Free Adventures at the Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham

The first official weekend of the season, Memorial Day Weekend, was certainly a lot of fun. The Memorial Day Picnic and first ever Scavenger Hunt went really well.

Kevin did a superb job with the ribs and chicken and the brisket was done to perfection. Tried a new German potato salad with bacon and a sweet and sour dressing, which was served warm. The whole 5 pounds was eaten. Erika, one of my friends from Germany, really liked it and asked for the recipe. She said in Germany they never had it warm. Showed her the old family cookbook from 1947. Now she can't wait to make it for their next gathering. We had a corn salad, Navy beans with parsley, scallions and white wine vinegar, sweet potato salad with peanut dressing, lemon vinaigrette pasta salad, watermelon and brownies for desert.

Dinner was followed by the awarding of Scavenger Hunt prizes. The grand prize went to Alan and Karla who earned the most points and gave us ideas for some new questions for the Labor Day Scavenger Hunt. They were pleased with their two-night stay gift certificate at the Inn. Better make your reservations early for Labor Day and get in on all the fun.

The next picnic coming up is Friday, July 3rd. This picnic will be held in conjunction with the fireworks at Rock Harbor. Come and enjoy all the great food and beautiful fireworks. After dinner we walk down to Rock Harbor, and the fireworks are right over head. You feel like you can almost touch them. Those that boom kind of reverberate through ones bones.

While waiting for the Whalewalk Inn summer events, the Cape Cod National Seashore has some programs to get summer rolling. The Seashore has a host of weekly events that are free and informative. Some do require advance reservations, and a couple do have fees (Canoe and Kayak trips).


SUNDAYS

Tour the Three Sisters Lighthouse. Tours are 3:00 PM in May and 4:00 PM in June. Beach fees may apply.

MONDAYS

Walk: Life on the Edge at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Witness the impact the sea has on the shore and the species that live there. Explore the beach below the bluff and discuss the issues associated with an ever-changing shoreline. Meet at Nauset Light Beach parking area. Beach fees may apply.

Walk: Stormy Nights at 10:00 AM, for 1 hour for 1 mile. Join a ranger for a short walk to discuss some of the more famous ship wrecks that came ashore and discover whether anything remains of the Newcomb Hollow wreck that mysteriously appeared in the winter of 2007/2008. Meet at the Newcomb Hollow Beach parking area, off Ocean View Drive, Wellfleet. Through June 8 only.

Tour the Captain Penniman House and learn about the their home, stories, and travels. Tour starts and 11:00 AM by reservation only. Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0 for details.

TUESDAYS

Call the Salt Pond Visitor Center, 508-255-3421, EXT.0 for hiking information. Explore your Park leaves at varying times and the hike is 3 to 4 miles and takes up to 3 1/2 hours. You will join an experienced ranger and explore the beauty and variety of park destinations, resources and stories. You must be a good walker. Dress for the weather. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.

Tour the Three Sisters Lighthouses. See Sunday for details.

WEDNESDAYS

Walk: Fort Hill: Window into the Past at 10:00 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 1/2 miles. Learn about the history of the various people who inhabited the lands at Fort Hill and surrounding Nauset Marsh. Meet at Hemenway Town Landing (one road north of Fort Hill off Route 6, Eastham. Through June 10 only.

Open House at the Captain Penniman House. Browse through this home. Meet at the Penniman House at Fort Hill, Eastham. Limited Parking.

THURSDAYS

Walk: Shoreline Stroll at 10:00 AM for 1 hour and for 1 mile. Explore the various habitats of forest, marsh, dunes and bay while discovering how they all work together to create a dynamic coastal barrier system known as the Great Island 'gut'. Meet at the Great Island parking area, Wellfleet. Through June 11 only.

Walk: Lore of Nauset Marsh at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Meet at the terrace at the Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham. Learn about this alluring place and what has drawn people to its shores for thousands of years.

