Eel Point is a misnomer. That said, if the name keeps people from investigating the area, perhaps it’s just fine. I don’t have any idea how this area was named. Nor do I have an alternative name. Suffice it to say, I have never visited a more beautiful beach anywhere!
Soft warm sand, calm ocean, and voluptuous sand dunes meld together in this heavenly spot. Sea birds fly lazily across the waters, angling to catch the breezes. A few anglers try to snag some unlucky fish. The waves lap softly and rhythmically on the shoreline. Several waterlines are drawn across the beach.from recent tides. Each has a variety of shells, egg cases, an occasional crab carcass and now and then a glittering piece of sea glass, which I pocket immediately.
egg case in seaweed tangle
A four wheel drive vehicle is needed to get right down on the beach. Other than that, it’s a long schlep if you try to walk it. I used to love Nantucket because all beaches were open, unlike much of the rest of New England shores. There were no snotty private property signs keeping the riff raff like me from the beach. Today, I see a no trespassing sign across part of the beach. That’s discouraging. I think nasty thoughts about the property owners who put it up. They deserve them.
I began walking to Eel Point. I walked for about half an hour, then decided that it was too far for me to go on foot because, I had to turn around and walk back. Go ahead and call me lazy. You gotta leave something for the next visit. I just need to make sure it’s not 20 years away!
