Through a Washashore's Eyes

By the Sea Collectibles.....and its Local

Collectable Cape Cod at The Bass River Boatsworks

As long as I can remember I have always had a fondness for the sea and all of the rich tales it has to offer. I have visited all the Tall Ships when I could and have  stood in awe of their construction and wonder what history they have to share with us. I have always had a room decorated with nautical items and often times would find myself ordering these items from catalogs or on trips to the Maine Coast.

But in my travels the other day I found a local friendly merchant who allowed me to take some pictures of his nautical collectibles and found a store that I didn't know exists.

And so I am sharing my find with all of you and hoping that if you love the sea as much as I do, that you might find something that you have been looking for at The Bass River Boatsworks. It is located on Route 28 in South Yarmouth just before the Bass River Bridge. They have Marine Antiques, Ship Model Kits and theyRestore Ship Models and Display Cases . Stop by and see Dr.Robert E Bauer and Dan Joly at Bass River Boatworks...508 398-4883. You'll find models of some of your favorite boats like a 1930 Runabout or a Gar Wood Speedster as well as others. Support a local business and stop by to a place most people just drive by.

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Getting More For Your Dollar

Bargain hunting

I always loved Cape Cod and often found myself planning a shopping trip every week or so when I lived off Cape. In fact alot of my friends and family would tell me that I spent so much time on the Cape that I should move down here. And so I packed up all of my belongings and made the trek across that bridge and I haven't regreted that move since. The funny thing is that a lot of the friends that I have made while living here, have done the very same thing. One such friend is a shopaholic so much more than I. She travels around New England and Down South as she visits relatives and friends looking for bargains. She often fills her car to the max with bargains and great deals. And in May of this year, opened up a store of her own in which she passes on some of those great deals. She sells items that are both new and used. She evens sells some used scrubs for very reasonable prices. Check out her place as well as other Thrift shops for some good deals.

Arlene Closet on 99 Davis Straits in Falmouth near the side street to Walmart.

With ecomony being as it is, we need to shop carefully. I find myself visiting more thrift shops and often time find bargains and hidden treasures. And in turn when I need to down size my stuff I head off to drop my possessions off at the Vna Thrift Shop, Cape Cod Hospital Thift Store or The Swap Shops at the local Transfer Stations around town. If its still in good condition why throw it out, someone might be able to use it.

Check out your thrift shops and save money.

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Zip Tripping to Dennis

It was a beautiful morning on August 7 when the Fox News Team filmed  live on West Dennis Beach. Dennis was the town choosen for their weekly zip trip and the highlights can be seen at their web site it you forgot to tape or didn't know about it. Check out the site http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/morning/zip_trips/zip_trip_dennis_073009 . Local merchants were present to give their town support and show off what they have to offer. Fox has always been my favorite news station and it was a thrill to see them here today. Kim Carrington and Doug VB Goudie were not present and missed by fans. But Gene Lavanchy, Cindy Fitzgibbon and Doug Meehan all very friendy and mingling with all the people who came to see them.

Thanks Fox News for The Fun

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Baked or Boiled....its Clam Heaven

My Portuguese ancestry has always been abudent with great seafood recipes. Maybe its because of their fishing heritage, but the Portuguese certainy know how to prepare their seafood. One of my favorite dishes and from mychildhood memories is the summertime clamboil. Much like the clambake it consisted of clam, corn and potatoes but also include hot dogs, sausage,and chourico. Like many recipes the ingredients have been changed to suit different cultures and tastes but it still is a flavorful steaming pot of  steaming seafood heaven.

Clamboil

Steamers and/or Cherrystones Clams (washed)
Hot Dogs (pierce the skin or make cuts)
Sausage  (pierce the skin)
Potatoes (washed and cut in half)
Sweet Potatoes (optional)
Onions (peeled and left whole)
Chourico ( cut in pieces )
Corn     (husked and broken in half)
Garlic  (peeled and leave whole or crush)
Crushed Red Pepper( moist kind that is found in the pickle area )
Beer or Wine (optional)

In large pan fill 1/3 with water and put chourico in and bring to boil.Let cook for about 20 mintues as to precook the chourico. Add potatoes, corn, onions, and garlic to pan with chourcio. ( Before adding make sure that you soak then in a pan of cold salted water and rinse with cool water.Repeat this to ensure that the sand inside the clam is released.) Layer the clams on top of the first ingredients. Sprinkle top with a tsp or tbsp of crushed pepper.
Add a half can of beer or 1/3 cup of wine. Then add a layer of hot dogs and sausages.Cover the pan tightly and bring back up to a boil. Reduce heat and cook 20 minutes. When done clams are open and the hot dog/sauage are cooked,then its time to eat.
Remove ingredients and serve with butter and reserved broth from cooking and enjoy.
Note: Some people reserve the broth for clam chowder or clam boil stew

 I am not sure of the clamboil's history but the clambake is a legend that is said to have been started by the Indians, who dug holes in the ground and cook their seaside treasures for the  early New England Settlers.

A clam bake begins with gathering seaweed at the shoreline. Seaweed is an important ingredient as it renders that fresh sea flavor and helps generate more steam.Gathering up several medium size stones is needed  as they radiate the heat during the cooking process. And most important a cover is needed as it becomes a trap for heat and steam to cook the food.Canvas tarps or potato sacks soaked in sea water are often used for this purpose. A fire pit is dug and wood and stones are placed inside. Once the fire is started it must burn until the stones are glowing red hot. A layer of wet seaweed is place over the stones, followed by traditional regional foods such as  steamer clams, mussels, little necks, and lobsters. Side dishes usually include potatoes, corn on the cob, linguiça sausages, carrots, and onions. Alternating layers of seaweed and food are piled on top and the entire mound and covered with canvas that has been drenched in sea water to seal in the heat and prevent the canvas from burning. (Some may prefer to use beer to soak the canvas, but it is unlikely to have any effect whatever on the cooked food.) The food is allowed to steam for several hours.

 The flavor of a good Clambake is one you wouldn't likey forget as it is a blending a smokey seafood freshness. Many restaurants try to duplicate the flavor of a clambake but it isn't a true clambake unless its cooked in a pit. On the stove its just a clamboil even though that might call it a bake. But never the less there are some good clambake/clamboils out there on your travels through the Cape. One of my favorite stops in Provincetown is the Lobster Pot ( http://www.ptownlobsterpot.com/)   and it is very much worth the wait on buzy summer days. I have been going to this restaurant for over seven years now and they haven't let me down. It starts off with a choice of Portuguese Kale soup, Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque. I have tried all three at one time or another and they are all very flavorful. Next comes a mixed green salad which seems like nothing to someone who has never experienced their homemade dressings. This is where I am hooked. They bring over a tray with four choices of freshly prepared  dresing all bursting with flavor. A rich creamy garlic that is lightly flavored, creamy good blue cheese, a light citrus dijon busting  with fresh citrus flavor and last but not least a ginger soy that has a rich with delicate flavor. I can never decide and often divide my salad into four sections and as to savor each dressing equally. Oten times they blend and it becomes yet another great taste and it is also great for lobster dipping. The bake can include your choice of steamers or mussels and once I tried their mussel, I never ordered the steamers there again. The mussels are served with peppers, onions, and garlic sauted with a faint bay leaf flavoring and their roast potatoes are seasoned with skins on. The corn is never that frozen tasteless kind but fresh from the garden taste and a well cooked lobster seals the deal for an excellent meal. But I can't forget their pumpkin bread served with the bread basket as it always seems to complete my meal. If you don't like the clambake then I am sure that you will find something else that is equally good on the menu.

I have yet to try out, but have heard good reviews on the Chatham Bars Inn's Clambake on the beach. It is cooked traditionally on rocks and seaweed in a special built fenced in pit. Every Monday and Thursday the public is invited to attend at 6pm with phoned in reservations. The cost is &$78 per person  and includes everything but beverages. http://www.wickedlocal.com/capecod/entertainment/dining_and_food/x2050100856/A-Cape-Cod-clambake

Or check out Arts Dune Clambake that include a drive on the dunes and a good Clambake for $85 per person . http://www.artsdunetours.com/clam_bakes.html

So Clambakes and Clamboils...who's got the best. Or even better, what is your  variation or the recipe that you like.

