mile loop
Swan Cove Trail - 1/2 mile
Black Duck Marsh Trail - 1 mile

Kayaks & Canoes
Kayaks and canoes may be launched from designated areas on Assateague. Careful consideration should be given to weather conditions and tidal currents. Rentals are available seasonally in Maryland. Kayak tours are available in Chincoteague, VA.

Over-Sand Vehicles (OSV)There are 12 miles of beach in Maryland and a small section of beach in Virginia open to over-sand vehicles. An annual OSV permit may be purchased for $70 to $150 depending upon the type of access desired. Specific equipment is required.

Shell Collecting
Limit collecting to a gallon or less of UNOCCUPIED shells to ensure a supply for beach dwelling organisms.

Shellfishing
Crabbing and clamming are great ways to discover the bays behind Assateague and sample some local seafood specialties native to the area.

Surf Fishing
Surf fishing has been a popular recreational activity for generations. With a few basic tips on seasons, conditions, equipment, species & regulations, anglers can have an enjoyable experience. Fishing license is required. Check the PERMITS page of Assateague Island for details.

PARK ENTRANCE FEES
Maryland
Foot/Bicycle: No Fee
Individual: $3.00
Motorcycle: $10.00 - 7 Days
Vehicle: $15.00 - 7 Days
Vehicle: $30.00 - Park Annual Pass, valid from 1/1 - 12/31.
Vehicle: $15.00 - Beach Parking fee upgrade for USFWS Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp, valid July 1 - June 30 annually.VirginiaFoot/Bicycle: No Fee
Vehicle: $8.00 - 1 Day
Vehicle: $15.00 - 7 Days
Vehicle: $30.00 - Refuge Annual Pass, valid 1 year from purchase.
Vehicle: $30.00 - USFWS Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp ($15.00) plus beach parking fee ($15.00)

ANIMALS

Assateague Horses

Mare & Foal

Legend has it that the Assateague horses are survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast. While this dramatic tale is popular, there are no records yet that confirm it. The most plausible explanation is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock. The "wild" horses on Assateague are actually feral animals, meaning that they are descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state.

The horses are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side and one on the Maryland side of Assateague. They are separated by a fence at the Virginia/Maryland State line. These herds have divided themselves into bands of two to twelve animals and each band occupies a home range. The National Park Service manages the Maryland herd. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia herd. It is the Virginia herd which is often referred to as the "Chincoteague" ponies. The horses on the Va side are not as approachable as those on the MD side. Many visitors first learn about the Assateague horses from Marguerite Henry's famous book Misty of Chincoteague.

There are few places in the United States where you can view wild horses. Due to their complex social structure the Assateague horses display a wide range of unique behaviors. Take advantage of the opportunity to view these horses in a natural habitat. Assateague's horses are beautiful, tough, and wild. They have learned to survive in a harsh environment. Feeding and/or petting them is detrimental to both visitors and horses. Horses can get sick from human food. Those that learn to come up to the road to beg for food are often hit and killed by cars. Visitors are kicked, bitten and knocked down every year as a direct result of getting too close to the wild horses. Horses tough enough to survive the scorching heat, abundant mosquitoes, stormy weather and poor quality food found on this remote, windswept barrier island have formed a unique wild horse society. Enjoy their beauty from a distance, and you can help make sure these extraordinary wild horses will continue to thrive on Assateague Island.

Sika Deer

Deer
Two species of deer take advantage of the island's interior forests and shrub habitats, the native white-tailed deer and the non-native sika deer, actually a species of oriental elk. Ongoing research is evaluating the ecological effects of sika deer on both native vegetation communities and other wildlife such as the white-tailed deer.

Other mammals of Assateague occupy a wide array of habitats and range in size from small rodents to large marine mammals - the latter including the bottlenose dolphins and several species of whales that feed in the island's offshore waters.

Egret

Birds
Located along the Atlantic migratory flyway, Assateague Island plays host to a wide variety of both migratory and resident bird species. Because its mid-latitude location is within the migratory routes of both northern and southern species, the island provides a unique opportunity for birders. The island's rich mosaic of forest, dune, and marsh habitats offers feeding and nesting opportunities for a wide array of shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, and waders.

Rat Snake

Other Inhabitants
Box turtles and diamondback terrapins delight visitors throughout the island, and Seven species of frogs and toads depend on fresh water ponds in the center of the island for breeding, and a variety of snakes, such as the black rat snake, can be found across the forests, dunes, and marshes preying on rodents, small birds, or toads.

Numerous invertebrates such as fiddler crabs and mud snails play key roles in maintaining the health of the island’s salt marshes. Even the seemingly barren beaches provide habitat for nocturnal ghost crabs, red fox, and raccoons, who scavenge the crustaceans, fish, and other organic matter washed in by the tides.

Finally, the coastal waters that surround Assateague Island teem with animal life. The sheltered, nutrient rich waters of the estuary formed by the island provide ideal breeding and spawning habitat for many aquatic species, some of which, like the blue crab, are commercially important to the local area. Each spring a variety of fish, including spot, Atlantic menhaden and summer flounder migrate into the estuary to breed. Later, the juvenile fish provide an abundant food source for birds, marine mammals, and larger fish.

Enough for you to do on your vacation? Assateague island will meet all your expectations!

JOIN US! Harbor Light Adventures will be on Chincoteague Island, VA, August 9th to August 11th, 2011. We can make your reservations and meet you for a nature photography expedition to the island. Call Al at 888-895-5255 Ext. 2

See You There!!! 

Tour completed! Thanks to everyone who attended. We will talk about our stay in the next blog entry: Chincoteague, VA Stay, Play, Shop & Eat     

Cape Cod National Seashore - 50th Anniversary (Part 2)

During 2011, Cape Cod National Seashore celebrates its 50th anniversary. Several events are planned to commemorate this remarkable national park area. We are going to give you a rundown on areas to visit on "The Cape" and things to see and do from places we have visited there.

PART 2 (of 2)
Welcome to Part 2 of our series about Cape Cod National Seashore. This part will explore the beaches of Cape Cod, lighthouses to visit, whale watch trips and more.

CAPE COD BEACHES

The beaches of the Cape can be managed either by the town that they are in or by the National Park Service (NP). We will focus on National Park beaches. For details about town managed beaches, go to the individual town website found in Part 1 of our 2 part series.

A reminder from Part 1: Beach passes are obtained from the NP Salt Marsh office in Eastham or at the fee collection booths located at each beach entrance. The park office is a great place to start your vacation! Pick up maps, get information from the rangers, and even shop!

Beach Passes cost $15 per vehicle ($3 for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycles) for the day, and will admit you to all NP beaches in the area. If you plan to stay for a few days and visit the beach, it may be a better plan to buy the annual Cape Cod National Seashore pass which costs $45.

National Park Passes

Planning on visiting other national parks in a year? The Interagency Annual pass is available for $80 online and at all national parks. A pass is your ticket to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation. A pass covers entrance and standard amenity fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle at per vehicle fee areas (or up to four adults at sites that charge per person). Children age 15 or under are admitted free. http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm

EASTHAM, MA
Eastham has two notable NP beaches. Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Beach.


Old Coast Guard Station
Coast Guard Beach

 Coast Guard Beach
Perennially listed in the Top 10 Beaches in the United States, Coast Guard beach has a long history that dates back to  November 9, 1620, when a ship named the Mayflower, 65 days out fro Plymouth, England, made her landfall in the New World here!

Author, Henry David Thoreau, named it "The Great Beach", and about two miles south, on the outer beach, stood the cottage where author Henry Beston lived while gathering the material for his book, "The Outermost House", published in 1928. The book describes life on the outer beach during all four seasons (a good read if you plan on visiting).

Surf's Up! Early morning surfing
on Coast Guard Beach

Coast Guard Beach is a prime swimming beach during the summer season (mid-June to Labor Day) and surfers frequent it year-round. It is a great place to observe and photograph wildlife such as shore birds (including nesting plovers and terns that frequent this area in the early spring to early summer), seals, and whales. The entrance to the beach is located behind the old Coast Guard Station. The parking area at this location is closed to all but park staff and visitors who are disabled during season, and access is provided by shuttle bus from the Little Creek parking area. The parking lot at Coast Guard Beach is open the remainder of the year. There are seasonal restrooms and a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the beach.