FRIDAYS

Canoeing: Gull Pond at 8:00 AM for 2 1/2 hours, 1 to 2 miles. Fee required. Call for reservations at 508-487-1256. Through June 12 only.

Walk: Seal Search at 9:30 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 1/2 miles. Hike along the Coast Guard spit and look for seals and learn about the species that might be seen. Meet at Coast Guard Beach parking area, Eastham. Through June 12 only.

Walk: Walking with Authors at 3:00 PM for 1 hour for 1 mile. Experience Cape Cod through the eyes of some of the area's most famous or most beloved authors, such as Beston, Thoreau, Hay and others. See what they saw and hear what they heard. Join local author Dana Eldridge for this stroll at the edge of Nauset Marsh. Meet on the terrace at Salt Pond Visitor Center. Through June 19 only.

SATURDAYS

Canoeing: Salt Pond paddle at 9:30 AM for 1 1/2 hours for 1 to 2 miles. Fee requires. Take a leisurely paddle in the protected waters of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh in Eastham to explore its beauty. By reservation only. Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0, for information and reservations.

Captain Penniman House Tour. See Monday for more information.

Film: "Portrait of a Coast -- 21st Century" at 1:30 PM for 45 minutes. From the Storm of 1978 to the new Chatham inlet created during the April 2007 nor'easter, Cape Cod's coastline is constantly changing. Join a ranger for a viewing and discussion of this newly-updated film. Takes place at the Salt Pond Visitor Center. No showing on May 30th.

So make your reservations today to enjoy all the beauties of nature that the Cape has to offer. Also be sure to take a whale watching adventure. The naturalists are even surprised at how great the trips have been and how many whales are spotted at each trip. So see you soon at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa (where you can get the best massage ever!)

More Maritime Days' Activities, Wellfleet Harbor Tours, Lectures, and Lighthouse Tours

For those of you who will be visiting us on the Cape beginning on May 25th can still take advantage of our 40% discount for three nights, Sunday through Thursday. Here are some of the events for Maritime Days during that time. Also, heard from guests that whale watching has just be awesome this year. The whale antics are fun to watch and the numbers out there seems to be more than ever. Even the naturalists are excited about the numbers. So make your reservations today and enjoy all that the Cape has to offer.

MONDAY, MAY 25

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 11a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Location: The River, Orleans to Pleasant Bay
Join Blue Claw Boat Tours for a one-hour narrated boat tour through the Lower Cape’s most pristine rivers, bays and island passages to learn about their history. View working fishermen and bay men as they go through the centuries old traditon of harvesting the sea. Glimpse diverse wildlife, including seals, shortbirds and waterfowl. Dress warmly, non-slip footwear preferred.
Information: Reservations required. Call 508-240-578


TUESDAY, MAY 26

Lighthouse Inn Tours
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Location: The Lighthouse Inn, 1 Lighthouse Inn Road, West Dennis
Enjoy a tour of The Lighthouse Inn and West Dennis Light, built in 1855, the only privately owned and operated lighthouse in the US, sanctioned by the United States Coast Guard. Reservations required, space is limited.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-398-2244 for reservations


WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

Lighthouse Inn Tours
Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Location: The Lighthouse Inn, 1 Lighthouse Inn Road, West Dennis
Enjoy a tour of The Lighthouse Inn and West Dennis Light, built in 1855, the only privately owned and operated lighthouse in the US, sanctioned by the United States Coast Guard. Reservations required, space is limited.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-398-2244 for reservations


THURSDAY, MAY 28

“Thermometer-Mania Tour”
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Porter Thermometer Museum, 49 Zarahemla Road, Onset
The curator will provide guided tours of the museum in Onset, the Thermometer Capital of the World. Emphasis will be placed on maritime thermometers. Tour includes the museum’s collection of over 1,000 devices, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-295-5504


