Free Adventures at the Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham

The first official weekend of the season, Memorial Day Weekend, was certainly a lot of fun. The Memorial Day Picnic and first ever Scavenger Hunt went really well.

Kevin did a superb job with the ribs and chicken and the brisket was done to perfection. Tried a new German potato salad with bacon and a sweet and sour dressing, which was served warm. The whole 5 pounds was eaten. Erika, one of my friends from Germany, really liked it and asked for the recipe. She said in Germany they never had it warm. Showed her the old family cookbook from 1947. Now she can't wait to make it for their next gathering. We had a corn salad, Navy beans with parsley, scallions and white wine vinegar, sweet potato salad with peanut dressing, lemon vinaigrette pasta salad, watermelon and brownies for desert.

Dinner was followed by the awarding of Scavenger Hunt prizes. The grand prize went to Alan and Karla who earned the most points and gave us ideas for some new questions for the Labor Day Scavenger Hunt. They were pleased with their two-night stay gift certificate at the Inn. Better make your reservations early for Labor Day and get in on all the fun.

The next picnic coming up is Friday, July 3rd. This picnic will be held in conjunction with the fireworks at Rock Harbor. Come and enjoy all the great food and beautiful fireworks. After dinner we walk down to Rock Harbor, and the fireworks are right over head. You feel like you can almost touch them. Those that boom kind of reverberate through ones bones.

While waiting for the Whalewalk Inn summer events, the Cape Cod National Seashore has some programs to get summer rolling. The Seashore has a host of weekly events that are free and informative. Some do require advance reservations, and a couple do have fees (Canoe and Kayak trips).


SUNDAYS

Tour the Three Sisters Lighthouse. Tours are 3:00 PM in May and 4:00 PM in June. Beach fees may apply.

MONDAYS

Walk: Life on the Edge at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Witness the impact the sea has on the shore and the species that live there. Explore the beach below the bluff and discuss the issues associated with an ever-changing shoreline. Meet at Nauset Light Beach parking area. Beach fees may apply.

Walk: Stormy Nights at 10:00 AM, for 1 hour for 1 mile. Join a ranger for a short walk to discuss some of the more famous ship wrecks that came ashore and discover whether anything remains of the Newcomb Hollow wreck that mysteriously appeared in the winter of 2007/2008. Meet at the Newcomb Hollow Beach parking area, off Ocean View Drive, Wellfleet. Through June 8 only.

Tour the Captain Penniman House and learn about the their home, stories, and travels. Tour starts and 11:00 AM by reservation only. Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0 for details.

TUESDAYS

Call the Salt Pond Visitor Center, 508-255-3421, EXT.0 for hiking information. Explore your Park leaves at varying times and the hike is 3 to 4 miles and takes up to 3 1/2 hours. You will join an experienced ranger and explore the beauty and variety of park destinations, resources and stories. You must be a good walker. Dress for the weather. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.

Tour the Three Sisters Lighthouses. See Sunday for details.

WEDNESDAYS

Walk: Fort Hill: Window into the Past at 10:00 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 1/2 miles. Learn about the history of the various people who inhabited the lands at Fort Hill and surrounding Nauset Marsh. Meet at Hemenway Town Landing (one road north of Fort Hill off Route 6, Eastham. Through June 10 only.

Open House at the Captain Penniman House. Browse through this home. Meet at the Penniman House at Fort Hill, Eastham. Limited Parking.

THURSDAYS

Walk: Shoreline Stroll at 10:00 AM for 1 hour and for 1 mile. Explore the various habitats of forest, marsh, dunes and bay while discovering how they all work together to create a dynamic coastal barrier system known as the Great Island 'gut'. Meet at the Great Island parking area, Wellfleet. Through June 11 only.

Walk: Lore of Nauset Marsh at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Meet at the terrace at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham. Learn about this alluring place and what has drawn people to its shores for thousands of years.

FRIDAYS

Canoeing: Gull Pond at 8:00 AM for 2 1/2 hours, 1 to 2 miles. Fee required. Call for reservations at 508-487-1256. Through June 12 only.

Walk: Seal Search at 9:30 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 1/2 miles. Hike along the Coast Guard spit and look for seals and learn about the species that might be seen. Meet at Coast Guard Beach parking area, Eastham. Through June 12 only.

