Wingaersheek Beach

Once again we made the 45 minute trek to West Gloucester and our favorite beach, Wingaersheek. Until Memorial Day the parking is free, which is no small detail considering it is $20 during the week and $25 on the weekends if you can even get a space. Even with those high parking rates it is worth it however. Between the white sandy beaches, the warm tidal pools, lots of good climbing rocks, sandbars, dunes, and lighthouse view, it is the best beach I have been to in Massachusetts.

We brought Prairie with us figuring it was about time the dog got to see an actual beach. I know dogs aren’t allowed during peak season, but it turned out they also aren’t allowed after May 1. After seeing a number of dogs both on and off leash we decided to ignore the sign. She was in canine heaven. I wish we could have taken her off leash and let her run free, but she was still happy to stroll in the sand, get her paws wet in the surprisingly warm surf, relax on the blanket, and try to eat shells, and sand, and seaweed, and sand toys… We’re going to have to find some beaches that allow dogs during the summer.

The kids are finally getting their sea legs after years of living in Colorado and brought in quite a haul of clam shells and sand dollars, the latter now drying in the sun in the backyard.

I can think of nothing nicer than laying on a blanket in the sun, a cool breeze blowing, and watching a kite sail overhead to the sounds of the surf coming in. The perfect ending to a perfect day? A short drive to Essex for some fried clams at Woodman’s of Essex.

I know what I want for Mother’s Day next week.