Regretfully, this is the best photo I have from the Camp Ellis Cleanup earlier this morning. I forgot to take a selfie. However, my name is on the sign up sheet, I have multiple eye-witnesses, and even a few stories from the experience. When I woke up, the rain was pouring so hard I doubted it would let up in time for the cleanup. Instead, the moment I got to the beach, the sun was shining and one of the dogs(a seven month old Lab named Lily, I believe) was running around trying to greet every newcomer with hugs and kisses.
As I walked along the beach, I remembered why I used to like it so much. The cool breeze, the rolling waves, the soft sand, and, especially, the moment when the sun hits the water just right, making it look like thousands of diamonds are glittering just beneath the surface. I was hit with the realization that every other time I went, there were expectations. I had to get in the water or else just sit in the sun, bored, while my friends tried to convince me to go along with them, and no matter what happened there would be a point when the sand or the wind made me so uncomfortable that I wished more than anything to go home and never come back. That wasn’t the case during the cleanup. It felt like I had a purpose, but no real expectations. I could go where I wanted, when I wanted, how I wanted. I could gaze out into the water from the actual beach or climb along the jetty or merely sit down and take a break while listening to music.
The most satisfying part of the day, though, was actually finding and picking up trash. I assume most of it was in the jetty. There’s too much open space on the sand and no one enjoying their beach day wants to climb in between the rocks just to pick up a stray beer can or plastic bag. Thus, there was no shortage of trash to find among the rocks. I remember moving a big rock to pick up the plastic foam trapped underneath it, and quickly journeying under another, much larger, rock to pick up some cans and a plastic juice bag. I was scared to reach under it and, in my haste, hit my head a little on the rock, which, I am coming to realize as I write this, is probably the reason for the headache I’ve had all day. I’m going to go get some Ibuprofen.
Altogether, this experience was far more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I guess waking up to no power and pouring rain at 7am may do that. Everyone I met there was kind and helpful, making sure no one was overworking themselves and had enough food and water. The cleanup made me love the beach again, and I plan to continue participating in this event for as many years as I can.
