Often returning non-residents, here for the summer, rush to the ocean upon arrival to soak up some of its incredible power. Starting yesterday, stickers were required for anyone wanting to park at Wellfleet’s beaches. This obligation will continue through Labor Day. To obtain a beach sticker, a visitor needs proof of accommodation. Residents already have placed seasonal stickers on the left-hand side of their windshield. It is possible to pay by the day at White Crest: $15. There were not many cars in the beach parking lots when Sven and I drove up to LeCount Hollow yesterday. We saw lots of kids playing in the sand and surf. One was even flying a kite, and we admired her skill, especially considering the lack of wind.
Two young men tossed a Frisbee back and forth by the water’s edge. The lifeguard, in fine spirits, watched these activities from his perch high above the rest of us mortals, but then no one had ventured into the water, which made his job a lot easier. There was mist in the distance, down beach. We did our usual walk to Marconi, and returned. If the beach seemed practically deserted, it may be because the National Seashore was having one of its “Fee Free Weekends.” Two more are scheduled, July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16. Not all B&B guests want to pay for beach stickers and prefer to go to the beach early or late in the day. The beaches used to be free after 4 pm. For several years, the beach-sticker requirement has been in effect until, which, in my opinion, is a bit extreme. If guests decide not to pay for a three-day pass, I am always willing to drop them off at Cahoon, two miles away. 
