Bicycle Tour: Dune's Edge Campground, Day Three

On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, I stayed at Dune’s Edge Campground on Cape Cod near Provincetown. (For the second day of this tour, see Dune’s Edge Campground, Day Two).

In the morning, I walked through the dunes and along the shore in the Provincelands, and I stopped at the Visitors Center before returning to the campground.

I slept 8:00-11:00 PM, 2:00-6:15 AM. We experienced heavy rain with lightning and thunder in the night. I stayed dry inside the tent, but the rain was loud on the rain fly. The rain subsided at about 2:00, and it stopped shortly after I woke up at 6:25.

I made breakfast, which was a little slow because I had to search for my spoon. I began charging my power bank. My watch had only 13% battery , so I turned it off.

Today was a hiking day. I packed water, string cheese, Clif Bars, and an apple in Joan’s San Diego Half Marathon backpack. I headed out towards the trail to the Dune Shacks. I walked to US route 6 and turned left to walk on the shoulder. After a few hundred feet, I found a good place to cross the median, and I continued east on the south shoulder until I turned right on Howand St. I discovered a rail trail and turned left, hiking the beautiful trail to Snail Rd. The mosquitoes were abundant, and I had neglected to bring bug spray.

I turned left on Snail Rd. to return to Route 6. I crossed and continued straight onto the Dune Shacks Trail. Other people were already hiking there. I followed the trail in the sand over several dunes. A sign recommended staying on the main trail. After slow but steady walking in the loose sand, I reached the ocean. I could see a couple of shacks and a 4-wheel road. The beach was very empty.

I decided on impulse to turn left and walk along the beach to Race Point Beach. I was alone on the beach for about a mile. Many seals were floating near the shore, watching me. I reached a section where driving was allowed. Vehicles going the other way included dune tours and fishermen; everyone was old like me.

After about an hour of steady walking, I reached Race Point Beach. From yesterday’s ride, I recognized my location. I followed the bike trail to the small but modern visitor’s center. I listened to a short ranger talk about whale watching, the Coast Guard buildings, and the Dune shacks. I bought a high quality map of the cape.

I walked along the bicycle trail towards Beech Forest until I reached Race Point Road. I turned left onto the shoulder of Route 6 and returned to the campground. My total distance was more than ten miles. I arrived at about noon. That was an excellent hike.

I ate crackers and cheese for lunch, and I began charging my devices. It took a long time to fully charge the power bank. The power bank was nearly completely charged after four hours. I used it to charge my phone and watch. I charged my tent lamp and Kindle. I began charging my bike lights.

Since I returned (I am writing this at 4:00 PM), I am sleepy and keep dropping off.

I am trying to dry my towel, a rag, and some clothing (two pairs of socks, one set of underpants, and my bright orange Baltimore Marathon shirt). Everything but the socks was drenched in the overnight rain; I had brought the socks into the tent with me last night. Everything is drying slowly because of the high humidity and moderate temperature (74 F).

I studied my route for tomorrow. The direct distance is 29 miles, with check-in at 1:00 PM or later. If I leave at 9:00 AM, I can take my time and explore on my way. Once I reach Wellfleet, I can take the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

At 4:45 PM, I ate crackers, cheese, and an apple. When I arrive at Nickerson tomorrow, I will walk into Orleans to buy groceries.

For the fourth day of this tour, see Dune’s Edge Campground, Day Four.