Happy birthday, America! I hope everyone’s holiday weekend is off to a fun start.
I may be far away from Cape Cod on this July 4th, but that’s where my heart is today. So I present you with photos of my final weekend at the Cape in early June.
My dad and I kayak in Brewster — we start at Walkers Pond, and then navigate through a narrow clearing into Upper Mill Pond. My parents have talked about this spot before but it’s my first time here.
See the water across that isthmus? That’s Upper Mill Pond, where we’re headed next.
This is the only opening between these two ponds. It’s several feet wide (my fish eye lens makes it look larger than that) so we have to turn our kayak paddles vertical in order to squeeze through.
Here goes my dad:
Back in Walkers Pond, we spot lily pads. I smell a photo opportunity…
Turtles lay out on logs, sunning themselves along this entire stretch of shore. So many turtles!
Confession: I kayak up to each one for a closer shot until they invariably get frightened by my proximity and plunge into the water to hide. I’m not proud of this.
My dad spots a duck nesting area.
See the feathers?
As soon as I spot this tree, I know I have to kayak under it. Too bad I don’t anticipate the spiders… but I manage to dodge them.
Later that evening, my aunt and uncle stop by for dinner.
My mom has whipped up this make-your-own taco salad platter (the “meat” is Trader Joe’s meatless meatballs). I’ve contributed the homemade guacamole in the back… my specialty.
A pretty shot of my parents with Aunt Chris & Uncle Doug.
Later that evening we go for a stroll along the beach (I had to walk off that guac and chips…) and guess who we run into? My aunt and uncle, who are there with their cute puppy for a stroll of their own. Great minds think alike.
Here’s a shot of the pups and their owners:
Maggie and Bijou…
Big smiles!
And I’ll end with two photos from my final days in Connecticut before I left for Africa — I looked out my window and spotted this guy (girl?) sneaking food from the bird feeder:
I think he heard my shutter clicking away.
Well, if I can’t be in New England with family, I’m glad to relive fun Cape Cod memories from abroad.
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!
