We have been in Cutty Hunk since Monday due to high wind >20 knots directly out of the south. Cutty Hunk is the last Island in the Elizabeth Island chain that runs east to west from Woods Hole. There are 120 registered voters. It has a one room schoolhouse, a church, a post office and a market that is run from an islander’s home. When we arrived Monday, we were greeted by a launch delivering oysters from Cutty Hunk Shellfish Farms operated by a local family. Hot clam chowder and a dozen oysters, were a welcome treat.
Scott remembers sailing here as a teenager with his family from Delaware in the early 70s. We sailed here with Scott’s Dad and our three-year old daughter, Natalie, in 1993. In 2022 we sailed with our daughter Shannon and her boyfriend, David. We splurged on a traditional New England lobster dinner. Steamed lobster, clams and corn were served up on picnic tables in an islander’s yard. We also had breakfast at the Fisherman’s Club overlooking the cliffs of Gay Head Aquinnah, in Vineyard Sound.
There is always the annual trek up the hill to the World War II lookout bunkers and the signature photo from the high point. David saw his first giant crab along the jetty to the inlet. Wonderful memories here…
In the 28 years that we have sailed in Buzzards Bay, we’ve never had the luxury of an extended stay here. The high wind forced us to hold up until Friday.
The island has not changed significantly in 100 years. You can only get here by sailboat, motorboat, or ferry. It takes a couple of days to leave the hustle and worries of the world behind. There are no cars. Transport is on foot, motor bike or golf cart. The harbor is protected 360 degrees and there are numerous places to walk and enjoy the scenery. We relaxed, tuned in with the daily revolution of the planet, rising with the sun and retiring as it set. We are grateful for the break from reality and the peace and tranquility this special place holds.
We want to acknowledge the work of Save Buzzards Bay with some notable improvements to land preservation and stormwater management. The trails have made the beauty of this jewel accessible to all.
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