Wellfleet, 2024

It had been close to a perfect day. There was a breakfast which was not only tasty af but also kicked two items (a Mac’s fish burger and the dregs of Saturday’s wedding’s artichoke dip) off the leftovers list. Later, yet still in the morning, warm blueberry crumble, with a dollop of plain yogurt, also served to help eliminate the remarkable amount of food we had in our collective fridge.

We took a long walk in Provincetown which was gorgeous with colorful flowers and vivid drag queens. Pellegrino with aranciata rossa to sip while sitting in the sunshine on a cushioned couch staring at the harbor made for a refreshing moment.

Still later, an ice cream cone which combined rum raisin and toffee beautifully.

Once home again, a walk with a swim with water that was absolutely luscious. Cool air and still warm sun had conspired to keep most from taking the plunge, but those who did make the leap are rewarded by soft and surprisingly temperate water. And, if you dare to force yourself out of the water and momentarily to the shore, immersing yourself a second time in the pond immediately becomes the best swim of the season.

Two consecutive perfect beach days with both loads of sunscreen and moments of cloudy almost chilliness, completely devoid of vicious flies or triple e carrying mosquitos. A grey final day that begins with a coy dog visitor and a shift from the main house to the cabin, yet still comes with the pond skinny dipping tradition having been met.

Simple instances like these are what define the Cape for me, year after year. When I wake up in the middle of the night and experience irrational anxiety fueled insomnia, these are the minutes I replay in my mind behind closed eyes. Being here to make new memories, while also seeing the ghosts of years gone by, is a heady experience in so many ways…