FRIDAY, MAY 29

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.
Location: Wellfleet Harbor to Great Island
Join Blue Claw Boat Tours for a one-hour narrated boat tour through the Lower Cape’s most pristine rivers, bays and island passages to learn about their history. View working fishermen and bay men as they go through the centuries old traditon of harvesting the sea. Glimpse diverse wildlife, including seals, shorebirds and waterfowl. Dress warmly, non-slip footwear preferred.
Cost: $20 per passenger
Information: Reservations required. Call 508-240-5783, www.blueclawboattours.com

Cape Cod Maritime Museum Lectures and Book signings
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Cape Cod Maritime Museum, 135 South St., Hyannis
“The Wreck of the Sparrow-Hawk”: Lecture by Historian and Curator Mark Wilkins.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-775-1723

Maritime Days are in Full Swing on Cape Cod -- Win Two-Night Stay Memorial Weekend -- Follow the Blog for More Details

Cape Cod Maritime Days are in full swing! Please see previous blogs for happenings across Cape Cod. Sunday May 24th , besides being chock full of activities, we will host our Memorial Day Picnic. Kevin and Brendan will be smokin' some great meats and the rest of the staff will be making salads for your dining pleasure. Also, this will be our first ever Scavenger Hunt -- first prize, a two-night stay at the Inn. Some restrictions will apply, but anytime at the Inn is a great time.

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 11a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-3 p.m.
Location: The River, Orleans to Pleasant Bay
Join Blue Claw Boat Tours for a one-hour narrated boat tour through the Lower Cape’s most pristine rivers, bays and island passages to learn about their history. View working fishermen and bay men as they go through the centuries old traditon of harvesting the sea. Glimpse diverse wildlife, including seals, shorebirds and waterfowl. Dress warmly, non-slip footwear preferred.
Cost: $20 per passenger
Information: Reservations required. Call 508-240-5783

Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak Fishing Tour
Come fish on the kayak sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports/Hyannis and Cape Cod Fly Fishing. $150 per person includes kayak rental and guide tour with professional Fly Fishing guide Michael Mullaney of www.capecodflyfishing.com Contact Michael at 508-208-2265. Anglers can spin fish or try their hand at fly fishing.
Cost: $150
Information: Contact Michael at 508-208-2265

Harbor Your Arts Artist Shanties
Location: Bismore Park, Ocean Street, Hyannis
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Harbor Your Arts artist shanties are a unique harborfront location for artists to create and sell their work. All work is juried, and includes painting, photography, glass blowing, jewelry and more!
Cost: Free

Kayak the Waterways of the Lower Cape
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Paddle to Nauset Beach
Investigate different coastal habitats during these exceptional kayak tours that include kayak instruction and environmental education. Certified kayak instructor and coastal educator, Dick Hilmer will lead you through sheltered creeks, into bays and marshes, and towards islands rich in cultural history. During the three-hour coastal exploration, the certified guides of Explore Cape Cod Tours will provide professional instruction in easy to paddle, comfortable and stable tandem kayaks. Perfect for novice or experienced paddlers. All equipment is provided including kayak, paddle, lifejacket and instruction – just bring a smile and a bottle of water, and $30 per person.
Information: Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Please call 508-240-1211. You will receive directions upon making your reservations.

Marine Rummage Sale
Location: Osterville Museum, 155 West Bay Road, Osterville
Held outside on museum grounds, this old-fashioned rummage sale will feature maritime items. Proceeds to benefit the Osterville Museums’ children’s programs.
Cost: Free to attend
Information: 508-428-5861

Tours at Nauset Lighthouse
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Nauset Light, North Eastham
Guided tours of the lighthouse, open to the public. Please park in the Nauset Beach parking lot.
Cost: Donations are welcome
Information: 508-240-2612

Walking Tour of the Three Sisters Lighthouses
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Location: Meet at Nauset Light Beach parking lot in Eastham
These 19th century lighthouse once provided a beacon for sailors off the shore of nauset Light. Come and learn of their history and importance. Half-mile walk.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-255-3421

We look forward to hearing from you, and remember to book early for Memorial Day Weekend. It promises to be a great weekend.

