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8.1.08

From the Editor

Most people on the Island seem to have a nude beach story. Mine is from the weekend I came to the Vineyard to interview for this job. Two years ago, I flew up from Washington, D.C., for a Saturday and Sunday. Of course, there were official interviews, but the general manager was kind enough to want me to see more of the Island than the office.

Sunday afternoon Joe took me on a tour. When we got to Aquinnah, he declared it would be a crime if my feet didn’t hit sand during the beautiful summer weekend, so we took a walk along Moshup Beach, heading toward the colorful Cliffs. Along the way, we talked about the Island, and I recall some interesting office history coming up. It was still part of the “interview weekend” after all.

Next thing I know, a bodyboarder pops up from a ride. Naked. I diverted my eyes to where people were lounging on the sand. Naked. I knew about the nude beaches on the Island, but I didn’t realize we were going to walk right into one. Apparently Joe hadn’t given it much thought.

In true Vineyard fashion, he casually suggested we turn back. I quickly agreed. It wasn’t really a big deal, but it’s definitely the most surprising thing that’s happened to me during a job interview.

After writing a compelling and comprehensive story about private beaches for the magazine last summer, Mike Seccombe agreed to take on the nude beaches this year, delving into their culture and history. Deciding which photos we should use was a challenge, but we think you can still keep the magazine out on your coffee table. It may even prompt more nude beach stories from friends and family.