“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” — Earl Nightingale
Yesterday morning I had the plan—to drive to Boston. I had Apple Maps and a road atlas. What I didn’t have was the courage to ignore the calling of Provincetown and Cape Cod. So, I changed my plan.
All my life, I have noticed Cape Cod when looking at maps. For some reason, it has always intrigued me. Cape Cod is that distinctive hook-shaped peninsula in Massachusetts that extends into the Atlantic Ocean.
We were so close, I couldn’t pass it up. If I did, every time I saw a map and noticed that unique hook-shaped peninsula, I would regret not going. So, we put Boston on hold and made our way to the end of Cape Cod Peninsula —and Provincetown.
To be honest, the drive there was boring. No sights to see, no interesting places or buildings to photograph. But we moved on, and we were rewarded with an interesting place to explore—and we did.
I did not know this: The Pilgrims actually reached Provincetown before Plymouth in 1620, and the Mayflower Compact was signed while the Mayflower was anchored in Provincetown Harbor. The 252-foot Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum commemorate that history.
Gayle and I visited the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum after an unexpected workout for me. The monument and museum sit on top of a fairly high hill.
To get there, we went up a steep road. It was a long, hard walk—except for Gayle. She was on her mobility scooter. I thought about taking it from her, but I didn’t like the idea of being arrested for mobility-scooter jacking. The other prisoners would probably laugh at me.
I manned up and made it to the top, with Gayle right on my heels. I was worn out; Gayle was no worse for wear. Imagine that!
That is why it is painful to admit there was an incline elevator to the top—and we didn’t see it or know about it until after we got there. They say ignorance is bliss, but in this case, ignorance was exhausting.
We made a quick tour of the museum and then went out to the Pilgrim Monument. It’s an impressive structure with a great view of Provincetown and the harbor.
We then took the incline elevator back down. It sure is easier going downhill than going uphill!
From there, we explored Provincetown. It reminded me of Key West or St. Augustine—narrow streets, plenty of shops and restaurants, with people crowding the sidewalks, streets, and stores.
What we found were high-priced restaurants and gift shops similar to those in most tourist towns—mostly T-shirts, clothes, jewelry, and not much more. We were disappointed because we thought there would be more items crafted by locals and celebrating the history of the town.
However, we still enjoyed the visit, and the weather was refreshing. The temperature was in the upper 60s with a good breeze. Like I said, it was refreshing—a polite way of saying chilly.
We ate lunch there and had some excellent food. Gayle had a fish (cod) sandwich, and I had chicken parmigiana—it was huge and very good.
After lunch, we made it back to the Bronco and headed toward Boston. We ended up stopping in Brockton, Massachusetts, about 20 miles from Boston. Last night, the low was 55.
We will be in Boston today for a few hours. The high is forecast to be around 78.
Below are seven pictures and two maps—one showing where we were at lunchtime and one showing the location of last night’s stay.
First pic—the map showing where we were at lunchtime.
Second pic—the Pilgrim Monument.
Third pic—Provincetown Town Hall.
Fourth pic—people waiting in line for lunch at the Lobster Pot.
Fifth pic—a downtown street.
Sixth pic—the incline elevator. Yes, that incline elevator.
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