We traveled with Tonto’s Reward to Provincetown from Boston. The entrance to the harbor is easy to locate, courtesy of this 252 foot Pilgrim Monument. It’s the tallest all-granite structure in the US.
Provincetown or P-town, MA
For your American history buffs, the Mayflower set anchor in Provincetown Harbor in November of 1620, eventually settling across the bay in Plymouth. Actually, the pilgrims were headed to the Colony of Virginia, but the strong seas caused them to turn back to the safe harbor in Massachusetts.
Apparently the Mayflower’s captain missed the memo: boating season ends on Columbus Day (October 12) – for a reason.
Summer population ~60,000; Oct – May under 3,000.
Most recently P-town was the center of a nation-wide media storm as thousands of people, driven indoors by the rain, gathered to celebrate 4th of July. In response to the well-publicized Delta COVID outbreak, the town instituted a mandatory mask mandate, still in effect in September.
Fish N Chips trivia
Let’s talk about fish! Capt. Rick often asks the question – what type of fish is in your fish and chips? The answer varies widely depending on your location. At the Showcase Lounge in Seward, AK (my dad’s old hangout), the answer is fresh halibut, beer battered!
Did you know the British tend to add carbonated “sparkling water” to their batter to make their crispy crust?
In Boston, at the infamous Legal Seafood, the response to Capt.Rick’s question was “a local fish called Tillop”. Well, for all you Floridians, if it sounds suspiciously like Tilapia, a cheap, shallow-water scruffy-looking fish, you order anything else.
At the fabulous Tin Pan Alley in P-Town – where outside seating is prevalent – in response to the standard inquiry our waiter chuckled and said, “Since you are in Cape Cod, the fish is DELICIOUS Cod, of course!” And he was right – it was some of the very best Fish N Chips on this adventure!
So where is Cape Cod? In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold, after catching a “great store of codfish”, named the outermost tip of land “Cape Cod”. Initially, the area referred to what is now known as Provincetown. Over time, “Cape Cod” extended from Provincetown in the northeast to Woods Hole in the southwest, and is bordered by Plymouth to the northwest. Today, the Cape is divided into fifteen towns, several of which are in turn made up of multiple villages.
Thanks, Emily!
It was a pleasure to meet Emily O’Connell, longtime friend and advisor to the Bernstein’s, in P-Town. Thanks for the private tour, and for introducing us to the magnificent local food.
Pope’s Island, New Bedford – Hello Bella!
We returned to New Bedford, to connect with extended family. Say hello to Tyler’s cousin, beautiful Bella Beales (David Hendry’s niece).
It was spectacular seeing the Beales family. Thanks for making the drive!
As long as we are talking about fishy stuff, within easy walking distance of our marina we found Tuna Sashimi! Yes, it was as delicious as it looks.
Jamestown RI – Conanicut Island
Our next stop was Jamestown. Population 5,500 ish. A walk to the main town took about 7 minutes. Look at that BREATHTAKING blue sky! No filters!
Antique firetruck for Tyler
Tribute to 9/11
In Jamestown we found a precious tribute, with an actual section from the New York towers.
Nearly 20 years have elapsed since the horrendous tragedy in New York. We all have stories of where we were on that day. The memories remain too vivid, the loss too great, leaving a permanent hole in our hearts. Together, we shed a few tears.
In honor of those we have lost, we hope you will take the time to watch and listen to the live performance by The Eagles – Hole in the World. Released in 2003, Click Here for the video.
Thank you, Uncle Larry, for the magnificent structure you created to commemorate those who lost their lives and those who were left behind.
Fisher’s Island, NY
Nine miles long and one mile wide – the island had a great vibe, a small, quaint little stop.
Pequot – where the locals seemed freakishly tall. Maybe the ceilings were a little low in this fabulous gem, but it felt like the patrons – especially the women – could have been members of a basketball team. Reminds us of Copper River, AK – a TRUE local hangout, complete with never ending 70’s music.
Power Guards – We were amused by the Hello Kitty and Invincible critters on guard. If you don’t recognize these characters, just ask your kids – that’s what I did 🙂
We leave you with the t-shirt of the day – from P-town
Milestones: Birthdays: Eileen Pitel, September 10; Tony “Ynot” Rodriguez, September 15.
Shana Tova – (Have a good year) Thanks again, Megan, for the apple!
Next stop: Essex Island, Connecticut
Exhale on the Water 
Never would it occur to me to ask what type of fish makes up the fish and chips. Rick is way more inquisitive than I. Thanks for remembering Eileen’s birthday. Very sweet! Safe travels.
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Very informative post. In Australia, the fish in the fish and chips is usually sea perch or shark!
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