Susan McEachern

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Sandy Cove Outfall

Since 1981 I have had the pleasure of looking out my window each day and viewing Sandy Cove Beach. In warm weather I can hear the waves hitting the shore as I fall to sleep, and each morning I know which way the wind is blowing before I get dressed. In the Spring and Fall, Herons can be seen fishing off the point. All Summer, Osprey dive into the shallow water of the beach. the prevailing Northwest wind in winter drives both treasure and trash to the shores of this beach to be either salvaged or abandoned.

My nearest neighbors have told me stories of their girlhood summers...beginning with a May 24th jump into the water...and their daily picnics and swims with the neighborhood children. In the further past, Haligonians would boat over to spend the day swimming at this sandy beach which was popular for its sunny western exposure.

Today, the beach is still visited by many, but people now need to exercise caution. The nature of the beach was gravely altered when the outfall pipe was put in. A steady flow of toilet debris lines the high tide mark, and the surrounding waters are unsafe even for toe dipping. From the distance Sandy Cove Beach is still beautiful. Up close it is a tragedy.

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