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Ride Captain Ride....upon your Cardboard Boat

The Annual Viking 2000 yesterday at The Sundancer's Dock in Dennis.

  The  RULES:

 Design is only limited by your imagination and materials listed below.

1.  Cardboard: corregated cardboard or carpet tubing. No waxed or treated cardboard (simple test: if it falls apart at the mere mention of water that's the stuff you want).

2.   Duct tape or packing tape

3.   Glue: only one part. No two part apoxies. What works well: construction adhesive, contact cement and Elmer's glue.

4.   Caulking; silicone works well

5.   Paint; latex works great. No two part paints, rubberized or oil based, as oil based will dissolve cardboard before it dries.

 Not allowed: anything other than listed above. No wood, metal, plastic, sona tubes, waxed cardboard or foam.

The Viking race committee will check all entrants and may check the hull with the dreaded ice pick probe test.

 Propulsion (what makes the boat move around in the water) paddles, oars, etc. No sails, motors, paddlewheels, poles, ropes, or help from anyone outside of crew on entered boat.

 Crew each boat must hold at least a crew of two ( crew must be human. Positive ID required). Crew must be in vessel; no pushing or swimming with.

All participants must wear Coast Guard approved life preservers.

All participants must wear sneakers or appropriate water shoes.

Cape Cod Cares For Troops, and A Baby Center were on hand to receive donations.

The Dennis Small Business Association  held a raffle to support Dennis SummerFest Fireworks

That's the Viking Cardboard Boat Race and don't miss the chance to view or participate next year..this year was fun.

Congratulations to the winners.....but, they were winners in providing us an entertaining event to view.

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Beckoning Beams of Light

High upon its Ocean Perch its Beams of Light reach out to gently guide us home to safe shores. Their history is as old as time and the lives that they saved is unmeasurable. Whether it was a stranded mariner out at sea searching for some glimmer of hope that home, is within reach. Or some lost soul,wondering what choice they needed to make on their journey in this ever changing life. These towers have stood tall against fearce  New England storms and serve as a symbol of hope and inspiration. No visit to Cape Cod would be complete without a visit to a magestic Lighthouse or two. Each has a history and scenery unique to its location. So make it a search trail along your vacation plans and you wouldn't be disappointed.

Chech out Cape Cod Lighthouses map.

Happy Trails and let me know what your favorite spot is.

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On the Trail for Wind....

In the Dog Days of Summer I find myself looking for cooling breezes and in my search for a fan, I want the biggest. And on the road I come upon one of the many Windmills of Cape Cod. These giant historial structures reflect a time when they served as an integrel part of life during colonial times as they pumped salt water as well as grinding grains during the 1800's. Salt works was the business where salt water was pumped by windmills through water-tight hallowed out pine logs to be boiled thereby extracting the salt. Salt was difficult to come by during the revolutionary times and was a crucial commodity for life as it served as a perservative. Today one could start their own  trail searching for the varies windmills dotted along Cape Cod's vast landscape. Each one has its own special legend and and picturesque backgrounds. Down by the Canal you will find the Aptucxet Windmill. which never functioned as a working windmills but rather was built by Joseph Jefferson an actor/artist as a home and studio. Today it serves as a gift shop to the Aptucxet Trading Post and features Dutch and educational material, as well as many gift items. The shop is open Tuesday thur Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sundays 2pm to 5pm. In Yarmouth you might find the Judah Baker Windmill which takes its name from the orginal builder who constucted it in 1791. It was a working mill and like many mills was moved several times until it came to its current resting spot in Windmill Park overlooking Bass River and is now owned by the town of Yarmouth. Along the trail on route 6a in Brewster at Drummer Boy's Park you will find the Old Higgin's Farm Windmill which currently sits on a 1.35 acre landscape which changes as frequent as the ever changing New England weather. It was set back away from the road  because the sound of the sails on the windmill blades often scared the horses. It sits 30 feet high and has three levels each with a special function for the mill.

