The most recent storm has unearthed the bones of a ship, sunk they believe, in the early part of the 20th century, at Newcomb's Hollow in Wellfleet.
Went out just a bit ago to take a look- (alas, no pieces of eight), but it you'd enjoy viewing, www.capecodonline.com has several photos.

Gosh, I thought yellowbird, Gene, ccrosner, gomiki, etal would be checking in- so I'll top!

Thanks for the link to the wonderful pictures and story!

How cool!
Thanks ccs!

Ah, there you are Ms S. I gave a shoutout that you chose to ignore. This gal could use some good info on solo travel in Ptown lodging and the cape. I don't for the life of me understand why your feelings for me would keep you from helping this lovely person.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35100226

Hey thanks for the link capecodshanty! Isn't it amazing to find bits and pieces of the past scattered about the beach? That's one of the things I love about the National Seashore beaches...you just never know what Mother Nature will do next. How about those camps on the outer beach in Chatham getting washed away--- one by one-- as the storms rearrange the sand? I always wanted to spend a few nights out there but never followed through with the arrangements. Looks like I missed my chance!

Remember the archaeological site of a past civilization that was uncovered at Coast Guard beach about 15 years ago? I think the Feds worked overtime to document what was there that winter. It's all gone now....washed out to sea. Makes me wonder about how global warming and sea-level rise will impact that fragile sandbar, called Cape Cod, that is so dear to my heart!

My kids sent a message in a bottle from the Hyannis ferry to Nantucket last July. We just received a letter from a Russian lad in response. He had picked up the bottle on the beach in Hyannis where he was spending time on a study course.

That looks very cool. Makes me want to take a drive.

Next thing you know, what's left of the old target ship will be drifting up onto the beach.

And I remember that dig site at Coast Guard beach quite well. It's great when these buried treasures come to light.

Hi Yellowbyrd.
Glad you enjoyed the article. It is pouring today, and I wonder if it will be there, when one goes back!
I do remember the 12th century firepit they found on Coast Guard Beach. A lone hiker, an amateur archeologist thought it might be just that, and sure enough-they were able to not only date it, but also to ascertain that the area had been at least 5 miles inland.
Do you remember when the Eldia came ashore after hitting a sandbar, in Orleans? It was the strangest sight to hike out there and see this enmnorous cargo ship, sitting high and dry on a sandbar.
The changes on the outer beach in Chatham are monumental.The Eldridge cottage still standing, but one that will be washed away the next severe storm ,belongs to friends,and they are heartsick, though they are grateful for the 50 or so years the family has had.

johngerard-bet your kids were excited!My grandchildren every fall send off a message in a bottle-
two have had answers, one from a teacher in Plymouth,and one from an Australian, who was here vacationing, and answered when she got home!

Nikki-I wouldn't be too surprised if some pieces of metal and other flotsom haven't washed up from that old targetship already!
We used to be able to sail out to Billingsgate Island and pick up old bricks from the lighthouse that fell into the sea. Some are in our garden wall- but they're long gone from Billingsgate.

There was some excitement in the neighborhood several years ago, when a neighbor was having a new septic system put into the ground. The workers discovered a skull-of course all work stopped, and it was discovered by archeologists from Harvard that it had been the site of an Indian burial ground, long ago.

ccs, I'm so glad you posted this. Have been too busy to get on the board. Barely starting to pack!

The Outer Cape sure is an interesting place.

Thanks for posting this. I had heard something on the radio in passing but it slipped my mind. It is amazing from the photos that it came ashore in one piece. We live in a very cool place. It is funny though if you asked me if I lived near the water I would say no.