Two other areas of interest for wildlife observation here are Nauset Marsh, which is located behind the former Coast Guard Station. It is accessible by a pathway that leads to the bicycle trail bridge. Nauset Spit offers the opportunity to walk directly onto a barrier beach system and observe shorebirds and, during the winter months, seals.

Nauset Light Beach
One mile north of Coast Guard Beach on Ocean View Drive is Nauset Light Beach. The Nauset Lighthouse is across the street and makes for a great photo op!  There is a large parking lot here that is managed by the NP, and be warned that the lot fills up early in the day. We cued in line for about an hour until parking became available at 11 AM. The rangers here were very helpful in directing people to parking spaces. There are restrooms, bathhouse and a concession stand located near the entrance stairs to the beach that are open in season.

Nauset Light Beach consists of a broad, sandy beach that is contained by a steep glacial scarp behind it (providing shade and a wind break). During winter months, the beach profile is considerably lowered, sometimes exposing features such as the brick foundation of one of the earlier Three Sisters lighthouses (more about the lighthouses later). Piping plovers nest on the outer beach from early spring to early summer and other shore birds frequent the area. Seals are occasionally found here as well.

WELLFLEET, MA

Artifacts on Marconi Beach

 Marconi Beach is located six miles north of Salt Pond Visitor Center, off Route 6 in Wellfleet. The Marconi Area obtained its name from the famous Italian inventor, Marconi. From a site here, Marconi successfully completed the first transatlantic wireless communication between the U.S. and England in 1903. There are ruins of the station and artifacts located here. The NP has information plaques and a scale model at the site. An observation platform at the Marconi Station site offers an excellent overview of the Outer Cape, including both ocean and bay.

Forty foot sand cliffs (scarp) located behind the beach provide swimmers and beach walkers a sense of solitude and quiet here as the scarp and ocean provide an unbroken, pristine natural scene in all directions.

The uplands above the beach slope gradually westward, and provide a graceful vista of both the bay and sea horizons of this portion of the Cape. The flora here consists of the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail which is a 1-1/2 mile nature trail that descends gradually in elevation into the swampy environment that hosts Atlantic white cedar and red maple trees. The road to the beach is lined with these beautiful specimens.

TRURO, MA

Head of the Meadow Beach is surrounded by glacial cliffs/sand dunes, offering seclusion for beach goers. These are the highest dunes on the Outer Cape, exceeding 100 feet in some spots.

There is actually a Truro town beach and also a National Park beach here. The ever-changing sandbars that run along the beach attract many swimmers and waders. At low tide you may even catch a glimpse of the remains of one of Cape Cod's many shipwrecks. Restroom facilities are limited and open during season only. Parking fees apply for both the NP and town managed beaches here.

PROVINCETOWN, MA


Race Point Beach
Lighthouse and Pilgrim Monument

Race Point Beach is named for the fierce rip tides that come around the point of the Cape. It is located on the Atlantic side of the Cape and has colder water and rougher surf. A look across to the bay reveals the quieter Herring Cove and beach. Race Point has a vast sand beach as a result of sand transport from the south. Race Point Lighthouse is a close walk from the beach.

Since it's on the Atlantic side, the water is colder with more surf. Be warned that the undertow can be a bit strong! Seasonal oversand vehicle permits can be purchased at Race Point Beach from April-November for $60. There are various restrictions and all vehicles must be inspected before the permit is granted. SUVs with these permits can drive from Race Point to High Head Beach in Truro. Tire inflation stations are located here.

Herring Cove is the most popular beach in Provincetown. This bayside beach has placid waters ideal for children and a relaxing swimming experience. There is no undertow, and water that is always warmer than Race Point.

Traditionally the right hand side of the beach is considered more family oriented, while the left is more gay-friendly. The beach is managed by the Cape Cod National Seashore and has restroom facilities, a concession stand, showers, and lifeguards. There are two parking areas to the beach. One is adjacent to the beach and the other is across the dunes which is a bit of a walk.

