AUGUST 13

Our final day touring around the area was spent on Cape Cod near the towns of Sandwich, Mashpee, New Seabury and Falmouth. Dan's family had an annual tradition of visiting Popponesset when he and his siblings were kids. The drive is only about an hour from their home, so it was nice to have a full day out of the car. The particular area we spent our time in was called Popponesset Marketplace- a 1950s development that includes small restaurants and shops along 4' wide seashell walkways.

We walked around for a bit, then had lunch in the central gazebo amidst billowing white shade cloths. It was the first full day of sun and 80 degree weather, so everyone seemed to be out enjoying the breeze. I ordered some clam strips and a crab cake for us to share- it was all a bit heavy on the oil factor, but completely delicious.

After lunch we took a drive around the area, then headed to South Cape Beach State Park. For a while we both napped on our towels in the sun. Then Dan decided to hoist me onto his back and charge us both into the ocean, thinking the "inch by inch" technique of adjusting to the temperature wasn't going to work. The water was actually pretty warm- around 70 degrees. This section of the cape is warmer due to being more shallow and less exposed to the cold currents. We played around in the waves for a bit, then napped a while longer.

As the sun was going down Dan and I made our way back to the Popponesset Marketplace to cash in on the "Wednesday Night Lobster Special" signs we had seen hanging around the place. We each had the standard dinner, which included the lobster, corn and coleslaw for only $12. I also took the opportunity to order 2 oysters on the half shell (for the first time). Everything was amazing. I can guarantee Tucson offers nothing like this in such a relaxing setting.

We ended the night with 18 holes of mini golf. We were tied at hole 9, but by 18 Dan had me by 3 points. I took the prize for best shot of the night, though, by hitting the ball through a lattice obstacle, off the stone wall, and directly into the hole. Completely a shot of luck, but it still had Dan cursing. When we went back to try the shot again, I couldn't even get it through the holes after 10+ attempts.