Another cold, windy, drizzily night and as I sit down at my computer, with a piece of ricotta pie to keep me company, I think about today and the friendship that was born. Several weeks ago I commented on an image of a crow sitting on an old beaten wooden bridge posted by Laurun, a Gather photographer from Cape Cod. I questioned where the photo of the herring run took place since I did not recognize the setting and I thought I knew many of the "hidden spots" on the Cape since for the past nine years in August I go with several friends to a rental in Wellfleet. Another time, just before Easter, she posted a picture of a ricotta pie that she had made...and once again I commented. Then she posted an osprey nest...and I was hooked! Here was a girl who took pictures of lonely old bridges, appeared that she could COOK (something I'm not really good at) and she liked birds...she was a birdwatcher, as am I. I commented on the osprey picture and told her about a book I had read by David Gassner called The Return of the Osprey and how Papa Bear, Nick, my room-mate from college and I had spent two weeks in the summer several years ago in search of osprey nests all over Cape Cod. So I was certainly happy last week when Laurun sent me a private message and asked if I might like to join her for "a day of discovery" and she would show me her hidden jewels and so we made a date for today. We agreed to meet in off Exit #6 on the Mid-Cape Highway at the Burger King at 10:30. On the phone I told her to go to my Gather site to see the picture of me with Senator Bradley so at least she would know who she was looking for in the BK parking lot...didn't want her picking up another girl!!!
Interesting enough, despite the many cars at this way station, we met right away. As she stepped out of her car, what did she have in her hand but a ricotta pie for me to take home...just as she promised several weeks ago in a comment to me. "I think I'm going to like this girl!" I thought to myself! I quickly packed my umbrella, gloves, hat, and backpack in her car and we were off and running...or should I say talking as we ambled down Route 6A. We talked about many of our contacts on Gather, the Cape, and our families. She told me a funny story about her kids cautioning her about meeting people on the Internet, something she had cautioned them on in the past. I assured her I was no mother raper or child molester...she was relieved!
In Yarmouthport we took several different roads down to the bayside to observe tidal flats during high, high tide. Laurun really came prepared for any adventure...she had binoculars and rain ponchos for us, and so despite the foul weather, we got out and she took photos of brants. Then on to our next stop...a Boardwalk at Grays Beach. We joined a group of birdwatchers from the Audubon Society as a Ranger talked about the ospreys of Yarmouth Port. We were fortunate to meet a man that told us that Gessner has written a second book Soaring with Fidel, a book I definitey need to pick up for Papa Bear. It was incredible watching the osprey soar through the sky and land on her nest. I was relieved to hear from the Ranger that the eggs as yet have not hatched. Imagine being a newborn in such foul weather!
Then it was off to Stony Brook, the herring run...I was so excited that I just hopped out of the car when we reached there. Despite the drizzling rain it was all I had imagined from her previous photos. A wee bit wet, we decided that we were hungry after all our morning adventures. Laurun suggested The Land Ho, Orlean's flagship local restaurant. It has a pub-like feel to it...and was completely packed with patrons on a week-day lunch...so I knew the food was going to be exceptional. Both Laurun and I ordered a bowl of clam chowder, a huge baked stuffed clam and cole slaw. The mayonaise in the coleslaw is homemade...right on the premises...and a real favorite at the "Ho" so I had to try it!
Last stop was the Atlantic Spice Company in Truro...incredible place. Just the aroma of the place is well worth the visit...Laurun, being the cook, had a great time buying all kinds of stuff...I, on the other hand, bought Turkish apricots and mangos and some pennyroyal and dandilion tea. Heading back to Burger King, we shared more Gather gossip...and talked about further adventures that we will take together...I believe clam diggin' is next!? All in all, despite the rainy weather, it was a Number 10 on Gather Days!
What do you like to do on windy, rainy days...sit by the fire and enjoy a good book, go to the mall or watch a good movie or go out in the weather? Rainy days can be fun, no matter how you spend them.
Laurun took great photos of our adventures today as well as an article and posted them at the following link:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticlePF.jsp?articleId=281474976961499
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Comments: 37
From the comments by Debbie and Tonia, I gather (forgive the pun) that you're also Bob, although I don't understand how Bob is derived from Elizabeth. Liz and Beth I understand but not Bob.
We really did have a good time. Thank you again for coming.
I love the bay side of the Cape...down old Route 6A. Tonia, it's still the same...wide, open beaches, old historic homes, little General Stores that still have the large glass faces where you can find various sundry articles, and antique stores. Each of the Cape towns has its own unique flavor. Yarmouth has botanic trails that wind down to the sea. At beautiful Bass Hole, there's an incredible, unique boardwalk that permits the visitor access to the marshes where one can see a variety of wildlife and their natural habitat.
Brewster is considered by some to be Cape Cod's most picturesque town. I loved all the beautiful mansions built by sea captains that graced Route 6A. Most of these are now Inns that accomodate guests who like the slower paced life on the north side. Many natural and man-made photo-ops, Tonia so you and Deb should venture East someday. (Hey, I heard Mo~ze is contemplating a visit to Arkansas...wish I could go with her...)
Were your ears burning yesterday, Katrina. As we meandered around the Atlantic Spice Company we talked warmly of your recent articles. We bought the pennyroyal and today I'm going to follow your recipe for Stinky Dog herbal Carpet Refresher.
Sweet Alabama, I love to see your beautiful, young face gracing my page...such wisdom around the eyes and an athletic supple body! Anytime you come north to Yankee country you'll have a place to stay here!
Jennifer, I'm excited about your trip to Alaska...be sure to write a long article about your adventures...include lots of details.
Thom, you and Sam should take a trip to the Cape but best to do it in June or September...come summer, it's quite crowded except for outer Cape.
Deb....Oh my goodness, thinking about you on that boat. What a wild and windy week this has been! You are right, you can see wildlife or signs of them on rainy days. Today I took Tucker for a long walk across the bogs to the forests beyond. Beautiful well-worn paths meander through the woodlands...and we saw a beautiful red fox running swifly when he saw us. Over in the reservoir a Mother muskrat was berating her young (3 of them) to come back to the hole...but they weren't listening to her...somewhat like my guys when they were young. We did see deer and raccoon tracks. opps, that reminds me, Tuck needs to go outwalking again before it gets too dark. Thanks for coming by.
I think we better have a gather meet on Cape Cod. Maybe next spring. We can rent a bus and take a ride to the osprey's nests! I had a very rewarding experience meeting you and spending time with you and I hope that others are able to do this someday too. I eat ricotta pie for breakfast too. Afterall it has 7 eggs in it!