Coming up to New England in early May is like going back in time. The trees along the parkways are still in early spring bloom. And I have a lot of history up here – graduate school, first jobs, and fabulous vacations.
If the scenery weren’t enough to send me back in time, my playlist triggered lots of memories as well. On the Garden State Parkway, I listened to the incomparable Karen Carpenter, and I can “sing along” to every song. (My family will tell you so can they – because I used to sing them when it was my turn to do the dishes.) On the Merritt Parkway, I listened to my 80s mix, which of course brought back a lot of grad school friends and shenanigans. When I finally got onto the Cape today, I queued up John Denver – a perfect mood-setter (and another unique and awesome singer/songwriter).
“And I’m looking for space, and to find out who I am. And I’m looking to know and understand. It’s a sweet, sweet dream. Sometimes I’m almost there. Sometimes I fly like an eagle, and sometimes I’m deep in despair.”
~ John Denver
That quote was on my high school yearbook page, and it’s a perfect segue into this week for me.
I broke the drive into two legs because it’s quite a haul when you have to do all the driving yourself. (Don’t believe what Google tells you regarding how long the trip will take… I don’t drive the speed limit, and I need to stop a few times for substantial breaks.)
I decided to stay in Mystic, Connecticut, where the Marriott is across the street from a lovely reservoir and the trees and bushes were all abloom. Plus, it’s just a half hour from Watch Hill, Rhode Island, which I wanted to check out.
The beach at Watch Hill was lovely. And Westerly/Watch Hill boasts the ultimate in Rhode Island real estate. I could see the iconic Ocean House from the beach. There was another large house on the bluff, and I’m guessing that one may belong to Taylor Swift, who I hear owns property in Watch Hill. Do you think the owners protected it from getting washed into the ocean? Quite the rock wall!
The beach walk there was glorious, but a bit on the chilly side. Worth the detour!
My home away from home on the Cape is the lovely Captain Freeman Inn, where I am ensconced in the Eastham room. It’s got a relaxing sitting area, and a great porch overlooking the back yard. (From which I am writing this post, taking in the sea air and the night sounds.)
And so my vacation truly begins… three walks on the beach today make for an auspicious start. Temps will be in the mid 60s. Perfect. I’m here until May 17, and I’ll post a few more times to update you all on my travels.
You know that scene in the Wizard of Oz where Dorothy opens her door and emerges into the color of Munchkinland? I’ve been telling people that’s a bit what it feels like this month. After more than a year of isolation, we’re carefully emerging into a changed world. Whether I’ve been languishing as Adam Grant says, or laying dormant as described by Austin Kleon, or in some other liminal space, it definitely feels way past time to be “looking for space and to find out who I am.” Cape Cod is a perfect spot for that – my happy place, my thinking spot, my time out of time.
And you can’t beat the sunsets.
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So beautiful! Love your post. Enjoy!
Thank you Catherine for taking us with you on your New England adventure. I can smell the salt air and hear the seagulls.
So happy to be tagging along—enjoy yourself!
Lovely. I know many of those places so well, and the Yankee in me relishes these photos. Travel safely my friend. I look forward to connecting in a park when you return.