...to keep the beaches where they want them. Nature has its own plan of redistributing the wealth without checking with the local tourism boards. The Capes coastlines are constantly changing due to storms and Atlantic currents. On the one hand, the currents are gradually moving the sand from south facing shorelines to the National Seashores in the east to north in Cape Cod Bay. The result of this movement can be clearly seen in the expansive mud flats and sand bars that have been created and enhanced on the Bay beaches. Take a stroll on Corporation Beach in North Dennis the next time you are here. You can walk almost a quarter of a mile out at low tide. Don't get caught, however, as the tide moves in really fast to cover the distance in six hours.

More on what we are doing to protect our beaches.

Storms, on the other hand, have a tendency to speed things up a bit. The occasional tropical storm or hurricane experienced in the fall (the last one to hit that made any difference was hurricane Bob over twenty years ago.) combined with the nor'easters experienced in the winter makes a potent combination for drastic changes like the break at Barrier Beach in Orleans, the reconnection of the mainland to Monomoy Island and the houses falling into the ocean in Chatham. Most of the time this action just speeds the natural outcome up a bit. Cape wide, however, the average net affect in sand redistribution is said to be about three feet per year.

The sand redistribution creates an expensive problem and a conservation dilemma for most of the Cape towns. Do you allow artificial beach barriers to be created that will likely move the problem to the next beach? Do you bring the sand in from somewhere else to replenish the area? Who pays for the costly work – local towns (responsible for maintaining the local water ways and inlets and keeping our beaches clean), businesses, (like marinas and hotels that make a living off the waterways and beaches) homeowners, (using the beaches and building houses on them) army core of engineers (who installed most of the groins that are now in disrepair on the south beaches), or, state government (who places the blame on everyone else)?

Some of those questions are being answered now by necessity. A good example of this is Dennis and Yarmouth's partnership to remove the excess sand that has found its way into the mouth of Bass River. The sand is pumped off the channel floor and redeposited onto the beaches of West Dennis. State law prohibits the public venture to build up sand on private beaches, but despite them, that sand washes across our beach here at the Corsair and Cross Rip, on its way naturally toward the outer beaches of Chatham and Orleans.

Cape Codders are working hard to keep the beaches safe, fun, and environmentally sustainable. We, at the Corsair & Cross Rip are doing our part to keep them clean. Remember that Horace (our staff member) will be out each morning raking the beach for you! We look forward to seeing you with your feet in the sand.

The Bass River and the community that surrounds it has a life unto its own. You probably ride over it on Route 28 or by it on Route 6 but do you know much about it? The river is the largest and longest inlet on Cape Cod (The Cape Cod Canal doesn't count.) and home to many thriving businesses, homeowners and wildlife. There are many ways to view this but the best way is from the river itself. 

Read more about touring Bass River...

If you are adventurous sea kayaking has become a popular active sport. Best for the advance beginner or intermediate enthusiast the breath taking views make it worth braving the strong currents. But, whether your inclined to be more active or not don't pass up the opportunity to try “The Star Fish”. Bass River Cruises at the Bass River Bridge on Rt 28 offers a healthy 1 hour plus guided tour on its 49 passenger ferry. You'll see beautiful multi-million dollar homes, yacht clubs, golf courses, marinas, and lots of charm. The captain combines history, folklore with a lot of wit to make this a well informed family friendly adventure.

We thought so much of this tour we added it to our spring “Family Adventure Package” and the “Summer Family Beach Entertainer Package”. Or click here if you want to know more about Bass River Cruises

May is our club and sports month when organizations rent out the facilities for their group. What a month, 
weather wise, it turned out to be warm, dry and sunny. (Forecast for our almost sold out holiday 
weekend is phenomenal.) Its a crazy month for the staff going from full house to empty two to three times a 
week.

June is our wedding month when the flowers come out along with our brides. This month is becoming 
the hidden treasure of the seasons as more people are opting to come earlier or later than this 
pre-summer month. This means its quieter and full of bargains for those that do come. The weather is more 
consistently warmer, daylights longest hours are present and the village scenery is looking more 
inviting with each passing day.

Thinking of getting a couple days off to join us in June? Check out our new two night package 
called, "View for Two". We've added a full dinner, two cold breakfast buffets, and movie tickets for each 
person along with our Value View accommodations, (ocean view with queen bed), 
Each unit has a new Jacuzzi Tub for one, (two if you are inclined to make an impression!) Priced at just 
$195/couple its valid through June 21st. Book this package and tell us you saw it in the e-newsletter and 
we'll include a ten dollar gift certificate to Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream!

An Independence week special was just added to the website. The first week in July during the weekday we 
are offering for a limited time $25 off the room rate in the no view room categories (including 4th of July 
eve!). You can't beat this offer so don't delay. Now is the best time to book your holiday vacation and 
celebrate the festivities on the Cape.

Credits:  

*Cape Cod Times - various articles