My wife Sandy and I have visited Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, almost every year since our first vacation there in 1998. Obviously, then, we love the Cape. We’re lucky as hell to have discovered it in the first place, as it never had occurred to either of us that there might exist a locale to which we would want to return again and again. Thus, it’s an understatement to say that Cape Cod has made our lives better. We feel at home there. We enjoy exploring its old villages and areas of natural beauty. We fill up on the Cape’s arts scene and at its eateries. And we engage in sweet old-school activities, such as mini golf and sunset-watching, that we almost never do back home in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Yeah, Cape Cod suits us to a T. We never will tire of this 65-mile-long peninsula.
Anyway, I’m now bringing up Cape Cod not just for the heck of it, but because Sandy and I spent 11 full (i.e. non-commuting) days there recently, and I sense some thoughts about the visit trying to coalesce. Away we go!
Last month’s Cape escape was, as each of its predecessors had been, damn fine. I could go on and on about the many highlights of the trip. But doing so would extend this piece to a mind-numbing length. I don’t know about you, but my mind already is numb enough as it is. That’s why I’ll limit the remainder of my commentary mainly to a specific topic. To wit, ponds nestled in woods.
Nature-wise, when most people think of Cape Cod they picture fine beaches and gorgeous open waters. For sure, the Cape has plenty of those. Less known are its ponds, of which there are hundreds. Most ponds, however, for one reason or another are difficult or near-impossible to access. For example, many are boxed in by housing that has sprouted up around them over the years. Not the case within Cape Cod’s several forests, though, which are protected from development. On back-to-back days we visited two of those woodlands, largely because ponds reside inside them. First up was Brewster township’s Nickerson State Park, a sizable forest, followed by Provincetown township’s Beech Forest, which is less spacious than Nickerson.
The trees in each forest — loads of pines and oaks, among others, in both, and plenty of beeches, appropriately, in Beech Forest — impressed the heck out of me and humbled me too, as trees always do. Hell, trees deserve deep respect. After all, they can trace their ancestry back 400 million years, give or take 50 million. That’s saying a lot.
But when you add ponds to the picture, you really have something. At Nickerson I got up close and personal with Cliff Pond and Little Cliff Pond, and did the same with Blackwater Pond at Beech Forest (both woodlands contain additional ponds, but I gazed at only three). Those lovely waters, in combination with the trees surrounding them, put me, who leans toward the tense side of the spectrum, at ease, for ponds and trees are a perfect match, gentle with one another and zen-like in the aura they project.
And that’s not all the scenes did. The longer I took them in, the more my inner smile widened and the more I went weak in the knees, because, to me, tree-rimmed ponds rank at the top of Nature’s cute and adorable scale. So, I became totally smitten, a state of affairs I wholly embrace, and which doesn’t happen to me often enough. Any way you look at it, I was fortunate to be at those sites.
Over the years, Sandy and I have passed way more time on Cape Cod’s beaches, admiring the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound, than we have at any of its other natural spots. The Atlantic coastline, raw and almost entirely undeveloped, is, in fact, my favorite aspect of Cape Cod. But, ponds within woods are special too. Very special. A trip to Cape Cod without visiting any of them is incomplete.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
That’s an aspect of Cape Cod that I had not realised….always had beaches in my mind. Thank you for the discovery.
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Afternoon, Helen. Cape Cod has a pretty good variety of landscapes and seascapes, which is a big reason why I like it as much as I do.
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A wonderful tribute to Cape Cod’s ponds, Neil. I like how you describe their effect on you, this is also how I feel when I’m in nature. I lean toward tense as well and I have always found it centring and calming. I think your pictures are beautiful. Cheers.
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I’d like to be beside a nestled pond right now. But I’m home, and ponds don’t exist around here.
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It looks so lovely there! I hope to get there one day. Everything you describe is something I know I would love. Glad you had a great trip!
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Cape Cod is pretty great, in my opinion. My wife and I are addicted to the place!
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I was born in Washington D.C. but rarely make it back to the east coast. Considering I’ve been to all 50 states, it is a wonder I’ve never made it to Cape Cod. You make it sound very enticing.