Bring your camera and binoculars as you may even see whales breaching or seals basking in the sun. Stay until sunset- this is the place to be for a spectacular view. The sunsets at Herring Cove are unparalleled on the entire Cape, since the sun actually seems to set into the ocean, unusual for the east coast.

The Travel Channel(R) has named Herring Cove Beach as one of America's Best All-Time Beaches by Region. They gave it particularly high marks for swimming, sand quality and atmosphere.

LIGHTHOUSES

Nauset Lighthouse 

Located across the street from the parking lot to Nauset Beach, it provides great photo ops of a typical New England coastal lighthouse. Nauset Light was originally one of two lights in Chatham, MA and was moved to Eastham in 1923 to replace the Three Sisters Lighthouses. The Three Sisters have since been relocated to a small field on Cable Road, a short walk away.

The light was automated and the keeper's house was sold in 1955. Due to coastal erosion, by the early 1990s Nauset Light was less than 50 feet from the edge of the 70-foot cliff above the beach. In 1993, the Coast Guard proposed decommissioning the light. There was a great public outcry. The non-profit Nauset Light Preservation Society was formed and arranged the light's relocation in November 1996 to its present location. The lighthouse is the logo for Cape Cod Potato Chips.

Three Sisters Lighthouses

In the late 1800's three 15-foot high masonry towers were built. The lights soon gained the nickname “The Three Sisters” because from the sea they looked like women in white dresses with black hats. However, Cape Cod shores change quickly! The National Lighthouse Board ordered three new movable wooden towers to be built thirty feet inland from the original masonry ones. The new towers stood twenty-two feet tall; the lantern housing added an additional seven feet. The old towers were allowed to fall into the Atlantic where their foundations can occasionally be seen today at low tide.

The current Nauset Lighthouse replaced the sisters in 1923. The National Park Service purchased the center tower in 1975 with a plan to reunite it with the other two towers. The three are placed in their original orientation on a plot of land on Cable Road behind the current operating light. Restoration took place through the 1980s, and the site opened for its first public tour in 1989. Today one can visit the Sisters and marvel at the remarkable journey that brought them their current location. There is a walking path from the Nauset Lighthouse to the Three Sisters. Signs direct you to the lighthouses.

Cape Cod Highland Lighthouse

In 1797, a station authorized by George Washington was established at this point on the Cape, with a wood lighthouse to warn ships about the dangerous coastline between Cape Ann and Nantucket. It was the first light on Cape Cod. In 1857 the lighthouse was declared dangerous and demolished, and the current brick tower was constructed, with a first order fresnel lens from Paris. Along with the lighthouse, there was a keeper's building which can still be seen today. Due to beach erosion, the lighthouse was moved 450 ft to its current location in 1996.

It is on the grounds of the town run Highland Golf Course. The grounds are open year round, while the light is open to the public from May until late October, with guided tours available.

Race Point Lighthouse
Race Point Light is located approximately 2.5 miles from the heart of Provincetown, at the northwestern tip of the Cape. Due to the large number of shipwrecks in the area, Race Point Light was constructed in 1816 - the first of the three lighthouses in Provincetown (followed by Long Point and Wood End). The original 1816 tower was a twenty-foot rubblestone tower and it was replaced in 1876 with the current structure - a 40-foot cast iron tower lined with brick.

The keeper's house and whistle house are available for overnight accommodations with access to Race Point Beach. From the beach you can observe fishing and whale watch boats as they cruise by, and remember to bring your camera!

Wood End Lighthouse
This 38 ft brick tower went into service in 1872. Even with three lighthouses in the Provincetown area, shipwrecks still occurred regularly. A lifesaving station went in service at Race Point in 1872 also. Thomas Lowe (the first keeper at Wood End) would occasionally have to alert the citizens of Provincetown to help with the rescue of shipwreck victims. The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation and can be visited by walking about 30 to 45 minutes. This is a strenuous walk and caution should be taken as you must cross the breakwater which could be tricky with breakers at high tide. Another solution is to view the light from aboard any of the excursion boats out of Provincetown.

