Ogunquit beach is basically a barrier island, and subject to incredible north Atlantic weather. Throughout history, the Ogunquit dunes have shifted and changed. The dunes on the beach are known as
parabolic dunes. These cone shaped dunes or
parabolic dunes are formed from northwest winds, which pushes the dunes up several meters. In the past six weeks there were three record-breaking storms. Two of these storms had hurricane like winds, which pushed and changed the geolandscape of the dunes.
There is a mix of vegetation and animals that live in the dunes. This ecosystem is essential and protects the dunes from further erosion.
There are land bridges which stretch over the dunes from the Atlantic side to the
Ogunquit river estuary. Notice how the sand has taken over the land bridge. There is now a two foot drop from the bridge to the beach!
King George II recognized how sensitive the dunes were and issue a
statement in 1757 banning the grazing of cattle and livestock on the Ogunquit Dunes.
The Ogunquit River, which is essentially a coastal lagoon between the mainland and the narrow ever-changing peninsula known as Ogunquit Beach.
Two Ogunquit Dories sit in the coastal lagoon. The Ogunquit
Dory is a unique fishing boat that the Ogunquit fisherman would use for lobstering and trawling. These dories were designed to handle the rugged coast and the dramatic Atlantic tides.
20th Century Painter, Edward Hopper, The Dories, Ogunquit. Edward Hopper painted in Ogunquit, and his work can be found at the
Ogunquit Museum of American Art.
The beach is always changing. The waves bring in treasures from the sea that wash on to the shore. Various creatures comb the beach to claim prize to nature’s bounty. The air is fresh and clean, with winters breath fading away......I enjoy this beach immensely in the bright springtime!
