Let it Flow

In mid-August, during my week on Cape Cod, Michael and I took a drive to the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, run by the Mass Audubon Society. The day was warm and humid yet we chose a walk instead of the beach. Michael had visited the sanctuary in April and loved it.

Our walk started from the parking lot and took us through the campground (if you’re looking for an inexpensive lodging option on Cape Cod, check out the camping here!) and then into the sanctuary. The trails are extremely well maintained and accessible for all ages. A great place for children. There are 5 miles of trails on this 1200 acre sanctuary, including an all-persons accessible trail that “traverse eight different habitats.” (FYI - the society offers a variety of nature programs for kids, families and adults. Check the website for more information.)

Here is a look at the trails…

As we walked, we talked and in my mind I was simply walking. I wasn’t really paying attention to my surroundings because I was so engrossed in conversation.

Then we came to a spot over a marsh and Michael looked at me and said “When I was here in April I spotted a dead porpoise in this area.” Wow, I replied, “cool”.

He wondered out loud if it was still there. Immediately I said “no way, how could it still be here. I’m sure it got washed away or eaten.” He didn’t listen to me and walked off the trail closer to the marsh. I hesitated then remembered my meditation class (the whole reason why I was on the Cape to begin with). “Have an open mind,” I told myself.

I followed him. Sure enough, this is what we found:

A skull and fin bones. A porpoise is part of the dolphin family. As I looked at this I thought, yes, this could certainly be your porpoise! We stared, took pictures and marveled over our “find”. Michael asked “I wonder where the rest of it is, the spine and fins?” Again I retreated into my usual “Oh, I’m sure this is all we’ll find.” Why wasn’t I opening up! If we found the skull, surely we could find the rest. Instead of walking away, ending our experience, I decided to stay.

Once I made that decision, I happened to look to my left and spotted a large hermit crab shell. As I walked towards it something drew my attention to the right. As I looked down, I gasped and shouted “Michael! I found the rest of it!”

I was truly flabbergasted. The only time I’ve ever seen something like this is in a museum, where it’s real, but not really. This was so real to me. I only wish I had been there in April to see the porpoise as Michael did.

The opportunity to be that close and connected to nature was incredible. The remainder of my walk took on a different meaning. I became much more aware of my surroundings and the beauty that surrounded me. Although a morbid discovery to some, I felt like a kid in a candy shop. I will never forget this discovery.

I can’t guarantee that you’ll find something like this if you head to Wellfleet. I do encourage you to get outside, connect with nature, be in the moment and you never know what you’ll find. Be a kid again, know nothing, explore and discover, just like a child. The rewards will be worth it.

The views were beautiful and this was a walk worth taking - even if we hadn’t discovered the skeletal remains I would still recommend the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for those traveling to the Cape looking for a safe and accessible nature adventure.

Additional Information:

Address:
291 State Highway, Route 6
P.O. Box 236
South Wellfleet, MA 02663
508-349-2615
mailto:wellfleet@massaudubon.org?subject=Wellfleet

Nature Center/Trail Hours:
Nature Center: Memorial Day to Columbus Day: Daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Columbus Day to Memorial Day: Tuesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trails: Open every day, 8 a.m. to dusk (8 p.m. in the summer).

Cost:
$5 nonmember Adults
$3 nonmember children (ages 3 - 12) and seniors

Tags: Hiking and Outdoor Activities, Travel/Vacations //