To the Editor:

I was boating through Padanaram Harbor with some friends a few weeks back when one of them idly mentioned that Padanaram had been voted ‘America’s Best Harbor.’ I didn’t doubt him for a second. I remember looking around at the boats moored on either side of us, out at Buzzards Bay, and saying “Well, that makes sense.”

As someone who has lived in Dartmouth my entire life I have grown up on the water and have taken for granted all of the great experiences I have had on our beautiful harbor and bay. Throughout my childhood I crossed the bay to go to Cuttyhunk, went tubing and fishing with friends, travelled to Nonquit to jump off the diving board, and simply motored out into the bay to go swimming. 

As I have grown older, I have begun to appreciate how nice it is to be able to live in a place where I am able to do these activities. Many people throughout the world do not have access to a place like Padanaram Harbor, and everyone in Dartmouth should count themselves lucky to live here. I encourage anyone who has used or is using our Harbor to stop and take a minute to be thankful for it. Because it is a beautiful place. 

Sincerely,

Charlie Simmons