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ALL ABOARD FOR POOCUOHHUNKKUNNAH!
By Arden Miller, CZM

At the turn of the century, most of coastal America was served exclusively by hundreds of small excursion vessels, steam ships, and ferry boats. Today, while planes, trains, and cars have, in many cases, replaced the need for water transportation, ferries remain a viable mode of transportation for both vacationers and commuters. Unlike their 19th century forefathers, today’s boats often have amenities like snack bars, flushing toilets, and flexible schedules, and many fleets include high-speed boats that cut travel time in half. In Massachusetts, popular destinations such as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are only accessible via water or air if anyone ever directs you to a mainland bridge, they’re spinning a tall tale. Add Cuttyhunk Island to the list of such destinations; with ferry service departing regularly from New Bedford, it’s easier than ever to explore this small maritime village.

Originally called Poocuohhunkkunnah by the native Wampanoag tribe, Cuttyhunk Island is often referred to by the name of its town center, Gosnold. Discovered by Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602—who, incidentally, also named Cape Cod (so christened due to the bounty of cod fish in the surrounding waters) geographically, Cuttyhunk is 14 miles off the coast of New Bedford and has the distinction of being the southwestern most of the 13 Elizabeth Islands. Just over two miles long and less than a mile wide, the entire 500-plus acre island has a winter population of less than 100 and only slightly more during the summer. Transportation on the island consists mainly golf carts (although there is no actual course to play on) and there are few street or trail signs guide you. But, not to worry: wherever you go, you can retain your sense of direction as you can see the sea. And there are other things to see as well; the island is an Audubon Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary (tours for bird enthusiasts are available on Sundays from July through October). Don’t like avifauna? There’s the Cuttyhunk Historical Museum, the Gosnold Monument, and the Cuttyhunk Historical Society has exhibits chronicling the island’s history.

For fresh seafood enthusiasts, the Cuttyhunk Fishing Club serves breakfast 7-11 a.m. daily mid-May through Labor Day. And between May 15 and October 15, a call ahead to Cuttyhunk Lobster will net you live lobsters cooked to order, served on the fish dock. Gosnold, Cuttyhunk, or Poocuohhunkkunnah—call it what you will. Just don’t call too late for dinner...

TO PLAN A TRIP...
FERRY SCHEDULES:
(508) 992-1432

FOR INFORMATION ON MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRD WALKS:
(508) 362-1426

CUTTYHUNK FISHING CLUB:
(508) 992-5585

CUTTYHUNK LOBSTER:
(508) 999-1263

GENERAL INFORMATION:
www.cuttyhunk.com/
history.htm

www.impulz.net/
buzzardsbay/harbors/
cutty.htm