I managed to take a therapeutic dip in the sea recently just to hold my record. Kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing. I’ve been doing this for so many years my body is quite used to it. The temperatures were so mild I couldn’t resist. You know I can’t stay out of the ocean!

I went down to the sea between dusk and twilight. Had the usually deserted beach all to myself. Forgetting my bathing suit at home, I decided it was a perfectly nice idea to go in the buff. Off season, not a soul around and nearly dark. It was a lovely windless dip, truly refreshing water, not so cold and air balmy. Feeling delightfully enlivened, the inner Tarzan in me decided to take a brisk stroll down to the little jetty. It was grand.

On my way back in the near dark, striding exuberantly, to my amazement (and I expect theirs too) I encountered an old, rather short couple, all bundled up in their jackets and hats with a little flashlight, making their way slowly up the beach. Well you can imagine my surprise.

Fully enjoying my free wheeling aquatic reverie, swinging my arms as I went splashing confidently along in all my glory, I continued sauntering in the shallows, unfazed by these two shadowy strangers. A decision to avoid eye contact probably helped everyone. It certainly allowed me to amuse myself as I imagined what they must be thinking. Human? Dolphin? Some reincarnated spirit from the sea?

Head down, having a private giggle, well — it was just too much fun and hard to keep a straight face as I passed them.

When I had reached further down the beach, towelling off in the twilight I turned to sneak a look at these two and you know, they were still staring!

I expect that will be the talk of the town for some time to come.

I laughed all the way home!

Martha Magee
Edgartown