C A P E   C O D

Massachusetts

I make my way north, up the western shore of Cape Cod Canal. I notice a little park so I turnoff and take some scenic shots.

On the way back to the van I notice what looks like a giant marble. It's actually a memorial to New York financier August Belmont, the guy behind the construction of the canal. Originally a commercial venture that was completed in 1914, the 7-mile canal was constructed to provide a safe and efficient alternative to the time consuming and, at times, dangerous passage around the 165 mile Cape Cod peninsula.

Creation of the canal effectively clipped the peninsula from the mainland. Yes, Cape Cod is technically an island. The canal was eventually sold to the United States government in 1928 because tolls failed to live up to expectations. Receiving the right of passage along the narrow (originally only 100 feet wide), shallow canal at $16 a pop (that was a lot of money back then) didn't draw as many customers as expected, many merchants opted for the old route and sailed around the peninsula.

Back on the road again, I soon cross Bourne Bridge. Between its two supports, the bridge spans 616 feet and rises above Cape Cod Canal 134 feet.

As I drive into the interior of Cape Cod, I pass by numerious displays of nature's fireworks.

Here are some of the more interesting ones, I like the reflecting colors in these two.