In the fall of 2016 & 2017, ASCSA sponsored two events on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Participants came from as far away as California, Texas, Colorado, Ohio, Washington, DC, various New England states and Kansas. All participants experienced, with other single Christian Scientists, the rich history, beauty and delights of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with its charming New England towns and extensive National Seashore.

We rested in the newly restored home of the HI Hyannis Hostel on the harbor front. We took night walks along the Hyannis waterfront and watched fishing vessels unload their catch under bright night lights. We strolled along nearby historic Main Street. Some visited the John F. Kennedy Museum; others did a harbor cruise.

We dined at Spanky’s Clam Shack in Hyannis harbor on long tables twice, and snacked outside on the patio. Chef Johnny never disappointed us with his cooking, always lovingly prepared for all. We enjoyed evening cookouts on the beach and early morning hearty breakfasts. S’mores over a campfire on the hostel grounds at the end of an active day provided the perfect setting to exchange stories of the day and develop friendships.

Our Christian Science Practitioner, Susan Collins, CSB, who lived with us in the hostel, was always there for support. One evening after we ate on picnic tables outside at the hostel, Susan gave us an inspirational talk.

On the Outer Cape we reveled in the dramatic dunes of the National Seashore and enjoyed exploring the colorful, historic seaside towns of Provincetown and Wellfleet. We toured through the undulating dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore spotting the shacks where some of American’s best playwrights stayed and wrote. We went beach-combing in the morning mist and under the afternoon’s clear blue skies, and enjoyed sunsets on the waterfront, and nature walks on boardwalks at low tide among the marshes. 

We delighted in watching whales frolic around our boat on whale watching trips. On Eco-tours in a pontoon boat we glided through the shallow waters of the majestic Barnstable Harbor with a knowledgeable tour operator who informed us about the natural habitat around us. 

We strolled and biked along the Cape Cod Canal and learned of the Canal’s long history at the Canal Visitor’s Center. The Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth led us over marshes and along a colorful coastline ending at the picturesque seaside town of Woods Hole. We explored the town and visited the Woods Hole Science Aquarium.

In the picturesque town of Chatham we delighted in watching fishermen unload their catch at the Fish Pier, while seals gathered and frolicked in anticipation of a good meal being thrown overboard in their direction.
We went horseback riding on trails through the woods. In Adventure Park we maneuvered obstacle courses including zip lines in the trees. In kayaks we paddled against the tide on Swan Pond River to the ocean and glided gently back with the tide. Friendly competition took place within our group on a mini-golf course.

Each time we visited The Cape we explored different islands off the coast.

In 2016 we went on a self-guided day trip to the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Some cruised around on bicycles, others in a rented car. Many took the picturesque “Chappy” Ferry to nearby Chappaquiddick Island. 

In 2017 we went on a self-guided day trip to the island of Nantucket. We got around the island using “The Wave”, an island-wide seasonal bus service which took us to remote beaches. We learned about the history of whaling in the area at the Nantucket Whaling Museum which is located in a 19th century candle factory.

A dance club near Hyannis provided a place for us to dance to a live band, taking breaks on a deck overlooking a pond under the light of a waning moon.

And ice cream….there were always plenty of tempting places to imbibe, no matter where we spent the day. 

We were welcomed with open arms at the Hyannis Christian Science church. We sang hymns together and prayed together.
After the Wednesday evening service of our 2017 event the Hyannis church provided their Sunday School for us to get acquainted while sharing pizza. Church member, historian Peter Cooper, gave an introductory talk on Cape Cod.

The ASCSA Cape Cod Adventures were a special time of adventure, exploration, and fellowship – all shared with single Christian Scientists from around the States.

Written by co-hostesses Merrilee Zellner and Betsy Rideout

The group above is the 2015 Newport, RI group welcoming you to the 2016 event.