Bookings for summer have finally taken off, with a new reservation almost every day. I have heard there are seventeen weddings in Wellfleet/Truro, which will bring many travelers to our area to discover its beauty. Hopefully these new guests will want to return and explore the Outer Cape when it is less crowded, in spring, fall, or winter.
Summer visitors often have a problem understanding the trip to the beach in other seasons. Sunbathing is their goal, with the added bonus of salty air and sand between the toes. They are in vacation-mode and simply seek relaxation.
Before the tourism industry, Wellfleet residents did not venture onto the "backshore" much at all. These days lots of locals will drive to the beach in the off-season, usually around noon.
They sit in a pick-up and watch the ocean from a distance, say, while eating a sandwich. These folks may get out of their vehicle to stretch their legs, but the visual effect alone is the goal. They miss seeing what erosion has done to the dune. (Check out these round objects, one a boulder, and the other an iron deposit.) Sven and I use the beach for exercise and renewal. We walk at low tide, and prefer walking in the off-season, when the parking lot is almost deserted. This excursion is a way of communing with nature. The Atlantic never looks the same, but always reminds me how insignificant individual humans are in the scheme of things.
Often I find my eye drawn away from the spectacle of the ocean towards the dune. People say I have an artist's sensibility, but I think anyone could see the beauty if only they bothered to look. Just take a gander at these images captured last week ...
How about you? Why do you enjoy going to the beach?
10 comments:
WE went to Cape Cod before we left the NE--well before season set in and I still remember it as a fabulous, relaxing trip.. Have not been back, but then we left the area entirely and explored other regions...but I do love the off-season of any beach.
For me, there's something about the breeze that brings instant relaxation--that and the sound of the waves...
The final picture was amazing- a mini map of sorts. I enjoy both looking out at the waters- as well as laying on my back and looking up at the sky- seeing the formations of the clouds.
I find the ocean the most spiritual place on earth. I feel more connected to the universe, to the human race, to life itself on the beach than I do in any house of worship. Plus I love the fresh air, sun, people watching, and on a really hot day, the water!
That erosion is damn scary. I never knew there was rock like that beneath the sand on the dunes---just figured they were big piles of sand!
These photos were taken at Newcomb, Amy. That beach has more obvious clay deposits. That's probably why you never noticed.
And, I agree with your analogy. Thanks for sharing.
I don't live close enough to a beach to answer that question since we are so far inland. But I can say that my kids love to look at tide pools and collect shells and scramble up boulders on the rare occasion that we go to the beach at the Oregon Coast.
Also, I'm glad to hear that you are getting so many bookings! (Tempted to say I told you so but I guess Sven gets to do that!)
Oh, I love the top photo - I would quite happily wear that colour arrangement!
*Sigh* I could use a beach day right about now. I love the feeling of the sun on my cheeks. I know it's terrible for me to stay out too long in the sun, but it's the best part of going to the beach.
I go to the beach every chance I get. It does wonders for me. I grew up close to a beach, and it's a huge part of me; all I need to do is see the water and I instantly relax.
I wish I lived near the beach. As you said, walking along the beach gives you a sense of renewal with the lapping of the waves, the sand between your toes...
As a geologist, I spend a good bit of beach time looking duneward. Those are great photos.
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