103. Hull: Nantasket Beach

When you walk Revere Beach, you are legally bound to walk Nantasket Beach within 24 hours, according to the Book of the Legendary Battle Between Boston's North Shore and South Shore. I followed the law to the letter, but got a raw deal.

The predicted rain arrived, with violence. The wind blowing off the water formed the drops into stinging needles, and were it not for my raincoat, I would not have walked. My legs did get soaked, but they expected discomfort to be the least of their issues when I told them what they'd be doing this year.

I learned a long time ago to never bow my head when it rains. I walk upright, letting the water hit me as it may. I'm a true believer in the notion that if you hunch your shoulders and act like the rain is getting the better of you, it will. Take nature in for all it's worth. Watch what it can do. Feel its power. Listen to its effects. Revel in it.

I also hearken back - here I go historifying again - to the days of the storm warriors of yore, the men of the United States Life-Saving Service who walked these storms, on this very beach, at their worst because they had to as sworn protectors of the people who worked upon the sea. I walk with them in mind, and with our Coast Guardsmen of today, who risk their lives to save others in peril upon the ocean.

So I got wet. Who cares? I'll walk on plenty of sunny days this year, and for the rest of my life. I'll take a rainy day once in a while.