Long Point Lighthouse
Long Point is located at the very tip of the Cape at Provincetown. The first lighthouse was completed in 1826 and consisted of a lantern on top of the keeper's house. In 1873, after an inspection of the structure, it was determined that it was in danger of being swept away by a heavy storm. A new 38 ft brick tower was erected by 1875. Long Point Light was automated in 1952 and is an active aid to navigation today.

You can see Long Point Light distantly from MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown and you can walk there via a breakwater to Wood End at low tide, but the lighthouse is viewed much more easily from various boats leaving Provincetown Harbor, including a ferry to Boston and whale watches.

WHALE WATCHES

The Dolphin Fleet, Provincetown, MA 
Available from early April until the end of October, this is the whale watch cruise to take! Each cruise lasts three to four hours and journeys to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary  where you can observe feeding and other habits of these magnificent marine mammals. You have the opportunity to view species such as humpback, minke and finback whales. Additionally, you may view dolphins and other marine life. Many species of seabirds are also present.

What makes these cruises special is the scientific work that is ongoing by naturalists that accompany each trip. Naturalists not only collect data, but also act as guides and enhance awareness of marine life and habitat.
There is educational material and biological samples aboard each boat that provide a hands-on educational experience. Spend some time interacting with these naturalists and you will leave with a greater understanding and appreciation of the marine environment that surrounds us.

Tickets are available online at http://www.whalewatch.com/, area hotels and B&Bs, the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce Building, or the blue dolphin fleet booth on the pier.  It is strongly suggested to get your tickets in advance, especially during peak summer season!  Current cost is $42 for adults and $34 for children 5-12 years of age. Kids 4 and under are free. Purchasing online (or at your hotel) may earn you a discounted rate.

HIKING
There is an abundance of trails in the park to trek during your stay. We have hiked a small percentage during our stays here. Remember that a good place to start is the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Route 6, Eastham, MA 02642, 508 - 255 - 3421 (year round).  YOU SHOULD STOP HERE AND GET CURRENT MAPS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE HIKING! Remember safety precautions and always have plenty of water, food and supplies for the trek you are planning!

Here is a link directly to popular self guided hiking trails available at the park FOR REFERENCE ONLY!  http://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/upload/2009selfguidingrevise.pdf  

BIKING
Likewise, there are plentiful areas to bike. Bike trails also differ in degree of difficulty and the same precautions (and additional biking precautions) should be taken before touring these trails! Remember that a good place to start is the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Route 6, Eastham, MA 02642, 508 - 255 - 3421 (year round).  YOU SHOULD STOP HERE AND GET CURRENT MAPS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE BIKING!

WEAR A HELMET!!! It is required by law for children 16 and under to wear one and EVERYONE's head is just as vulnerable!

Here is a link directly to popular self guided biking trails available at the park FOR REFERENCE ONLY!
http://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/upload/Final2008bikerevise.pdf


RANGER GUIDED ACTIVITIES

Ranger Guided Hike
Photo Courtesy of Cape Cod NP

 Don't want to go it alone? Ranger guided activities are also available and very informative. Rangers add their own expertise to a memorable visit and are very knowledgeable.

Here is a link to their guided activities.
http://www.nps.gov/caco/ranger-guided-activities.htm

PLAN YOUR VISIT
The Cape Cod National Seashore has an excellent website to help you make the most of your visit to the Cape. We strongly recommend that you visit the website for details about the area.
http://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm

We hope that you do decide to visit this magnificent area! Cape Cod has something for everyone. For those of you that do go, please comment on your trip and let us know how you enjoyed the area.

Contact Us to help you plan your vacation to Cape Cod! We're glad to help with your accommodations and other plans!  http://www.harborlightadventures.com/

Cape Cod National Seashore - 50th Anniversary (Part 1)

During 2011, Cape Cod National Seashore celebrates its 50th anniversary. Several events are planned to commemorate this remarkable national park area. We are going to give you a rundown on areas to visit on "The Cape" and things to see and do from places we have visited there. 

PART 1
Today we will describe the park, accommodations, towns and food.

