A delightful homemade map to the beach from a rental on Tern Lane. Photo credit: Frank Infurchia, Jr.
by Jeff Shaw
I am eternally fascinated with so-called “things hidden in plain sight.” An example that recently occurred to me, while on a run around the block, was one I’ve known about for decades. The hidden paths, trails and cut-throughs of my neighborhood.
Admittedly, these paths aren’t worth visiting (in this case, finding) for most people. However, their presence illustrates the point about discovering things hidden in plain sight. Practically, the paths listed are cut-throughs, time savers if you suddenly realize you left a pot of boiling water on the stove.
Similar paths probably exist in your neighborhood, too. You should check them out. Just be sure to follow any local private property signs, or at least, don’t loiter!
Overlook Drive connects Cranberry Lane (to Ridgevale Beach or West Chatham Center)
The “not to scale” path to the beach. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
View from Google Maps.
My friend Frank sent me the “map to the beach,” a cut through I was not aware of. This short path saved him from having to drive to the beach (and pay to park). It is also a great route for residents of lower Ridgevale Road to have a reasonable walk to West Chatham Center.
Shannon Lane connects Chatham Crest Drive (cul-de-sac connection)
The cul-de-sac connection. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
View from Google Maps.
If not for this trail, a 10–15-minute walk would be required to connect the two cul-de-sac roads.
Happy Valley Road connects Eileen Road (parallels part of Ridgevale Road)
An alternate route for walkers and runners that parallels a portion of Ridgevale Road. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
View from Google Maps.
Perhaps the most unknown of the paths listed, the Happy Valley Road, a mostly dirt, tight, one-way road is a great alternative for walkers or runners to a busy Ridgevale Road.
Nantucket Drive connects Patterson Road (Buck’s Creek Right of Way)
The Buck’s Creek Right-of-Way, complete with bench partially seen in foreground. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
View from Google Maps.
This path is an actual “Right-of-Way,” which means the public can access the area (which is surrounded by private, and large, homes. There is even a bench to soak in the view of Nantucket Sound on a clear day.
The new mobi mat at Ridgevale Beach, Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
by Jeff Shaw
The mobi mat (and its other branded cousins) is a game changer. These hard plastic mats should be found on all beaches on Cape Cod and elsewhere.
The mats increase accessibility for people in wheelchairs (my family), make it easier for folks with bad knees (my family) and effortless for people with strollers (my family) to get from the parking lot, boardwalk or bridge to shore.
A mat at Hardings Beach, Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
It’s almost hard to believe it has taken until 2022 for these mats to become common. Such a seemingly minor improvement makes walking uneven sand of a beach near you nothing but a breeze (Jimmy Buffett pun intended).
While I have not been able to find specifics on how much these improvements cost, implementation timelines or if there are plans to extend access where current mats end, we can probably all agree, easier access – for more people – is a good thing.
The transfer from bridge to mat is still slippery at Ridgevale Beach, Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
Here is a great companion piece, with additional listings of accessible beach on Cape Cod, by Sarah Watson.
Sharknado made a brief landing in the bushes of the Chatham Village Cafe & Bakery? Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
Cape Cod towns are often described as charming communities. It is no wonder. Weather-worn shingle cottages, vast coastal landscapes, massive sand dunes, colorful yard plantings, iconic lighthouses, and preserved woodlands, to name a few. Of course, there are the decades-old traditions – parades, bandstand concerts, clambakes, and baseball games. And don’t forget, the outdoor showers, clothes lines, whale watches, white directional signs, beach bonfires and plenty of places where left turns are frowned upon.
Below are a few charming photos of recent Cape Cod days.
Short Drive Home from the Beach
The vehicle is definitely in motion. Notice both hands are on the beach gear, not the vehicle interior. Photo credit: Ellen Shaw.
Usually, this kind of creative “passengering” takes place in the bed of pick-up trucks, but the SUV has gotten in on the fun.
Parking Space Lines are Optional
As a Chatham A’s fan, this disrespect of a parking space is a clear example of the evil associated with the Orleans Firebirds. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
Perhaps this driver was a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean. To quote Captain Barbossa, “the (pirate) code [in this case, parking lines] is more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.”
Charming and Quaint
Chatharbor Pottery on Cockle Cove Road. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
One of the more charming and quaint cottages on the Lower Cape, Chatharbor Pottery on Cockle Cove Road is a must-stop when visiting in Chatham.
A Solid Beach Perimeter, Sans COVID Spacing
A beautiful morning at Ridgevale Beach. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
Personal space on the beach is always at a premium on summer weekends. Best to arrive early and take note of the high-water mark if you want ample space all day.
