December
Walk - '04
"The
Final Steps"
Wood
End Lighthouse to Long Point Lighthouse |
It
is probably more with sadness than any other emotion that I completed
my 2004 task. Twelve months and twelve walks that took me from the end
of Coast Guard Beach in Eastham to the tip of Long Point in Provincetown
- all on the outer beach. Unlike my previous yearly goal of swimming every
month of the year (which left me sometimes enduring my task alone in icy
water) Arlene was with me every month of the way.
Being
able to share this task with her made it so much more meaningful. I only
hope that I can contrive a 2005 task that can combine the same elements
of exploration, facination, risk and surprise.
The
distance wasn't that daunting until it became necessary to do "out
and backs" on most of the walks. The roughly 44 miles on sand and
across a few water breaks balooned to probably 60-70 in the end. It was
surprisingly easy to finish this month. The temperature was just over
40 degrees and the wind was brisk, but compared to last February it was
a cake walk. It took just 2.5 hours total, including a short break to
enjoy a great sandwich from Sam's Deli (I've got to start charging for
product placement!). The hour going out was pleasant but with the wind
at our backs we knew the trip home would be longer and colder. We ran
into a semi-surprise coming back that added nearly 1/2 hour to the trip.
That only meant we got to spend more exploration time together.
We
avoided the worst case scenario. In deciding that each walk had to be
in order, it required a double crossing of the long PTown breakwater.
The chance of winter freezing could have made the walk risky. If we were
unable to cross the breakwater it would have added extra miles in what
could have been frigid weather. But in the end it was only mildly cold.
Luck was on our side. |
|
The
first part of the journey was to recross the breakwater that connects
the West End Rotary to Wood End. This is how we ended up our previous
month's walk. I know there are low spots in the breakwater and the 11AM
high tide presented problems. It was an exceptionally high tide so we
held off starting until 1 PM. |
|
Here
are signs that the decision to hold off was well planned. At points the
rocks were covered with salt hay that was placed by water washing over. |
|
The
look back toward Provincetown from halfway across the breakwater. |
|
When
we got here there was a momentary decision. Clearly we could cross. But
with the water rushing would our feet get soaked? Not a good prospect
with a few hours of walking ahead! We contemplated sitting for awhile
to let the water subside but at the same time we knew it could start getting
dark on the way home. Not a good thing to be walking on uneven, wet rocks
with dim light. Arlene even suggested trying this area barefoot. In the
end we picked our way across without getting too wet. |
|
We
reached the other end and I set my sights on the far lighthouse. Having
walked the outer beach the entire way we eschewed the inner route and
headed cross land to the unprotected beach. |
|
The
path wound through low grass and shrubs to the water. |
|
The
dune face along this stretch is very low. This is looking back toward
Wood End and Herring Cove. Piles of netting and rope were washed up everywhere. |
|
Though
it was a dim day we occasionally saw breaks in the clouds. |
|
Arlene
took to the low path looking for "special" rocks while I explored
along the top of the beach. |
|
There
were numerous lobster pot bouys washed up - many in excellent condition. |
|
Finally
the Long Point lighthouse came into view. |
|
Looking
at some beach art with the PTown Monument in the backgound, it is hard
to imagine the large body of water (PTown Harbor) that stands between
them. |
|
Our
efforts were rewarded with a spectacular light show. Though it was overcast
where we stood, the sun bathed the monument and houses in bright light.
|
|
PTown
as it looks from Long Point |
|
An
interesting juxtaposition of the lighthouse and monument. |
|
Here
is the Long Point lighthouse with Wood End in the distance. |
|
Though
blurry, I thought it would be interesting to show how close Days Cottages
in Truro looks from Long Point. |
|
Here
I am at the end of my twelve month saga - except now I have to walk back
to the car. |
|
A
fishing point passes around Long Point at the end of a long day. |
|
The
sun peeks through as we head back from the tip toward the lighthouse.
Notice all the stones. There was a great variety of shells including beautiful
scallops and a sand dollar. There were also pieces of beach glass. |
|
Arlene
poses at Long Point Lighthouse |
