A Prickly Find…Cape Cod Cactus

I was on the Cape last week, exploring backroads around Truro, Wellfleet, and Provincetown, looking for inspiration in a few of my favorite towns. Though I have no immediate plans to attempt a painting of the famed Highland Light, I did feel drawn to visit this landmark. It was a beautiful August day, and a quick trip to the light seemed harmless. On my way back to the truck, I passed a trail that descended from the parking lot down a slope crowded with thick overgrowth. As the trail began to open up to a beautiful hillside meadow, I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a prickly pear cactus. A few steps further, another large cluster. And, as I hiked the footpath through the tall grasses that criss-crossed the meadow, I found the south side of this field to be entirely crowded with the plant. Strange find. The meadow is located next to the now-abandoned Hortons Camping Sites, and can be accessed by the path at the Highland Light parking lot.