Local Art & Inspiration
The unexpected, little joys of an afternoon walk down Chatharbor Lane. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.
The growing presence of dedicated artist cottages in public spaces is a wonderful trend, yet neighbors are sharing their creativity too!
What charming Cape Cod days have you had recently?
The view from the top of the ruins of Fort Barrington, Five Islands Village, Antigua.
Author’s Note: A continued Happy Holidays wish to all who are observing one of the 29 holidays that are celebrated by seven of the world’s major religions at this time of year! While it has been a busy 3+ weeks since Thanksgiving, we enjoyed the “happy stress” of hosting Thanksgiving Dinner, partaking in Chatham’s Christmas Stroll, getting off the grid during 9 days to Antigua (a small island in the Lesser Antilles for an overdue vacation) and joining friends on a last-minute ski trip to New Hampshire. A December to remember for sure.
Apre ski at Loon Mountain to kick-off “snow season.”
As I’ve wrote about previously, I love the seasons and is a big reason why my wife and I have settled in the northeast. The greening of spring, followed by the heat of summer, fall foliage and of course, the much anticipated first snowfall of winter. However, a jolt of 80 degrees and sunshine in December as our trip to Antigua provided, did make me long for a reset to summer…until I strapped on my skis, scanned my Ikon pass, and hit Loon Mountain to open up my “snow season.” I instantly remembered why I love this time of year; the rush of carving a turn on a freshly groomed cruiser (too early in the season for powder), running into old friends in the life line and catching up on the chairlift and of course, all the laughs in the lodge during apre ski complete with apps and local craft drafts. Indeed, winter and the holidays are here, and I’m embracing it! And in a few months, that wonderful feeling of sand between your toes and a warm breeze on your face will be back on my mind.
Holiday Strolls and Celebrations on Cape Cod
The holiday picture from the Whit Tileston Bandstand in Chatham. No bunny hop today.
The weekend of December 7-8 marked Chatham’s Annual Christmas by the Sea Stroll celebration, a time when our family reunites in Chatham for this special holiday and community event. While this weekend event is the official stroll, featuring a tree lighting, breakfast with Santa, historic inn and museum tour, complimentary trolley rides complete with carolers through town, the weekend prior featured Santa’s arrival at the Chatham Fish Pier and a few weeks down the road, Chatham’s First Night will have the town celebration the arrival of the New Year. Indeed, there are a lot of celebratory events and happy people in Chatham in December. The special events are family friendly, but what I appreciate most are the simple things like, the thoughtfully decorated path through Kate Gould park leading to the decorated Chatham Bandstand, the candlelit homes along Stage Harbor Road, and of course, the quiet of walking along deserted beaches. The magic of the season is everywhere.
Morning walks on a deserted beach is one of our favorite activities.
Almost every Cape Cod town has their own holiday celebration/stroll, which are spread throughout mid-November through New Year’s Day (alas, Truro didn’t publicize anything this year), making it possible to celebrate the season multiple times in multiple towns. Local merchants, restaurants and town officials, from all communities have done a great job (whether planned or not) of offering a wide range of family-friendly activities, to historical and cultural events to romantic dinners and everything in between. However, a day on Cape Cod, in my case, Chatham, is not complete without a walk along Ridgevale Beach, no matter the weather.
Barker’s of Orleans has a lot of goodies for our four-legged family members.
As expected, we spent much of our time along Main Street, supporting a few of our favorite small businesses, restaurants and gift shops. My strategy for gift giving is to try and buy local as much as possible/practical by taking pictures of what I initially suspect someone will like, but give myself some time to explore other stores and think about the most thoughtful gift of a bunch of options. In our case, anything dog-related is generally a wiener (pun intended as our dachshund Hana can attest). While Chatham’s Paws & Claws are our favorite groomer, Barker’s in Orleans is a new favorite for treats and toys.
Buy local.
My holiday survival strategy also includes ducking into my favorite chowder and beer stop, The Squire, to warm up while others continue on their stroll. This particular year, everyone decided to take a well deserved break and chasing the little ones into the game room.
Regardless have how thirsty or hungry you may be, everyone’s welcome at The Squire!
While the weather never seems to cooperate with a picturesque snowy winter scene, the holiday spirit was in the air (literally, music was playing all around town) and we had a great time catching up, supporting local merchants and dining out.
The annual “Seaview Street Self-ie” (after The Squire stop of course).
If you find yourself on the Cape this month, do find a holiday celebration to enjoy. There is plenty of spirit in the air!
