Oyster-ville Joshua's Pond
And Oyster Pearl
Placed by the Harpers Square Explorers
Established August 18, 2002
Barnstable County
Osterville, Massachusetts
Hand carved stamps.
Dogs ok.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Oyster Island. Was it called Oyster Island
for its oyster shape or because of the local oyster industry? I
don't know but I heard the town of Oysterville was changed to
Osterville when the fancy set moved in. Osterville is now a pretty
little town west of Hyannis.

Two letterboxes. Not a breathtaking view or spectacular park, just a
walk in the woods and nice little town.

Drive east on Main Street past Broken Grounds on the right (maybe the
best coffee you'll ever have) and the Wimpy burger restaurant on the
left. "I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." Just
outside of town turn left on Old Mill Road. After a short way on
your left is a cemetery. Pull in and drive all the way up the hill
and park.

Walk along in the same direction as the road and it will lead you to
a path into the woods. Last I was there they had made dirt mounds in
front of the path to discourage vehicles. Take the path into the
woods. You'll continue past a smaller trail to the left and on down
to the bottom of the hill to a large intersection. Turn left.
Follow this to the pond. Continue on the path around past the edge
of the pond and back into the woods. You'll pass two large wood
bollards stuck in the path to discourage vehicles. Just past these
is a small trail going to the left. Stop at this intersection and
look behind you to the left. There is a large pine there behind
which you should look under leaves and a rock.

After stamping in, walk back and enjoy the pond. Throw sticks in the
water for the dog. Wander through the cemetery. For extra credit
see if you can find Pilot, and Little Pilot the dog's white
headstones in the center of the area.

Oyster Pearl

Drive back towards Osterville and turn into Armstrong-Kelly Park on
the right. Grab a snack and a drink from the market across the
street. Enjoy walking the Trails in the back of the park. TakeAWalk
to Heather's Hillside. Follow the path around to the Critter's
Christmas Tree area. Look in the back behind a small gray tree at 2
o'clock under a rock and leaves. This park has a lot of gardening
going on and is work in progress subject to change. If you can't
find these letterboxes call 202-441-5412.