Curve in Cape Point becomes a ‘baby pool’ on Hatteras Island, then disappears

The barrier islands of the Outer Banks are ever-changing in wind, tides and storms. A few years ago, a sandbar formed off the tip of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and became an international sensation dubbed “Shelly Island.”

In the last few weeks, the popular tip of the island, Cape Point, has curved into more of a hook, creating a small spit beachgoers dubbed a “baby pool,” especially prominent at low tide.

The National Park Service noted that the spit formed early in August, taking a little over a week for the sand to almost entirely enclose the area.

“The Cape Point area is highly dynamic and there is no telling how long the ‘pool’ will remain,” Cape Hatteras National Seashore spokesman Mike Barber said. “Could be here today, gone tomorrow.”

And just like that, the formation was gone by Wednesday morning.