Cape Cod: Winter Spirit
Cape Cod is a place that continuously lures the body, tugs at the mind, and stirs the depths of the soul. There is nothing that quite gives you the feeling of freedom as waking up to the sound of the surf and walking down to the sea to greet the coming day. Peaceful and unhurried. The wristwatch is left on the bedside table. No need for manís measurement of time because nature takes care of that for you. The rise and set of the sun and moon, the ebb and flood of the tide, the crashing and retreating of each wave. As the sands drift so does the mind. When you listen to natureís rhythms you become closer to her.
     There are miles and miles of soft sandy beaches on Cape Cod. There are quaint colonial towns with gray shingled houses and manicured gardens. There are lighthouses, windmills, cranberry bogs, and fishing boats. But what sets the Cape apart from other beautiful coastal areas is its quality of light. It is unlike anything else I have ever seen. This special light is due to the latitude of the Cape, and the fact that this 120 mile long peninsula is surrounded by water. Light is constantly bouncing off the ocean waves, bouncing off salt spray and water vapor in the air, bouncing off fog. The light changes dramatically, not only from sunrise to sunset, but also from season to season. From the bright white light of summer to the soft pastel glow of winter, watching the light is a wonderful way to chart the passing of time.
     Seeing the changing light is a treat unto itself. But along with the changing light one is also able to feel the accompanying change in mood. It is the mood you feel in the place as well as in yourself. Playful, joyous, mischievous, mysterious, pensive, reflective. Time spent on the Cape can be as emotional as it is visual. Indeed, the two are often inextricably linked.