Itinerary

We plan lots of group activities (at least two per day) and welcome suggestions for others. Here is our tentative schedule, which is flexible to accommodate tides, weather, and personal preferences:

Day 1: Arrive mid-afternoon. We’ll meet and greet and have snacks available when you arrive. After the tents are set up, we’ll have an ice breaker to get acquainted, eat dinner together, then enjoy a welcome campfire.

Day 2: A morning hike on the Bay side to Great Island offers beaches and swimming. An afternoon "Audubon" tidal walk will be followed by an evening trip into Cape Cod Bay aboard the Naviator, with dinner on board. On the Naviator, we will use nets to fish and drag for marine life. Naturalists from the Massachusetts Audubon Society will be on hand to tell us about the things we find, from big green crabs to a variety of fish.

Day 3: Join us for biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. We will ride roughly 15 miles to Nauset Light and Coast Guard Beach, stopping for a swim in the ocean and an ice cream (of course). Bikes may be rented at one end of the bike trail (less than a mile from our campsite) or you may bring and use your own.

Day 4: Our whale watch out of Provincetown takes us eight miles offshore, where humpbacks, finbacks, and minke whales abound -- sometimes just a few feet from the boat! In the afternoon, choose from a variety of activities -- lighthouse exploration, biking, hiking, shopping, enjoying the ocean views -- in and around Provincetown, a historical treasure. After dinner at the campsite we will head for the Wellfleet Pier for the traditional Wednesday evening square dance.

Day 5: Today is a "free" day during which you choose the activities. We have found in the past that families appreciate having one day on Cape Cod to enjoy on their own. In the past, some participants have opted to take an early morning ferry to Nantucket, returning in the early evening. This is just one of many ways to discover the outer islands, or the towns on the Cape, or the seashore. After breakfast you may pack a lunch, as we will do every day, before beginning your activities. Given the variety of schedules on this day, you are free to make your own dinner arrangements.

Day 6: We will explore the unique ecosystems of the Cape by kayak. (No previous kayaking experience is necessary, so beginners are absolutely welcomed!) Led by professional kayak instructors and naturalists, we’ll spend a morning on Nauset Marsh, using mostly tandem and some single kayaks. Our adventure will begin with a thorough introduction to kayak safety and skills, so participants of all ages will see the Cape from a new, exciting vantage point.

Day 7: We’ll say our goodbyes after breakfast.

Additional: The challenge will be making sure we leave time for swimming, sunning, and relaxing. The leaders will bring art materials, puzzles, and other activities for the in-between times at the campsite, or in case of a rainy morning. We have ordered a week of perfect summer days, with warm, light breezes, and puffy clouds. Cape Cod can certainly deliver these, but can also provide the occasional downpour (and rainbow to follow). Be sure that your tent and raingear are definitely waterproof.

More information from Sierra Club Outings:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.sierraclub.org/error/404.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/outings/nati…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips