Salem, Massachusetts
We had to swing through Salem on our way to the Cape, apparently, everyone else in Massachusetts did the same. The line to get tickets was half-way around the block! It was worth learning more about this very bizarre piece of history. The kids were a bit terrified by the show and we had lots of questions like “why is there a rope around her neck?” or “why did they put all the stones on that man until he couldn’t breathe?” Hmmmm… I guess they learned their witchhunt history a little early, it is still hard for me to imagine there was this much hysteria around witches at that time.
The sun rises and sets with your soul wrapped up in its beauty – Cape Cod
Thar be WHALES!
Matt was a big advocate for a whale excursion, the last time I was in a boat on the ocean I was puking overboard, but with positive thoughts, I agreed to give it a go. I imagined we might see a few whales off in the distance but had no idea what kind of show we were in for. As we cruised across the blue waters we saw spouts in the distance, we approached the activity and soon were surrounded by humpback whales. When these monstrous creatures surfaced the entire boat was screaming with excitement and the thrill didn’t stop. Whale after whale surfaced, they were feeding, making bubble nets and emerging with their huge mouths wide open. It was thrilling to watch these majestic creatures blow rainbows of water into the sky, flap their fins against the water as if they were waving at us, and dive into the water as their tails glided below the surface. An experience we will never forget, it felt like we were offered the privilege to peer into a world so unknown. The guides said it was the most whales they had seen in weeks, they believed we saw 24 in total, what a day! One sad fact we were told is 70% of the whales here have damage from humans, most are from debris and others are from boats. It is a devastating reality of the impact humans can have on nature. I will never forget this amazing experience and the beauty of these magnificent creatures, and luckily with all the excitement, I didn’t even get seasick.
On the hunt for crabs
When the kids heard our Airbnb host say, “You can go down to the river and catch some crabs.” their eyes lit up. Then it was like the non-stop Mom! Mom! Mom! but followed by “When can we go crabbing?”, “When can we go crabbing?”, “When can we go crabbing?” So we went to our trusted research source Madame Google and started figuring things out. Soon we were at the hardware store searching for a net, asking for advice and heading out into the brackish water to catch a bucketful of blue crab. The vision was too good, a little chicken on a string, a relaxing wade in a river and soon these little creatures would surround you. With frigid air, our first day in the 50’s, Matt and Sienna braved the waters and put in a valiant effort but we came up with nothing. We returned for a second go in the afternoon and still nothing. Sienna also discovered small shrimp-like creatures would eat the dead skin off her feet if she kept them still. I’m pretty sure people pay big money for a similar experience at a spa! haha Although we didn’t have a blue crab cookout it was a fun adventure and if we have the chance again we will find those little creatures!
Martha’s Vineyard
We had to check out Martha’s Vineyard while on the Cape. We boarded a ferry, which transported cars and people, and 45 minutes later we were at Martha’s Vineyard. The weather was a little brisk and we found out many things were closed for the season but we had fun wandering around regardless. We explored the Gingerbread Cottages which were incredible. So intricate, whimsical and colorful the cottages were full of surprises and we couldn’t stop ourselves from taking hundreds of photos. We enjoyed wandering the beach which had the most beautiful stones and somehow I found a small piece of RED sea glass!!! It is the most rare color so I was pretty excited. It would be interesting to see this place come to life in the summer. I can imagine it would be a completely different experience.
Gingerbread Cottages – up close
Potatoes and Putt Putt
There are so many cool factories and its amazing how many offer tours. I found this website factorytourusa.com which is super helpful in finding what’s around you. Cape Cod Potato Chips – we’ve probably all had these super crunchy delicious indulgences. We couldn’t take photos, other than in the entry way, but we watched the potatoes get peeled, sliced, fried, seasoned and packaged up. Super fun and the bonus was some tasty chips. Cape Cod Potato Chips
Putt Putt…. need I say more. I don’t think you can visit Cape Cod without a round of “golf”. We escaped the pirates and there were no smashed clubs so good all around.
1 Comment
Love to see this every day !