Great Island is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, and is one of almost 400 national parks in the United States. Perhaps one of the finest and enduring achievements of the United States, in 1916, President Wilson signed a bill that mandated the agency "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Today's National Park Service carries on that mission.
From the main parking area, one will encounter this sign. Usually, I can successfully interpret universal signs - at least I only occasionally walk into the wrong toilet in foreign countries. I understand the symbols for "No Bicycles" and "No Pets" but, the other one, what does it mean? "If you see a short little table, walk in a counter-clockwise and square direction." I fail to see the value of that in a national park. I didn't see any short little tables anywhere.
Here a couple enjoys walking the trail.
Looking south along the inland side of the bay dunes.
A transition path from the inland side to the bay side.
The trail passes through the typical Cape Cod pine and oak forest. If you spent your whole life rooted in one place with a mostly relentless wind, you might be leaning sideways like this, too.
The view west toward Cape Cod Bay.
The green grasses of summer are slowly giving way to the golden hues of fall.
A solitary canoeist enjoys the fading summery weather.
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