The Pilgrims arrived at Cape Cod in November and sent an exploration party by land to scout the area while repairs were made to their shallop. The explorers encountered Native Americans but were not able to communicate. They found signs of past cornfields and dwellings. A later exploration by shallop discovered two empty houses and stores of corn and beans, ensuring the Pilgrims' survival. In December, during another exploration, the group had a violent encounter with Native Americans but suffered no injuries. They took this as a sign from God and named the place the "First Encounter."