Each fuctioning Windmill has a tailpole which was attached to a wagon wheel on the ground. Its purpose was to be pulled either by a horse, ox or human so that the windmill mast faced the wind. The Brewster Windmill was thought to be constructed by a seamen as traces of a ship builder can be found in the design. At the town cove in Orleans you will find the Jonthan Young Windmill which has all of its machinery intact. In Eastham you will find one the oldest Windmills in Cape Cod at Windmill Park, which is said to occassionally grind grains and is the Old Eastham Windmill.  Each fall , the residents of Eastham celebrate Windmill Weekend with a Parade and activites on the Windmill Green. Because of lack of swift running water the colonist use the power of the wind.

Author/Naturalist David Thoreau was fascinated by  Cape Cod Windmills...."Being on elevated ground and high in themselves they serve as landmarks for there are no tall trees."

Don't forget the values of a family picnic and head off in search for a windmill along your summer trip as the parks by the windmills make excellent spots to enjoy the summer breezes.

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It's the Chowdah and Clam Cakes Trail

Well the Chowder Feast has come and gone without too much of a splash this year because of dreary weather but hey we eat chowder alot more than just a day or too. And who knows chowder more than the average Joe and the people who couldn't make it to the Melody Tent this year for the annual festivities.

Nine out ten of our travelers who arrive on the Cape after there long trek ovet that bridge do so with the intent of finding that good cup or bowl ( that is if its really good) of Clam Chowder. And while many restaurants may not enter the contest there are many good one out there, some yet to be discoverd.

Listen to your palate, not the critics

We can't always go by what the critics tell us on Televison as I watched the Phantom Dinner do a review on Fried Clams and the Andelman Brothers reviewed the Great Ate  and spoke of how diappointing Cape Cod was with all their Clam Shacks and that they had only one place that was good. We who live on the Cape  as well as those who travel here know different. We know what's good and not because of our  vast experience from visiting restaurants and clam shacks on a regular basis .

And so it is with Clam Chowder its either thick and creamy or light and flavorful with all the freshness of the ocean. We all have our Preferences and our memories attached to that bowl of liquid heaven.

Chowder has is roots in the latin word Calderia,which originally meant a place for warming things, and later came to mean a cooking  pot. It was considered a poor man's food and has a history that is centuries old. Chowder differed from other soups and stews as it was made originally with salt pork and ship's buscuits. Today some of my favorite chowders have that bacon flavor to it.

My memories are linked with clam cakes or fritters, those warm bread -like balls filled with clam bites laced with clam flavored. A part of my summer memories included  treks to an amusement park called Rocky Point in Rhode Island where after a day of amusement rides we were treated to a cup of Rhode Island Red Clam Chowder and Clam Cakes. The clam cakes as I remembered were mass produced and shot out of a little cannon like device into the hot oil and cooked to crisp tenderness. And so clam cakes have  become a part of my clam chowder experience, although there are often time when I can't find a clam cake

I love that creamy thick concontion soothing as warm blanket on a cool night  but a light broth is also flavorful and good when done right. Down here on the Cape it is hard to find a good Clam Cake combo in one stop but it can be found with time and some money. My flavorite combo stop is Captain Frosty in Dennis and Bob's Sub and Cone in Wellfleet. They truely know how to make a clam cake bursting with flavor. The Captain fries up small clam cakes, while Bob makes then bigger. If you are a clam cake lover, you will not be disappointed. My favorite clam chowder is Seafood Sam's in Yarmouth and The Lobster Pot In Provincetown.

They have never let me down in their constistency and flavor. Does anyone out there have a favorite place ?  Let me know so that we can share our favorites and keep them in business as well as salute them for good food.

 Here's my recipes and hope that you enjoy them.

New England Clam Chowder

3  Bacon Strip (chopped)
1  medium onion (chopped)
1  Stalk Celery (Chopped)
1  Lb Potaoes (Cooked and diced)
2  lbs Little Necks
1  Cup Whole Milk
1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
2  cloves Garlic crushed
2  Tablespoons Wondra Flour

Preparation:
1. In medium saucepan saute onions,celery and bacon until bacon slightly brown, but not crisp.

2.Heat medium saucepan with water and to pan add Salt,
Pepper, and garlic. Add steamer basket to pan and cook until clams open. Remove clams from pan then shell and chop into small pieces. Reserve water for chowder.

3.Discard any clams that do not open.

4.In saucepan with onions,celery and bacon add flour.