Walk: Walking with Authors at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Experience Cape Cod through the eyes of some of the area's most famous or most beloved authors, such as Beston, Thoreau, Hay and others. See what they saw and hear what they heard. Join local author Dana Eldridge for this stroll at the edge of Nauset Marsh. Meet on the terrace at Salt Pond Visitor Center. Through June 19 only.

SATURDAYS

Canoeing: Salt Pond paddle at 9:30 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 to 2 miles. Fee requires. Take a leisurely paddle in the protected waters of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh in Eastham to explore its beauty. By reservation only. Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0, for information and reservations.

Captain Penniman House Tour. See Monday for more information.

Film: "Portrait of a Coast -- 21st Century" at 1:30 PM for 45 minutes. From the Storm of 1978 to the new Chatham inlet created during the April 2007 nor'easter, Cape Cod's coastline is constantly changing. Join a ranger for a viewing and discussion of this newly-updated film. Takes place at the Salt Pond Visitor Center. No showing on May 30th.

So make your reservations today to enjoy all the beauties of nature that the Cape has to offer. Also be sure to take a whale watching adventure. The naturalists are even surprised at how great the trips have been and how many whales are spotted at each trip. So see you soon at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa (where you can get the best massage ever!)

Cape Cod Maritime Days--Enjoy Sea Tales, Sea Voyages, and Your Own Sea Escape

April showers are definitely out of the way, and Cape Cod is "busting out" with flowers and activities. May 21st is the last day for Cape Cod Maritime Days and it is chock full of activities. So make your reservations at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa for a Maritime Getaway.

Also, please read previous blogs for activities from May 13th on celebrating the Sea Heritage of Cape Cod.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

5th Annual Ocean to the Bay Road Race
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Highland Light Road, North Truro
Five-mile run/walk from Highland Lighthouse to the bay and back, to benefit the lighthouse preservation. Awards, raffles and refreshments.
Cost: $15 registration fee
Information: 508-487-1121

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Location: The River, Orleans to Pleasant Bay
Join Blue Claw Boat Tours for a one-hour narrated boat tour through the Lower Cape’s most pristine rivers, bays and island passages to learn about their history. View working fishermen and bay men as they go through the centuries old traditon of harvesting the sea. Glimpse diverse wildlife, including seals, shorebirds and waterfowl. Dress warmly, non-slip footwear preferred.
Cost: $20 per passenger
Information: Reservations required. Call 508-240-5783

Boatbuilding Demonstration
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Boat shop behind Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole
Come visit the ongoing boatbuilding demonstration program, with participants on hand to answer questions.
Information: 508-548-7270


Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak Fishing Tour
Come fish on the kayak sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports/Hyannis and Cape Cod Fly Fishing. $150 per person includes kayak rental and guide tour with professional Fly Fishing guide Michael Mullaney of www.capecodflyfishing.com Contact Michael at 508-208-2265. Anglers can spin fish or try their hand at fly fishing.
Cost: $150
Information: Contact Michael at 508-208-2265

Harbor Your Arts Artist Shanties
Location: Bismore Park, Ocean Street, Hyannis
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Harbor Your Arts artist shanties are a unique harborfront location for artists to create and sell their work. All work is juried, and includes painting, photography, glass blowing, jewelry and more!
Cost: Free

Kayak the Waterways of the Lower Cape
Time: 6 to 8:30 a.m.
Location: Sampson’s Island, Pleasant Bay
Investigate different coastal habitats during these exceptional kayak tours that include kayak instruction and environmental education. Certified kayak instructor and coastal educator, Dick Hilmer will lead you through sheltered creeks, into bays and marshes, and towards islands rich in cultural history. During the three-hour coastal exploration, the certified guides of Explore Cape Cod Tours will provide professional instruction in easy to paddle, comfortable and stable tandem kayaks. Perfect for novice or experienced paddlers. All equipment is provided including kayak, paddle, lifejacket and instruction – just bring a smile and a bottle of water, and $30 per person.
Information: Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Please call 508-240-1211 or email dhilmer@explorecapecod.com. You will receive directions upon making your reservations.

