West Beach in Late Spring

by Lauraine Lombara

 It begins in May-the influx of people who come to West Beach to enjoy the sun, sand, ocean and whatever else the beach provides for them. I am here to bask in the sun, walk the beach and attempt a little swim if the water is not icy. It is always cold on the North Shore but I am used to it. I never wade in; I need to dunk quickly. I wonder, has anyone ever had a heart attack from sudden cold water immersion?

Today is splendid-warm temperature and not a cloud in an azure sky with the ocean a matching hue. White sheeted sailboats are strung out as if outlining the visible front of Misery Island. A few lazy kayaks are gliding further inshore, their oars like single windmill blades; up and down, up and down. Gulls are screeching along the shore, picking up morsels they find in the seaweed and under rocks. Are there any meaty clams, mussels or unsuspecting periwinkles or perhaps a bit of fish? A few brave gulls peck at unsupervised sunbathers’ lunch bags until shooed away by neighboring blanket or beach chair occupants. Toddlers are a joy to watch as they race to chase the birds as if they might catch one.

Leaving the sun worshipers, I head to the water’s edge. The tide is low, making a walk easier on my back which is a good reason to do my stroll first. The water temperature feels quite cold, but on my return I may be warm enough to take a quick dip and try a few strokes. Oh, but the sun is glorious, warming my bones which are still feeling or at least remembering the icy remnants left by this past winter’s heavy snow, storms and bitter winds.

I drink in the sights, sounds and smells as I walk, stopping now and again for a piece of beach glass or an interesting stone that has caught my eye—rather like the gulls! I am at peace for a few hours. It is a meditation in itself to stroll, to muse, to remember past days at the beach. How fortunate I am to live close by and able to visit this magical, mystical spot easily and often.