First Encounter Beach, Eastham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA

First Encounter Beach is so named for the arrival of the Pilgrims almost 400 years ago.  Located in present day in Eastham on Cape Cod, the beach area enjoys a phenomenon that occurs when low tide and sunset are coincident.  The view reveals a long series of sandbars that stretch way off shore into the bay. I 've only seen it in the fall after the tourist season has ended but, I assume it is visible all year when these tide and sun conditions occur.

Typical of many boat moorings in Cape Cod Bay, at low tide the boat rests on the sand.  As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, literally.

Some folks walk out a long way as you can see from the distant vertical specks.

It is difficult to imagine the Pilgrims arriving here by boat in cold November weather. Hearty stock those Pilgrims. Of course, half of them died that first year in the New World so maybe not so hearty after all.

Meanwhile, at the last flash of sunset......

....it is impossible not to be in awe at the natural beauty of this place.