Provincetown, Massachsetts

Tuesday July 2, 2013 we decided to drive out to the end of the peninsula stopping at the Cape Cod National Seashore before reaching lands end and the town of Provincetown. We stopped at the visitor’s center to pick up a map and get suggestions on things to see in the park. Traffic on the park roads wasn’t that heavy but every spot we planned to stop at, the parking lot was full. Cars were lined at the entrance and they didn’t let a car in until one left. Our visit became a driving tour, but that was ok, we’ve seen miles of sand dunes and climbed many lighthouse steps, and to be honest they’re all starting to look the same.

The night before I did some research on Provincetown so I thought I was prepared for the following situation. As we entered Provincetown one of the first things we came upon was a gay couple walking down the street. Having done my research I told Millie we would be seeing more as 1/5 of the town’s population is gay. The further we drove down the narrow street through the waterfront business district the more of them we saw. It was like an episode from The Twilight Zone, we were transported to a town where everyone was gay except us. 

Before I continue this story I have to tell you about another very strange behavior here on Cape Cod. Bicyclists and pedestrians meander down the traffic lanes with no apparent regard for vehicles. There will be a sidewalk or bike path adjacent to the road and the folks will be wandering aimlessly down the traffic lanes. We’ve even encountered adults with tiny babies in strollers or bike carriers tying up traffic as they go zombie like on their way. When you come up behind a biker, they’re not going straight arrow down the right ¼ of the highway like we’re used to seeing. The cyclists up here wallow around the lane in front of you as if they’re drunk or high on something. I know this sounds like an exaggeration or a made up story, but it has happened to us again and again.

Back to the Provincetown story, as we drove down the very narrow street we had to drive very slowly because of all the people on foot and pedal. Just as their straight brethren Cape Cod-ians do, the gay blades (Sorry but I’ve got to call a spade a spade, these fella’s were flamboyantly gay) of Provincetown also congregate in the street. So I’m going at a snails pace, by now just trying to get the heck out of there. The fellas who are in pairs and groups are stopping in front of us to greet. Lots of kissing and hugging going on, I’m doing one of those, hold head in hand and twist head to avoid looking maneuvers.

I’m trying really hard to not be judgmental or demeaning in any way, but I’m sure you will agree this was a very bizarre experience for an elderly straight couple

The National park has a beach access just outside of town and on our exit we decided to stop and check out the ocean. Once again we encountered some of the fellas, now they were wearing Speedos and pedaling bikes to the beach. I told Millie I would probably be getting a speeding ticket trying to get outta there!