A Beachcomber's Odyssey

A Beachcomber’s Odyssey, Vol. 1 by S. Deacon Ritterbush

Although A Beachcomber’s Odyssey isn’t specifically written about Chincoteague or Assateague Islands, it calls to the treasure hunter in all of us. The book is part memoir, part beachcombing guide, part nature identification, part history, part science and more. Each chapter includes stories from various beach wanderings throughout the author’s life and gives us a glimpse into her past experiences. Her entries about each place tell us about the memories it has for her, gives a bit of information about the area and often includes a description of a particular creature or treasure that is native to the area.

Volume 1 provides short descriptions of more than eighteen beachcombing expeditions, including several on the Chesapeake Bay, that gave the author not only treasures but life lessons as well. The reader travels with Ritterbush to such diverse places as Runaway Bay in Jamaica, Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, the Shetland Islands in Scotland and Emeline Beach in Tonga.

As Ritterbush says “Beachcombing is a liberating pastime. Meandering along a shoreline looking for treasure provides a break from my worries and the daily routine.” Her musings reflect a theme that others have expressed about their visits to Chincoteague. We’ve often heard visitors talk about their quiet morning walks along the beach on Assateague Island as one of the highlights of their visit. Those who understand the therapeutic value of a morning stroll along the Assateague beach will appreciate Ritterbush’s ability to weave her personal reflections around her beachcombing ‘finds.’ It’s a great book to read after you return from your stroll and are sitting on the porch with your morning coffee or tea. Or to read from home when the beach seems far away. For more information about A Beachcomber’s Odyssey, click here.