
Sudsy obsessions: Why Cape Codders adore their outside showers
The article delves into the unique cultural phenomenon of outdoor showers on Cape Cod, highlighting their significance beyond mere utility. The author, Gregory Bryant, describes his personal experience with an outdoor shower, emphasizing its role in his routine and its restorative qualities. He recounts the initial use of his outdoor shower to wash away "winter boo-hoos" in late March, noting the practice of draining pipes during colder temperatures to prevent freezing, a common chore for Cape Codders. He also touches upon a friendly competition with a colleague to see who can start and end their outdoor showering season the earliest/latest.
Outdoor showers on Cape Cod range from simple setups, such as a basic shower head protruding from a wall or a shower curtain enclosure, to elaborate constructions featuring exotic stones, wood, benches, doors, towel hooks, and caddies for toiletries. The article explains that while these showers initially served the practical purpose of rinsing off beach sand before entering a summer cottage, they have evolved into cherished spaces for meditation and spiritual cleansing for many residents.
Bryant details his own outdoor shower, which he built himself. It features a sturdy frame of pressure-treated 1-by-6-inch boards and 4-by-4 posts, clad in white-cedar shingles to complement his house, and a floor made of thick, tumbled bluestones. This self-built structure has stood for many years, serving as a daily cleansing chamber.
A peculiar aspect of outdoor showers on Cape Cod is their technical illegality due to the gray water produced. However, local health officials reportedly do not enforce this rule, considering the gray water discharge from outdoor showers to be comparable to washing a car or pet, and not a significant environmental risk. This lenient stance means that having an outdoor shower remains a widely accepted and practiced tradition. The article concludes with advice for extending the outdoor showering season into the fall by seeking the "cone of warmth" provided by the hot water, encouraging users to stay within the heated zone to remain comfortable.
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