PARK AREA
This is a park that can not be seen in a day! In fact, after two visits, I have found that there is more areas to discover. Forty miles of pristine sandy beaches, marshes, ponds and forest support diverse species.

The area has attractions such as lighthouses, historic buildings, landscapes and ports  that offer a view of Cape Cod’s past and continuing ways of life. Beaches for relaxing and hardy swimmers, along with walking, hiking and biking trails attract visitors.The area covers from the town of Eastham, MA approximately mid cape northward to Provincetown, MA at the north end of the Cape. The area makes a great day trip for those who are local, but for those who would like to stay longer there are several B&B's, hotels and motels nearby.

Eagle Wing Motel

ACCOMMODATIONS
Arriving via Rt. 6 (the main highway through the Cape) there are many places to stay. Most are local hotels and motels or B&B's. A Days Inn is also available. For our trip we did extensive research and chose Eagle Wing Guest Motel in Eastham. This is a motel / B&B on Rt. 6 hosted by Mary and Gerry Orris. Both are very knowledgable about what to see and do in the area. Gerry is also a local radio host and knows extensive history of the area. The motel's rooms are spacious and nicely appointed. Rooms have refrigerators and some have a back porch where you can relax after a day's activities. Prices are nominal and a continental breakfast of fresh muffins, juices, tea and coffee is served daily. Take your breakfast to your room or eat at the tables outside of the motel's office and plan your day! Other similar accommodations are available in the area. 


TOWNS
There are four main towns on the Cape that offer an array of scenic and cultural attractions. History predates the colonial era, and the coastal heritage is evident in the communities that comprise the Cape.

EASTHAM, MA
The National Park Service (NPS) operates the Salt Pond Visitor's Center for the National Seashore in Eastham, MA. Open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), this is an excellent place to start your visit, get information and maps of the park and plan your stay. You will find the rangers extremely helpful and always willing to discuss anything regarding the park and surrounding area. Beach entrance and other fees are collected here. Check out the website listed here for details. It is also a starting point for various ranger led tours of the park.

Boat on Salt Marsh

My first visit to the salt marsh immediately behind the National Park Office was initiated with the screams of a golden eagle flying overhead, and there was plenty more to come. Many species of birds, fox, deer and seals at the beach. Plenty to photograph and enjoy.

Area attractions include two main swimming beaches (Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Beach) and the Nauset Lighthouse which we will cover in Part 2 next week. Other attractions of interest include:


Eastham Windmill is probably the oldest on the Cape (1680's). Each summer, a guest miller instructs tourists in the history and operation of the mill. Each fall, the residents of Eastham celebrate Windmill Weekend with a parade and activities on the Windmill Green.

The Schoolhouse Museum is located on Nauset Road across from the National Seashore Visitor Center. It is housed in a one-room schoolhouse built in 1869.

The Penniman House is a National Historic Site owned and interpreted by the National Park Service as part of Cape Cod National Seashore. Captain Penniman was a whaling captain who built his French Second Empire style house on Cape Cod in 1868. Today, over 100 years later, the house holds the Penniman family's written records and artifact collections, which provide glimpses of the places and people that the family visited on their whaling voyages.

On the trail
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

WELLFLEET, MA
Bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by Cape Cod Bay, it is home to beautiful beaches, freshwater ponds, bay and ocean fishing, a boating fleet and plentiful supply of shellfish, including the famous "Wellfleet Oysters". The area has a rich seafaring history that goes back to the mid 1600's. Over half of the town is located inside the Cape Cod National Seashore Park.

Mass Audubon/Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers five miles of trails that traverse salt marsh, sandy beach, pine woodland, freshwater pond, and rare heathland which attract a wide array of wildlife, especially songbirds and shorebirds. Nesting sites are easily viewed and the area makes for great photo ops!

The Wellfleet Historical Society Museum is open in season (late June 25 - just past Labor Day). The society's collection includes old photographs, maps, documents, marine artifacts, Indian artifacts, a small collection of period clothing, household, agricultural and commerce related items. Guided Walking Tours take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:15am (in season). Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours are also available.