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Hi, Pete. All 50 states? Man, that’s an achievement!
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Now, Neil, you have done it again! Your writing is so beautiful and wonderfully descriptive that it left me breathless in admiration of your born-to-write talent! Your paean to Cape Cod’s ponds within woods, with unforgettable phrases such as your wide inner smile, and love and respect for trees, will live in my memory forever. I know that you are not going to write a book about nature’s influence on your well-being, and so I have to be grateful when you write a remarkable post, as it always does a lot for my feeling good. Thank you! I love all your skillful photography!
Joanna
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You have made me blush deeply! Thanks for your very kind words.
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You deserve every praise bestowed on your talented writing, Neil, because I am only stating the facts: you are hugely gifted!
Joanna
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I would be inclined to call those water bodies “lakes” rather than “ponds,” but I gather in New England the term pond is often used for lake-like water bodies. Either way, they look peaceful.
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Yeah, I know what you mean. But I’m pretty sure that none of Cape Cod’s enclosed bodies of water are called “lakes.”
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It’s best to go with the name the locals use.
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Cape Cod sounds like a beautiful place.
The pictures are amazing btw. ✨
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Hi, and thanks for visiting. Cape Cod has large areas of natural beauty. And it has a lot more going for it, too.
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“Pond” seems an ungrateful word for such wonderful expanses of water. As Audrey says below, I would be inclined to call them lakes but I understand the local names. You are both very fortunate to have found such a fabulous place, a location which has given you so much enjoyment over the years and, I hope, will continue to do so for many years to come. I find it significant that for a couple who live in an area of great development, of great progress and modernity, that it is the very simple things of life which please you so much – those sunsets, beaches, ponds, even mini-golf! I’m delighted to read of another great trip to your favourite place. I’m beginning to feel I am enjoying it with you.
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Hi. I’m not a big fan of the suburbs, which is where I live. But I’m a huge fan, as you know, of Philadelphia, which is nearby. So, I get my doses of big-city life from Philly, and my doses of Nature and a countryish atmosphere from Cape Cod.
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Gorgeous!
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Bonjour. Those ponds are beautiful and peaceful.
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I have never had the opportunity to visit Cape Cod but your descriptions make me feel as though I have been there. The photos, especially when enlarged, give such a wonderful view of the ponds. Absolutely gorgeous.
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Hi Yvonne. Cape Cod has a lot going for it: a variety of beautiful natural areas; a low-key but good-quality arts scene; loads of restaurants; and more. My wife and I love being there.
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Really beautiful pictures. I’d love to see them in person.
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Afternoon, Denise. I’m pretty certain you’d like Cape Cod a lot.
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Forests and waters really do complement each other. I love your photographs of them together. They do expand one’s ideas about Cape Cod.
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I’ve read that there are about one thousand ponds on Cape Cod, and that they were formed by retreating/melting sheets of ice when the Ice Age came to an end.
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Cape Cod’s ponds sound so vibrant! The photo of Nickerson State Park’s Little Cliff Pond is stunning. I’d love to go here some day! 💜
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You’d like Cape Cod, for sure. By the way, is this The Introverted Bookworm? (You’re listed as Anonymous.)
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I haven’t had the opportunity to visit that far up the east coast, but I know that feeling when you find the perfect beach location. Thanks for sharing your experience and the great photos!
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Hey there, Richard. Right, it’s a great feeling to stare out at the ocean from a sandy shoreline that feels like it belongs to us.
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Looks and sounds lovely. There is something about water and trees that make you feel wonderful.
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They are an ideal combination.
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how beautiful. Ponds and trees are indeed magical. I never got a chance to visit Cape Cod although we’ve been on the Atlantic coast many times. I never knew the ponds were beautiful as this!
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Hi. A lot of visitors to Cape Cod probably aren’t aware of the many ponds there. Or of the wooded areas either. The Cape, overall, has quite a lot going for it.
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l have been going to Cape Cod for 30 years and never been either pond. Interesting! I have spent many walks around the cranberry bogs a walk away from my friend’s home. Nice photos.