Cape Cod Life's 2009 Best of the Cape & Islands Readers' Poll

What an exciting day at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa! We just received a congratulatory letter that the Inn is a winner in Cape Cod Life's 2009 Best of the Cape & Islands Readers' Poll. (Not just winners, but GOLD WINNER!)

The letter states "Our readers have a great loyalty to the magazine, and they take pride in voting for their favorite places on the Cape and Islands--you were voted among the very best! The results will be published in the June 2009 issue of Cape Cod Life. By the end of this month, this special issue will be on sale in retail outlets."

Thank you to all who have stayed with us and voted for us. We appreciate your loyalty, and the fact that you took the time to vote for us.

Mother's Day is fast approaching and we do have a little availability, if you are interested in a getaway. Check our availability page for room choice.

Also, Maritime Days are fast approaching and we are offering the mid-week (Sunday through Thursday 40% Off your room rate) special. Weekends are still our off season rates. Read some of the past blogs to see what is being offered for Maritime Days -- kayak trips, nature walks, sea tales and talks, lighthouse tours and much more. Be the first on your block to enjoy this seasons Wellfleet oysters, clam chowdah' and lobster. Golf courses are up and running, so plan a day of golf also. A fun day of golf is 9 holes at Highland Links in Truro, lunch at the Book Store in Wellfleet, while enjoying a water view, and then 9 more holes at Chequessette Golf Course.

A day trip to Nantucket makes for an exciting trip. Book through us and receive $6.00 off on each ticket. These tickets are available for the Hy-Line Cruises. You can upgrade these tickets to the first class section and receive complimentary breakfast treats and evening cheese and crackers. You can also upgrade to the Hy-Line Fast Ferry upon arrival for the 40 minute trip over. You will still have the $6.00 discount, but it cannot be booked in advance.

Make your reservations today and we look forward to seeing you at the Inn.

Cape Cod Maritime Days--Enjoy Sea Tales, Sea Voyages, and Your Own Sea Escape

April showers are definitely out of the way, and Cape Cod is "busting out" with flowers and activities. May 21st is the last day for Cape Cod Maritime Days and it is chock full of activities. So make your reservations at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa for a Maritime Getaway.

Also, please read previous blogs for activities from May 13th on celebrating the Sea Heritage of Cape Cod.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

5th Annual Ocean to the Bay Road Race
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Highland Light Road, North Truro
Five-mile run/walk from Highland Lighthouse to the bay and back, to benefit the lighthouse preservation. Awards, raffles and refreshments.
Cost: $15 registration fee
Information: 508-487-1121

Boat Tour of the Historic Lower Cape
Time: 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
Location: The River, Orleans to Pleasant Bay
Join Blue Claw Boat Tours for a one-hour narrated boat tour through the Lower Cape’s most pristine rivers, bays and island passages to learn about their history. View working fishermen and bay men as they go through the centuries old traditon of harvesting the sea. Glimpse diverse wildlife, including seals, shorebirds and waterfowl. Dress warmly, non-slip footwear preferred.
Cost: $20 per passenger
Information: Reservations required. Call 508-240-5783

Boatbuilding Demonstration
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Boat shop behind Woods Hole Historical Museum, 579 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole
Come visit the ongoing boatbuilding demonstration program, with participants on hand to answer questions.
Information: 508-548-7270


Eastern Mountain Sports Kayak Fishing Tour
Come fish on the kayak sponsored by Eastern Mountain Sports/Hyannis and Cape Cod Fly Fishing. $150 per person includes kayak rental and guide tour with professional Fly Fishing guide Michael Mullaney of www.capecodflyfishing.com Contact Michael at 508-208-2265. Anglers can spin fish or try their hand at fly fishing.
Cost: $150
Information: Contact Michael at 508-208-2265

