The Humpback Whale At The Point

There Is A whale Carcass Exposed At The Point In Cape Henlopen State Park Watch Your Driving

(August 2019) … If you remember back in December of 2018 a humpback whale washed up on the beach at the point. As per usual protocol it was studied and then buried. Right along the dune line on the beach side of the dune fence poles. It was there all winter and then the point closed in the spring.

We have been curious how that whale carcass made out since foxes were burrowing into the hole the whale was buried. You could see the rope that was used to drag the whale to the hole. The rope was from the Overfalls Lightship in Lewes, an old anchor line no longer needed. Pieces of the blubber were spread all over the beach, then the point closed for the summer season.

Today as we left the point we looked to see if the whale was exposed or whatever. There wasn’t a lot of scavenger activity, buzzards. In fact there was just nothing, like it never happened. We drove over to roughly where we thought the carcass was buried and sure enough. Like a big dinosaur bone sticking out of the sand in the desert, this little hump, with a rope across. That was it, just the top of the whale.

Just to give you an idea of the size of the whale in that hole. The sand mover above dragged the whale to the hole.

However, there are a few dents in the sand around the exposed section. I wouldn’t drive across this area if you paid me. You can just see that it would be bad idea. The carcass doesn’t smell, because the sand has dried it out all winter. But I can guarantee as the sky is blue, about five feet down where the water starts. it has to be a little “juicy” and ripe.

Just a heads up, I would not drive along the fence to the bayside of the point, take the long way around. You can see where we drive by on the ocean side and someone drove by on the other side. I would not drive through that middle area. If you happen to do that, please send pictures an video.

Fish On!
Rich King