TRURO, MA
Located just south of Provincetown, Truro is also bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and the west by Cape Cod Bay. Beaches are town managed (not NPS). The Highland Lighthouse (Cape Cod Light) is located in North Truro and worth a stop. The lighthouse is located next to the town run golf course.

The Pamet River is Truro's entrance to Cape Cod Bay. It's named for the Payomet Indians, and is primarily salt marsh. The river flows west nearly all the way across Cape Cod from its eastern beaches, and empties into Cape Cod Bay.
 

PROVINCETOWN, MA
Located at the northern tip of Cape Cod, the Pilgrims made first landfall here and signed the Mayflower Compact when they arrived at the harbor. They agreed to settle and build a self-governing community, and then came ashore in the West End.

The Pilgrim Monument, a 252-foot tall tower, is the tallest all granite structure in the United States and is part of the downtown historic district. It can be climbed daily. A series of ramps takes you to the top for an outstanding view of the area.

Sometimes called "P-town", the town is known for its beaches, harbor, artists, tourist industry, and its status as a gay village. This is an active fishing port town and visiting the harbor is an attraction in itself. Whale watching trips depart from the port and are highlighted in Part 2. This is the largest town on the Cape and very active throughout the day.

LUNCH! Lobster Roll w/ "local"
Cape Cod Potato Chips

FOOD
Chain restaurants will not be found frequently on Cape Cod! There are a few fast food restaurants, but the majority of eateries are locally owned and operated. Seafood is obviously featured at many. Kids menus are available at most and will usually satisfy even the finicky eater. There is a Wendy's in Orleans, MA south of Eastham. We'll be glad to assist you with your dining needs if you plan your trip through us!

Restaurants covered here are locals that we have tried. How did we find restaurants? Park Rangers know where to eat and we took their advice for many of the places we chose. We also looked for parking lots that were filled! Most restaurants have menus posted outside that help you decide if there is enough fare to keep everyone happy.

Capt'n Elmers Seafood, Orleans, MA (south of Eastham)
Located just off Orleans Center and adjacent to the Bike Trail, Capt'n Elmer's specializes in fresh Cape Cod seafood and lobsters. We had a "Shore Dinner" which was clam bake style with lobster, steamers & broth, drawn butter, corn, coleslaw & clam chowder. It was definitely a taste of New England and reasonably priced!


Lobster Shanty, Eastham, MA (across from the Salt Marsh National Park Office)
The Lobster Shanty features ... lobster! On the day we ate there our dinner special included whole lobsters, clams and sides. The establishment is a shanty. Clean and reasonable, and there was plenty of seating. The food was good, but if you're looking for gourmet dining - this is NOT the place!

The Beachcomber, Wellfleet, MA

AWESOME! Right on the beach! The Beachcomber has been a must-visit destination for surfers, families, beach-goers and music lovers for more than 50 years! Live music, cool cocktails, fantastic food (Cape Cod Clam Bake and BBQ Ribs were both excellent), stunning scenery and friendly atmosphere. Platters are reasonably priced and the "Minnows" Kids Menu has plenty of favorites for kids to choose from.

Lobster Pot, Provincetown, MA
"A Provincetown tradition" is stated on their website and in reviews. There was a line at the door for dining in and for take out. Entering the front door you view lobster tanks with various sized lobsters to choose from. We ate "Tim's Clam Chowder" after returning from a whale watch cruise. This award-winning (Cape Cod Chowder Fest, Boston Chowderfest) recipe is the creation of their Executive Chef, Tim McNulty. Thick and creamy, full of clams and well seasoned. One of the best I have ever had! We also shared a combo of Oyster Rockefeller, clam casino, mussels marinara and blackened shrimp. All prepared excellently!

In Part 2 (next week) we will explore beaches, attractions, whale watches and other venues. Cape Cod National Seashore is a great destination for singles, couples and families looking for a relaxing vacation. Contact us for ideas and to make your reservations! 888-895-5255

For information regarding the Cape Cod National Seashore go to the National Park Service site at http://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm

64th Annual Maine Lobster Festival - August 3rd to 7th, 2011

August 2010, we toured the 63rd Annual Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, ME. Rockland is located along Maine's Mid-coast (4 hours from Boston). The fair is located at the Port of Rockland with beautiful views of Penobscot Bay. 

