I have friends that grew up on and around lakes. They put their boat out in the freshwater, enjoy fishing, and all of the other joys that come from being on the water. When we talk about the water, I talk of the ocean, the salt. Growing up with freshwater tends to make one think salt is somehow ‘gross’. I think that’s blasphemy. Don’t get me wrong. There are perks to freshwater. Most people will be quick to point out the whole shark argument, I know…I know, but the magic of that salt, of the ocean, that feeling that comes over me…there isn’t anything like it. One of my best friends over video chat a few weeks ago was referring to the ocean. “It’s a special place. There is no place quite like it.” She has seen quite a few places across the globe and yet, this is still the place that never leaves her heart. I’ve been to 42 states, to oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers. I’ve been to the mountains and the plains as well. There is nothing like the ocean. Living on Cape Cod is different. It is a blessing. It has a pull like no other place, no matter where else I have been. I am sure this will stir something in my friends and others who read this and live on Cape as well. As spring is finally here, I have been inspired to make a list of the things about living here that make me especially giddy as summer approaches. I welcome you to share with me your own joys of summer and our beloved Cape Cod.

10. Stuffed Quahogs

9. Telling tourists about the tunnel.

8. CCBL. Cape Cod summer baseball is more than just a game. Drop by a game and you’ll see what I mean.

7. Outdoor showers

6. Mudslides : Chartroom or Sea Crest, you decide. Both are one of the best tastes of summer on the Upper Cape.

5. Anything Ptown. Commercial Street, eclectic shops, the candy store, street performers, theater, whale watches, climbing the tower, hiking around the sand dunes…just to name a few.

4. Ice cream. On the Cape we are ice cream snobs. We have every right to be when we have so many amazing places to choose from. My personal favorite is Somerset Creamery where you can smell the homemade waffle cones as soon as you pull into the parking lot.

3. Sunsets at Old Silver Beach and Sandy Neck.

2. Salt. I remember when my kids were little and the smell of their hair when they got out of the ocean and sat in my lap. That has always been my favorite smell. Mix salt and sunscreen and sea air and it equals heaven. That sun-kissed salty skin is the best feeling too!

1. Home. The Cape is home. It may have a million reasons to be the best place on the planet, but it will always be home and for that, I am beyond grateful.

I know most people have a special spot in their heart for the places in which they live. I understand bias. However, my point is that I am grateful. It isn’t lost on me that people pay thousands of dollars each summer to visit where I live. I get to play tourist and it’s amazing. If you have never been to Cape Cod, give us a visit. If you haven’t been in a while, come back. Lastly, if you live here and don’t like the tourists, remember they bring in the dollars that help support our local businesses and keep our area well-kept. Also, if you know me and you like me, just know that I was once “just a summer kid” here. Look at you, getting to have me all year round!

Yeah, there is a magic to being on the water, but the ocean? The magic of the salt and it’s healing powers go beyond the science and right to the heart. Don’t believe me. Come find out for yourself.