5. Add 2 cups of reserved clam water to above saucepan and chopped clams.

6.Stir in milk and heavy cream.

7.Add Salt and pepper to your desired taste.

Bacon can be substituted  with Ham, Canadian Bacon,Salt Pork or Prosciutto.

Add dash of thyme for enchancment.

To make it a Manhantan Clam Chowder:

1. Substitute milk and heavy cream for 2 8oz cans Tomatoes Sauce or ( 1 16oz can diced tomatoes) and 4 oz water.

2. Add Tsp Thyme and simmer.

3. Five Pilot Crackers broken up into crumb-like pieces.

Clam Cakes

2 Eggs,beaten
1/2 Tsp Paprika
1/8 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/8 Tsp Pepper
1/2 cup Milk
1/2 Cup Clam Broth
2 Cups Flour
2 tsp Baking Powder
1 small can minced Clams

1. Drain clams well and reserve liquid.Add the above ingredients. Heat canola oil to medium heat. Drop tablespoonfuls into oil and gently turn for even cooking.

2. Remove when golden and drain on paper towel.

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Portuguese Pride and Provincetown

At the small hook end of Massachusetts is a town with narrow streets and steeped in family history. Every year in mid June that small town pays homage to its Portuguese Community and has been doing so for 62 years. The celebration is about the fishermen and the people who ventured to this crazy little hook area in Massachusetts to build a life. My heritage is partly Portuguese and it is with pride that I go to Provincetown during this special time.

If you have the chance don't miss it next year.

The parade is small but has traditional music and costumes of the Portuguese people. Don't miss the ethnic food along the streets and the chance to experience a Kale Soup Cook off. The Fado singers are soulful as they sing of their tales of life and their journey.

In the harbor there is a boat decorating contest and on Sunday a Blessing of the Fleet. It is just a part of what makes up Provincetown and actually what makes up America. People who travel to America for a change and freedom.

And don't forget to visit MacMillian Pier for a look at the house on the wharf with images of the wives of the Portuguese Fishermen's Wives.

" They Also Faced The Sea " - An art installation by Ewa Nogiec and Norma Holt

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Let the Summer Begin

and Lets Celebrate

After what seemed like a month of rain, We were treated to some sunshine this weekend and many choices of things to do. Some love the ambience of Boston and boast that there is no better place to be for the Fourth than at the Hatch Shell with their well orchestrated concerts and carefully choreographed bursts of dancing lights. If one were to pick up an issue of  Travel and Leisure Magazine there were suggestions on where to go for the best fireworks.

Check it out to see the to ten places to go. http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/best-july-4th-fireworks While they are all spectactular and each is reflective of  just a small part of the way that we celebrate the fourth, the special places are the ones that ring true for us.  Maybe for me it was an old commerical that hummed in my ear. Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevorlet. 

And since I couldn't be with all my family members, I set out on my search to spend a quiet but fun filled Fourth. Down here on Cape Cod there is a parade in just about every town at varies time. Just pick a town and then join them in the celebrating. This year I  joined Hyannis but am sorry to say that I missed Hyannisport. It always great to see the community out and about and having fun. I tip my hat to all those special people who keep these traditions going and who particpate.

If  I could have I would have gone to each and every one of them. They bring about special memories to our holiday celebrations. It was there that I capture a glimpse of the old american dream my Chervolet gleeming brightly and adorned with flags. Then after the parade one has to catch a good baseball game and anyone who knows baseball knows that the Cape League has some of the best up and coming baseball players of the future.  http://www.capecodbaseball.org  If you love baseball and haven't been to game then you don't know what you are missing because once you go, you'll be hooked and supporting your favorite team. And who can watch a game without a good hot dog or two . 

Then with no time to spare it was off to the docks to catch a view of the spectactular fireworks over Lewis Bay. The crowd was packed and sparkling with the true flavor of Amercia as I listened to the crowd and their different dialects.  And while its not the majestic award winning fireworks that some may seek it was everything to me.  Home on the Cape is where I love to celebrate the Fourth. And although I am sorry to have missed it, Falmouth was one of the top ten places to be on the Fourth of July as it was the 150th Birthday of Kathy Lee Bates who was the composer of America the Beautiful. 

 Where on the Cape do you like to celebrate ?

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