20,000 lbs of Maine lobster are cooked during the event in what is said to be the largest lobster cooker in the world! You may also want to try a lobster roll - a local sandwich concoction, or feast on "steamers" (clams), shrimp  and other seafood that is either steamed or fried. You will not be disappointed! 

Not sure how to eat them? Volunteers circulate through the food tent and provide instructions to both the novice and experienced lobster eater. You'd be amazed on how much meat you might be missing!

A three lobster dinner last year (including soft drink, corn, roll & butter) was $32. These are whole lobsters that are chix size (approximately 1 to 1.24 lb). 

Breakfast is served daily during the event and include all-you-can-eat blueberry pancakes! Food is reasonably priced.

There is a parade with floats, coronation of a sea goddess, live entertainment, various arts and crafts vendors (many with local wares), local marine life exhibit, U.S. Coast Guard Station tours, races, carnival rides, seafood cooking contests, games and plenty of activities for the kids! Downtown Rockland is full of shops and local artists. Definitely a great place to shop!  

The fair runs from Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free on the Wednesday when the fair opens. Four day tickets and daily tickets are available at the gate. The festival, with a "Lobster Palooza" theme for 2011, officially opens on Wednesday, August 3rd and runs through Sunday, August 7th, 2011. For other details regardin g the event go to the Maine Lobster Festival website at http://www.mainelobsterfestival.com/



Captain Jack w/ Catch in Pot

AREA ACTIVITIES
Other things for couples and families to do in the area include a ride on a lobster boat (or sailboat) and actually watch the crew "pull pots" hopefully full of lobster! Rides are available from the dock at the fair where you can contact the captains directly. These are small group tours and fill quickly! Our group boarded Captain Jack's Boat. Yes, we caught lobster and Jack was full of local information!    

Take a short road trip to Chester, ME. Great food and stroll the area near the water and port. Many local shops with plenty to see.



BOAT TOURS

New Harbor, ME is about a one hour drive, and where you can board a tour boat from Hardy Boats to do a Puffin Tour, Lighthouse Cruise, Seal Watch or visit Monhegan Island, ME for the day. Great photo opportunities abound at all locations!

You may also see seals, whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife during any of these tours. 

The crew is very knowledgable and Captain Al was excellent! Reservations strongly encouraged.

The puffin tour takes you to Egg Rock where a colony of puffins have been reintroduced to the area and are thriving. The island is inhabited by many species of seabirds, and scientists & interns studying the birds.

August is a great time to view the puffins before they return to the sea for their winter feeding. 

The Puffin Project headquarters is located in downtown Rockland and worth a visit.



"Downtown" Monhegan Island
(From Lighthouse)

Monhegan Island is an island community of less than 100 people, occupying one sq. mile at about ten miles from the mainland. Great hiking trails that take you to a view of the town from the lighthouse at one end, and a typical Maine rocky tree-lined coast (with shipwreck) at the other end. Use caution as there are no emergency services on the island! This is an artist community and there are shops there to buy local produced arts & crafts. Overnight and longer accommodations are also available on the island. Everything that  the island needs is brought daily by boat, including the tourists!



Pemaquid Point Lighthouse

LIGHTHOUSES

After your return to New Harbor, visit Pemaquid Point Lighthouse which is a short ride away. Speaking of lighthouses, there are plenty in the area to visit. During our stay we visited Rockland Breakwater, Pemaquid, Monhegan Island and Owls Head lighthouses. Many more lighthouses are in the area and we can help you locate and visit them on your journey.

There is also a great maritime museum with many artifacts just outside the Lobster Festival fairground entrance.

The American Lighthouse Foundation is also located in Rockland, ME. A good place to visit and shop. 



View of Bay from Rooms
at Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations in Rockland (and nearby Rockport) include B&B's, hotels and rental properties. Some adjacent to the fairgrounds. Our group stayed at the Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn in Rockport, ME. Nice accommodations, pool and all rooms view the bay!

A great time was had by all and we would recommend this for couples and families alike. 

Travelers should contact us for information and accommodations if interested in attending this year. 888-895-5255