Nomad Life - Day 8

I probably got the best night's sleep of my new lifestyle last night and didn't wake up until almost 0600.  After getting back inside my dad's house, I started my telework day (working at his dining room table).  Mostly, I had a series of meetings and small projects to occupy my time.  Outside, there was a cacophony of music from the local birds - I even saw a few - and my dad helped me to identify several species.  I took some breaks along the way to eat breakfast (snacks, fruit), clean up the "cabin", pack my car and get ready for my afternoon departure from Cape Cod.  By 1100, I was ready to depart Sandwich for a working meeting with my boss (he was also visiting the Cape) - I said goodbye to Dad, Beth and the dogs and headed east (via US-6).  Along the way, I hit some traffic (minor accident) but still arrived at Jason's Tavern in South Dennis (MA-134) by 1135.  My boss, Chris D., met me there and we had a working lunch (soup and sandwich) for the next hour.  It had been about a year since I'd seen him and it was good to catch up in person.  By 1235, we both left the restaurant so we could join our next work meeting (him from his Summer cottage and me from my car).  I was planning to drive west (and off Cape Cod) via US-6 but Google Maps indicated there was a big traffic jam.  Instead, I used some back roads between Station Avenue and the Parnassus Book Store on MA-6A.  After that, I drove all the way to the Sagamore Bridge on the two lane road - it was slow going but I was not stuck in in traffic on a road with limited access.  Meanwhile, I participated in the 1300 telcon.  Crossing the Cape Cod Canal (had to merge into a really bad traffic back-up) at about 1335, I decided to take a break from the drive to Katie's house and get some outdoor activity in the beautiful weather (70s, breezy, sunny).  I made my way towards Scusset Beach but was able to find a parking spot (no beach sticker required) about 100 yards short of the beach itself.  From there, I spent about an hour walking on the Canal Bike Path, north and south of my car.  The area was filled with sea birds of all kinds - probably more than I've ever seen - and I noted several different gulls, cormorants, loons, terns and assorted waterfowl.  There weren't a lot of other walkers but there were many, many people on e-bikes.  In the water, I watched lots of impressive yachts and pleasure craft passing - one highlight was when the Harbor Patrol joined the "parade" and tried to give everyone warnings.  By 1445, I had reached a good place in my active goals and returned to Nessie.  Getting on MA-3, I headed north in (mostly) light traffic.  I listened to some audiobooks on the way - this pastime will be a good one for my Nomad Life...  I arrived in Hanover (MA) by 1530 and spent the next few hours relaxing with Katie and John (and GiGi) on their deck.  Again, the weather was wonderful and I felt good, knowing that I didn't have a lot of cares in the world.  During this time, I also spent time setting up my work computer again and wrapping up my work day for the week.  Eileen called at about 1700 and I worked out some details with her regarding a possible get together later in August.  At about 1830, I departed with Katie and John for dinner at a Mexican Restaurant called Don Bravo.  This was my first time going there and we had a very nice meal (enchiladas, margaritas and churros).  We took our time and had some good conversation - it was all very relaxing.  During this time, Katie realized there was a Patriots pre-season game on the television so we had to head home so she'd be able to watch the second half.  I was able to convince her to take a break from watching (thank goodness for DVR) to show me all of the photos from her recent trip to Ireland (with John).  These pictures were wonderful and we talked a lot about the beautiful "Old Country".  Along the way, I became very aware that I was getting tired and suddenly realized it was already 2200!  I politely excused myself, unloaded my car with essential items, did some reading and preparations for bed and was able to settle off to sleep by about 2315.  Another great day on Cape Cod - I'll miss it while I'm traveling but, even more, the people who live there!