Maritime Exhibit at Captain Bangs Hallet House
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Captain Bangs Hallet House, 11 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouthport
The maritime collection of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth will be open for display. Includes historical artifacts, paintings and ship models.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-362-3021

Maritime Matinee: “The City that Lit the World”
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point Road, Provincetown
Take an armchair journey to New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry. New Bedford was the mid 19th century’s preeminent whaling port and for a time “the richest city in the world.” This history is preserved today at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, where visitors can stroll its cobblestone streets, tour the world’s largest whaling museum, visit a whaling merchant’s home and whaleman's chapel, and walk a 19th century schooner’s decks. The 45-minute program includes the film and brief remarks by a park ranger.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-957-0738

A Whaling Family’s Story
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Meet at the Penniman House at Fort Hill in Eastham
Learn about the Penniman family through a tour of their home and stories of their travels. Examine some of the hardships, adventures and lifestyle of a whaling family.
Cost: Free
Information: Reservations required! Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0

Besides all the sea activities, take a leisurely drive around and enjoy the picturesque scenery bursting with wisteria, roses, cherry blossoms and roses. Make your reservations today to enjoy all the diverse activities that the Cape has to offer.

More Cape Cod Maritime Days Events -- May 15th-- Kayak, Lighthouse, and History Tours

The Whalewalk Inn & Spa is open for the season. We had a wonderful vacation and are all rested so now we can make sure that your trip to Cape Cod will give you a much needed rest. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful anniversary wishes. There is still time to take advantage of the 40% anniversary discount on any three weekday nights starting Sunday through Thursday. The Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend is not included in the discount. Also, the picnic is that Sunday, May 24th along with the weekend Scavenger Hunt--Grand Prize is a two-night stay at the Inn.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.
Location: Wellfleet Harbor to Great Island
Join Blue Claw Boat Tours for a one-hour narrated boat tour through the Lower Cape’s most pristine rivers, bays and island passages to learn about their history. View working fishermen and bay men as they go through the centuries old traditon of harvesting the sea. Glimpse diverse wildlife, including seals, shorebirds and waterfowl. Dress warmly, non-slip footwear preferred.
Cost: $20 per passenger
Information: Reservations required. Call 508-240-5783, www.blueclawboattours.com

Kayak the Waterways of the Lower Cape
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Salt Pond, Cape Cod National Seashore
Investigate different coastal habitats during these exceptional kayak tours that include kayak instruction and environmental education. Certified kayak instructor and coastal educator, Dick Hilmer will lead you through sheltered creeks, into bays and marshes, and towards islands rich in cultural history. During the three-hour coastal exploration, the certified guides of Explore Cape Cod Tours will provide professional instruction in easy to paddle, comfortable and stable tandem kayaks. Perfect for novice or experienced paddlers. All equipment is provided including kayak, paddle, lifejacket and instruction – just bring a smile and a bottle of water, and $30 per person.
Information: Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Please call 508-240-1211 or email dhilmer@explorecapecod.com. You will receive directions upon making your reservations.

Be sure to check other blogs for events for April and early May. April brings Playhouse openings and the Clay Potters exhibition. Don't forget Brewster in Bloom the first weekend in May. See you at the Inn!

40% Discount on Room Rates during Cape Cod Maritime Days--Enjoy Lighthouse Tours, Kayak Trips, Nature Hikes

Just wanted to give you a preview of what May will bring. If you are planning on an April trip, read further down for April Events. Maritime Days are a great spring treat full of activities for visitors and locals alike. Brewster in Bloom Weekend, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of May, has many fun-filled activities. Cape Cod Maritime Days begin on May 13th. The list below is only Saturday's activities and the rest of the activities will follow in future blogs.

Remember that at the end of Maritime Days is the Memorial Day Weekend. Here at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa, we will celebrate that weekend with our traditional picnic. Kevin and Brendan will be smoking ribs, chicken, and beef brisket. YUMMMMM! This year to get people in the summer mood, we will have a scavenger hunt. So while enjoying the beaches, shopping, tours and such, you will be able to pick up scavenger points. Prizes will be awarded. The picnic will be held on Sunday evening of that weekend, so make your reservations early to get the jump on your summer tan.