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Hi Joyce. Yeah, Cape Cod has hundreds and hundreds of ponds. A fair number are accessible, and definitely worth the effort to visit them.
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A very lovely sight indeed, one that makes most folks relax and breath. Sandy beaches and serene ponds plus art and good food. No wonder you love Cape Cod.
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Hey there, Laurie. I got home from Cape Cod earlier this month, and already miss it!
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I always love your Cape Cod stories Neil!
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Thanks, Deb. Cape Cod gives me things to write about!
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A super post, Neil. You brought back memories of the fine times I spent on the cape. You are so right about the relaxing part. No place better.
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Hi, and thanks. Yeah, my blood pressure probably drops by 10% or more when I’m on Cape Cod.
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😀
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My mind goes numb easily as well, but this I enjoyed reading about. Love such places too.
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Glad you liked this story. Thanks for adding your thoughts. See ya!
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I’ve learned about the Cape’s ponds now. Didn’t realize they were there, but of course they are. Beautiful photos, btw.
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I’ve been to a bunch of ponds on Cape Cod, but I have a feeling there are a fair number of accessible ones I haven’t been to. I plan to research this. Hi, Ally. Have a good week!
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I think you can spend 11 more years there, exploring. I can’t say I’ve found any place I’m more drawn to than my own home. I’m excited for you.
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Hi Jacqui. Being comfortable and content at home is a very good thing.
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Thank you for bringing these hidden gems to our attention!
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You know, I couldn’t think of anything to write about. I’m glad that ponds-nestled-in-woods came to mind eventually!
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I am another who never imagined such a thing as part of Cape Cod. These spots are beautiful!
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Hi, J P. The most astonishing part of Cape Cod, to me, is in its outermost section, which is a desert-like area with mind-blowing sand dunes.
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Like others, I was surprised to see the pictures after reading the word pond which to me is a much smaller body of water. However, I can agree the ponds are beautiful! As I’ve said before, we really liked Cape Cod on our two visits and would love to go back if visiting the US ever becomes an option again.
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Hi. I hope you and your husband get to visit the Cape again some day. It will be glad to see you!
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Wow, I am learning that ponds can be bigger and more numerous than I imagined. By whatever name, your photography presents them in an enticing fashion.
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Hi, and thanks!
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It’s great that you and Sandy were able to visit your favorite place this year! Nothing beats being outdoors with Mother Nature 🙂
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Here at home (near Philly), Mother Nature has been pretty well paved over. Not so on the Cape.
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Same here in LA. Happily, we are close to several beaches 🙂
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Highlighting a different side of the Cape -I love it.
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It was time for me to write about ponds!
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Thanks for sharing. I alway think of ponds as “small,” but Beech Forest’s Blackwater pond is quite big. Wonderful that you found a place you LOVE.
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Hi there. For sure, having Cape Cod in our lives has been a very fortunate thing for me and Sandy.
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lovely pics … wouldn’t mind sitting on a log, staring across the water, and chilling … for hours and hours …
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Hi. I’ll join you on that log! By the way, is this Tyler? — you’re listed as Anonymous.
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Last weekend I was talking with a friend about her desire to visit Cape Cod and I immediately thought of you, remembering your love and frequent trips to this lovely peninsula. But who knows, maybe we will get there some day too😊
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Hey there, Christie. Cape Cod awaits you!
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😊😊
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I too am fond of ponds, and bond especially with fronds. I’m also fond of blondes. (Better stop there.)
Unrelated, but I have two 17th century ancestors who founded Sandwich, and if you ever stay there, I’ll try to talk to the mayor about getting you the keys to the city.
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I want those keys!
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I’ll try!
Quick question: was your Revolver pick the UK or U.S. version? (different songs)
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US version is great. UK version is even greater.
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Lovely! Somehow ponds/lakes always give me a weird feeling of almost disbelief; kind of can’t-believe-my-eyes…I think its the stillness.
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I know what you mean. They are pretty as a picture.
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As always, your posts about Cape Cod make me want to go visit!
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I gush a lot about Cape Cod, but that’s because I always have a very fine time there.
