WELLFLEET — A new business in town will take advantage of one of the town’s more pervasive resources: black sludge.
While some of the silt was recently exhumed from the federal channel and taken away by the bargeful, plenty has settled back in on the flats, according to Will E. Makeit, owner of the soon-to-open Muddy Dog. Makeit said he plans to offer detoxifying baths in Wellfleet Harbor’s uniquely rejuvenating black custard (formerly known as “black mayonnaise”) — the result of decaying oxygen-deprived plants and stuff that ends up clogging the harbor and sending out a sulfurous stink at low tide.
“Just because it smells like rotten eggs doesn’t mean it’s bad for you,” Makeit said. In fact, the stronger the stink, he claimed, the richer the custard is in minerals, antioxidants, and other health-giving substances.
Treatments will include an hour-long bath in the custard as well as facials, during which the gunk “will be smoothed on your cheeks using lovingly hand-buffed oyster shells,” said Makeit.
After the cold detoxifying custard dunk, you will relax while snuggling in a warm flannel shirt and enjoying aromatherapy in the salt air with notes of diesel fumes, according to the spa’s menu of services.
Makeit promises clients will emerge from the custard bath with that cool Wellfleet vibe and, of course, an aroma that won’t let them forget the immersive experience.