Cape Cod Maritime Days Schedule of Events

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13



Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m..
Location: The River, Orleans to Pleasant Bay
Join Blue Claw Boat Tours for a one-hour narrated boat tour through the Lower Cape’s most pristine rivers, bays and island passages to learn about their history. View working fishermen and bay men as they go through the centuries old traditon of harvesting the sea. Glimpse diverse wildlife, including seals, shorebirds and waterfowl. Dress warmly, non-slip footwear preferred.
Cost: $20 per passenger
Information: Reservations required. Call 508-240-5783

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Lectures and Book signings
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Cape Cod Maritime Museum, 135 South St., Hyannis
“A Ruinous and Unhappy War: New England and the War of 1812”: Lecture and Book Signing by Author James Ellis, in cooperation with Books By The Sea.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-775-1723, www.capecodmaritimemuseum.org

New Life for a Life-Saving Station: The Restoration of the Old Harbor Life-Saving Station
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point Road, Provincetown
Join Cape Cod National Seashore Historian William Burke for a look at the ongoing restoration of the historic Old Harbor Life-Saving Station, one of the last stations of its kind in the nation. Meet at the Province Lands Visitor Center auditorium for a 30-minute discussion and slideshow about the history of the station and the plans to restore it, inside and out, to its 1900 appearance. Then, drive 5 minutes to the station for a first-hand look at the restoration progress to date.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-255-3421 x14


Make your reservations early! Don't forget to make your Spa reservations at the time of booking. Also, weekday stays do qualify for the 40% discount when you stay three or more nights.

October Mid-Week Special -- Cranberry Time on Cape Cod

October is cranberry picking time. Come to the Cape to buy your home grown cranberries for Thanksgiving. (They stay fresh by freezing them whole. Just defrost when ready to use.) Join us at the Inn Monday through Thursday on the following days and receive a 10% discount on our off-season rates.

The days and dates are: Monday through Thursday, October 20, 21, 22, 23, and October 27, 28, 29, 30. Two-night minimum required. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Cannot be used on existing reservations.

So come on down and buy your cranberries, and we will be happy to share our Cranberry Orange Bread recipe. See you at the Whalewalk Inn & Spa (bring your bathing suits – the indoor pool is beckoning.) Also, these are the last few days of whalewatching tours. Take the wine tasting tour at the Truro Winery and buy your Thanksgiving wines.

Thursday, July, 31 -- What's Happening about Town

Just a couple of things to do to kick off your vacation. Art show and sale by the Eastham Painters guild, 9 AM to 5:30 PM at the Schoolhouse Museum, Route 6, Eastham.

The Guild of Chatham Painters is having an outdoor art show Thursday and Friday at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church, Main Street, Chatham.

The French Cable Station hosting guided tours 1 -- 4 PM, at 41 South Orleans Road (Route 28), Orleans. History and equipment of telegraph cable from France to the US. Open through Sunday.

If Wildlife sightings are part of your perfect vacation, things are starting to heat up in the shorebird world. Numbers and varieties are increasing as are rarities and uncommon shorebirds showing up.

The first rarity of the season was a Ruff spotted at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellfleet. Also spotted was a Wilson's Phalarope. Although the Wilson's Phalarope breeds in Massachusetts, they can still be difficult to find away from breeding grounds.

South Beach continues to bring in large numbers of shorebirds. In Chatham this past week those seen were: black-bellied plover, semipalmated plover, piping plover, American oystercatcher, greater yellowlegs, lesser yellowlegs, willet, spotted sandpiper, whimbrel, husonain godwit, ruddy turnstone, red knot, sanderling, semipalmated sandpiper, least sandpiper, white-rumped sandpiper, dunlin and short-billed dowitcher. That surely is a full days exploration.

Right here around the corner from the Whalewalk Inn at Nauset Marsh a good number of shorebirds are being spotted.

Not only are the birds plentiful, but the whales continue to dazzle guests with their numbers and their antics. Humpback whales still number from the 40s to 60s, while the Minke and fin whales continue to put in a nice appearance. There have even been Sea Turtle sightings and if you are fortunate enough to spot one, please report it to 1-888-732-8878.

For more information please call the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at 508-349-2615. If you want to take a one night trip to Cape Cod, we do have a couple of one-nights availabel -- and don't forget the 15% discount.