Nauset Island

[donperry]

I launched from Chatham’s Cow Yard Lane afternoon on Saturday and paddled eastward with the rising tide sweeping me north toward Orleans and the new break in the barrier beach. By now it’s over three hundred yards wide and cut well below the ancient marsh layer. Boats are using it and there are unofficial channel markers around the inside bars.

After walking the northern point the trip continued around the inside bar & out to the Atlantic. At the time of high tide there was still a 1 ½ knot flood into Pleasant Bay. Outside there were a few SOT kayakers surfing the bar break and seals began appearing. I continued southward to the southern end and the older harbor entrance, sometimes followed by curious slapping seals. Larger groups were hanging out in the shore break.

The southern tip where we camped near the seals last fall had been reshaped and mostly washed away. Someone on an ATV patrols the island and I saw a pickup truck driving around too. Signs & strings restricting protected nesting areas are in place but coyote tracks pass right through them. There were more shells on the beaches than I recall seeing in the past. The island is about two miles long with strong current & surf on either end.

On the way back the outward rip was against me but a strong southwesterly wind helped the paddling along the west side. Back at the new break the outgoing current had to be around three knots or more. Crossing without getting swept back through it was a major chore. It’s a very interesting spot.

I continued northward to Marker 7 on Nauset Beach before turning southwesterly on a heading to Allen Point and the car.

While packing up I heard a fly fisherman talking about the 36 pound bass he caught there that morning. So apparently the baitfish and those that eat them have made it around Monomoy. I heard the herring have gathered in the Tub without an easy exit through the Southway.

[eneumeier]

Thanks Don. I have been wondering how it paddles.

Liz N.