Harbor Your Arts Artist Shanties
Location: Bismore Park, Ocean Street, Hyannis
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Harbor Your Arts artist shanties are a unique harborfront location for artists to create and sell their work. All work is juried, and includes painting, photography, glass blowing, jewelry and more!
Cost: Free

Kayak the Waterways of the Lower Cape
Time: 6 to 8:30 a.m.
Location: Sampson’s Island, Pleasant Bay
Investigate different coastal habitats during these exceptional kayak tours that include kayak instruction and environmental education. Certified kayak instructor and coastal educator, Dick Hilmer will lead you through sheltered creeks, into bays and marshes, and towards islands rich in cultural history. During the three-hour coastal exploration, the certified guides of Explore Cape Cod Tours will provide professional instruction in easy to paddle, comfortable and stable tandem kayaks. Perfect for novice or experienced paddlers. All equipment is provided including kayak, paddle, lifejacket and instruction – just bring a smile and a bottle of water, and $30 per person.
Information: Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Please call 508-240-1211 or email dhilmer@explorecapecod.com. You will receive directions upon making your reservations.

Maritime Exhibit at Captain Bangs Hallet House
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Captain Bangs Hallet House, 11 Strawberry Lane, Yarmouthport
The maritime collection of the Historical Society of Old Yarmouth will be open for display. Includes historical artifacts, paintings and ship models.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-362-3021

Maritime Matinee: “The City that Lit the World”
Time: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Province Lands Visitor Center, Race Point Road, Provincetown
Take an armchair journey to New Bedford during the height of the whaling industry. New Bedford was the mid 19th century’s preeminent whaling port and for a time “the richest city in the world.” This history is preserved today at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, where visitors can stroll its cobblestone streets, tour the world’s largest whaling museum, visit a whaling merchant’s home and whaleman's chapel, and walk a 19th century schooner’s decks. The 45-minute program includes the film and brief remarks by a park ranger.
Cost: Free
Information: 508-957-0738

A Whaling Family’s Story
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Meet at the Penniman House at Fort Hill in Eastham
Learn about the Penniman family through a tour of their home and stories of their travels. Examine some of the hardships, adventures and lifestyle of a whaling family.
Cost: Free
Information: Reservations required! Call 508-255-3421, ext. 0

Besides all the sea activities, take a leisurely drive around and enjoy the picturesque scenery bursting with wisteria, roses, cherry blossoms and roses. Make your reservations today to enjoy all the diverse activities that the Cape has to offer.

Mother's Day Gifts and Gift Certificates from the Whalewalk Inn & Spa on Cape Cod -- Leave the Shopping to Us

Have you booked your room for a Mother's Day get away? We still have rooms available -- three with whirlpool tubs for two, one being in our very romantic Pent House Suite. So give us a call for your reservation and give Mom that much needed rest.

If you have already booked your stay, take advantage of our Special Mother's Day Gift Bag. This present includes our Whalewalk Inn Canvas Bag with a Whalewalk Inn Bathrobe. Please state size when ordering -- Medium or Large. Also, included is a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and two Whalewalk Inn etched champagne glasses for toasting. Cost of this present is $195 and will be waiting in your room upon arrival.

Surprise Mom with a special delivery package from The Whalewalk Inn & Spa. Included in this package is a Whalewalk Inn Canvas Bag, Bathrobe, and a Massage Gift Certificate. This gift package is $225. No orders will be taken after Wednesday, May 6th to ensure delivery, unless you want Overnight delivery, and that will be an extra charge. May 8th, until 3:30, is the last day for Overnight delivery orders.

Or, surprise Mom with a Gift Certificate, in any amount that you would like, for a future stay at The Whalewalk Inn & Spa.

Make your Mother's Day shopping easy. We will do the work for you and you can take the credit for finding the perfect gift.