September 3, 2018 by capecodmilliner

Labor Day Eve at Forest Beach

It was Labor Day Eve and I wanted to get to the point at Forest Beach before the crowds.

Passing by the far osprey nest I heard a lone chick, still being fed at the nest, crying mournfully for his favorite sushi.

And along the shoreh I discovered new shells scattered on the grainy, sunlit sand; treasures that the sea had washed up overnight.

I heard the voices of two fishermen preparing their lines for what looked to be a full day of fishing.

While an eager Skipper called urgently for the launching of his own vessel; clearly not pleased with the delay.

Just then I noticed a fisherman of a different shape and size, diving and surfacing, diving and surfacing.

And though I knew that his business was all about finding fish, he seemed as curious about me as I was about him! 😉

Further up the beach, sandy-bottomed canoes and kayaks, dragged into the dunes, now awaited their turn at sea…

While chairs set up along the channel; awaited the sunbathers who’d staked out their favorite spots the day before.

Several early swimmers were already taking an early morning dip; their squeals piercing the quiet as they realized that the water was colder than they’d expected.

I arrived at the point at last and sighed a long, deep sigh, Labor Day was finally HERE.

I pulled the quiet stillness tight around me; an old, familiar blanket whose comfort I had been missing for a long, long time.

Out on the flats, flocks of Laughing Gulls, Black-backed Gulls and terns preened and chattered as new arrivals landed every minute.

Two Black-backeds were causing a real ruckus about something or other (as gulls so often do)…

When all at once up popped the cutest tiny Song Sparrow onto the jettie in front of me, whispering, Now what’s all the fuss about?

I got a few shots of the rosehips along the edge of the marsh; ripe and ready for someone with a great jam recipe.

I’d have stayed there all day, yet I knew that the crowds would be moving in.

Heading back along the beach I noticed that my fisherman friend was busy at his fishing still, whiskers to the sea breeze…

And that the Tern families had finished their preenings and were heading for the shoreline and some fishing of their own.

Peeking over the dunes I spotted a large flock of Great Egrets and Snowies, fishing in the tidal creeks.

Our salt marsh ballerinas, and more than usual this year which has pleased me.

Just before the final jettie I met several young Black Ducks, busily jabbed their bills into the frothy waves in search of their own Labor Day breakfast.

Yet as always with Black Ducks who are never too busy to be polite, they wished me the nicest, Good morning! and I did the same.

I simply could not have imagined a better way to welcome the end of summer, out among friends sharing the beauty of the sea.

Happy Labor Day, one and all!

September 5, 2017 by capecodmilliner

Chatham – A Breath of Fresh Air on Labor Day

It had been a beast-of-a-summer. Way too much of this, and much too much of that.

Honestly, Labor Day could not come soon enough.

And when it did, I felt like I needed some fresh air and a real change.

Chatham Light came to mind!

The first hint that summer was over in Chatham was the glorious “Vacancy” sign swinging at the Wayside Inn downtown, woo HOO!

There was still some activity in and around the shops and restaurants, but you could just tell. The summer craze was OVER.

Heading off the beaten path down to Mill Landing, the cove was full of boats, both large…

And small.

And some that looked, well, kinda’ like I felt — pretty much outa’ gas! 😉

The holiday hadn’t stopped the local fishermen from their scratching…

Or this Cooper’s hawk from his quest for something to move.

Passing by the old Eldredge garage, long-deserted now and awaiting its 2.5 million dollar transformation, I couldn’t help but wonder how it must have bustled on Labor Days past!

And then, at last, I stood at the Lighthouse lookout. Marveling at how the seascape just keeps on changing, every time I see it.

Like some giant sculpture, transformed by the wind and the sea, it shape-shifts right before our very eyes.

And I wasn’t the only one captivated by the visual feast before me, not by a longshot. 😉

Summertime visitors who come here for the fishing and boating were out in their crafts for one last hurrah.

Soaking in the glorious sea breeze and sunshine, just like me.

And the gulls.

As I looked out beyond the beach walkers I couldn’t help but notice that there was something unusual, away out there in the grass-covered dunes.

So I zoomed in for a closer look.

And then a little closer.

Ahhh…so THIS must be the mysterious shack I’ve been reading about on Lighthouse Beach!

Art project or some sort of shrine, this is definitely something I’ll be checking out, and soon!

By now the parking lot was filling up way too full for my Labor Day reverie, so I shifted my lens toward the Light instead.

No matter how many times I see it, I never tire of seeing this grand old beacon there on the hill, standing so tall and proud!

The usual zigzag up Silver Leaf Avenue onto Water Street led me straight to one of my favorite old Chatham houses that dates back to the 1700’s.
And like always, I just stood there gazing up at it, imagining how cozy it would be to be nestled in that turret.

With a good book and a blanket.

One final detour down to Mill Pond by way of Eliphamets Lane reconnected me with some old familiar faces.

And a few new ones, too.

Back on Main Street at last, I started when a great, noble lion suddenly roared out his own sign of approval that summer was over at last, Arhhhh!

And as the setting sun turned to a reddish gold, casting its warm glow on the very tallest buildings and church steeples, we started thinking what to do about dinner.