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What a gorgeous escape you have at your doorstep. Cape Cod looks lovely, and the pond so serene. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.
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Hey there. I’ve written a whole lot of pieces about Cape Cod. I just can’t help myself!
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I remember reading another piece a little while ago, thank you!
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Ponds & woods, so close to a natural seashore, are an excellent location for a wide variety of plants & animals and, no doubt, are great for personal observation and study.
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The Outermost House is a beautifully written book about Cape Cod that I bet you’d enjoy. It came out about 100 years ago. Henry Beston is the author.
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Thanks! Beston’s book is high on my list for reading.
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It sounds lovely there. And nature does have a way of creating “inner smiles.” 😊
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Hi. Nature is totally flabbergasting.
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Thanks, Jerry!
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Your love for the Cape just shines through this post!
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Thanks, Ann. I’m a member of the Cape Cod fan club, for sure.
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How beautiful. I can tell you have deep roots here. Lovely.
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Hi Cindy. My wife and I feel fortunate to have “discovered” Cape Cod. We love being there.
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It speaks for Cape Cod that each time you visit it offers new places to discover.
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It’s true. And that’s partly because the Cape is pretty large (it’s about 65 miles long).
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I haven’t been to the Cape in decades, Neil. I used to go as a teen, mostly to the beaches with my friends, and I never did much exploring. Your post made me want to go again, spend more time there than a weekend, and take in the woods and ponds. Your photos are so serene. I’m glad you and Sandy took a long break there. It sounds like just what you needed.
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Hi. Even though we don’t own a house there (we’ve been renting the same house for years), the Cape feels like home to us. Healthcare availability isn’t good on Cape Cod, though, which is a major reason we wouldn’t move there.
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Sounds wonderful. And I get it. We consider the availability of healthcare when we consider moving to beautiful places. Just have to keep vacationing.
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There is something really special about tree-bordered ponds. Or, as we call them in Scotland, lochans.
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You’ve expanded my vocabulary: I never heard “lochan” before!
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It’s a small loch!
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looks like Cape Cod is the little place that keeps on giving; it is good to have such a place in one’s life ; I only learnt through one of your comments that it’s 65 miles long: that’s enormous !
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Hi there. Right, there’s a lot to do and see on the Cape, partly because it’s large!
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Neil,
I forwarded your blog to my friend who also goes to Cape Cod every year. She enjoyed your article and has hiked around Cliff Pond many times. Below is a photo of her black Lab enjoying the view.
Hope you’re staying dry. We’re off to walk the canal path and have lunch in Manayunk.
Debra
[cid:8d3efb36-5ab1-4988-999a-1ad0d685ec02]
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Hi Debra. Thanks for sending my story to your friend. Have a good lunch!
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Having lived on a lake for years, I appreciate your love of trees and water! Thanks for the tour!
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Lakes/ponds and the trees that surround them make beautiful music together.
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Trees are, after all, the lungs of the earth.
It’s amazing to think there’s any undeveloped areas left but probably more amazing to discover exactly how much is still undeveloped in some areas. Such a big, geographically varied country.
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Trees are the best. By the way, scientists estimate that there are about three trillion trees on the planet.
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It sounds so wonderful, Neil. Have you ever noticed when you’re in the presence of big trees and you take in a deep breath and then let it out how you feel like all your stress just flows away? I haven’t had the privilege of being around ponds, but trees and the ocean affect me like that.
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Absolutely. For example, I sort of lose myself when I stare into an ocean. Watching the waves and hearing them break almost puts me into a hypnotic state.
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Me too. It’s my happy place.
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Cape Cod is a place I’ve never been. (And probably never will) I do suspect it is quite beautiful. One thing that I envy Americans, you guys are always so near nature. And well-preserved nature. Not so easy in other countries… Keep it up. 👏🏻
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Hi. Right, despite the urbanization and suburbanization of so much of the USA, there’s still a whole lot of open, undeveloped space.
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My point entirely. Despite all that, I would bet any American could be no more than 2 hours away from Nature? Except maybe L.A. But even there, if you go west…
Be good.
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