This trip to Marco Island was one of the best beach trips ever, probably because it is so different to our usual trips to the "Redneck Riveria" along the Alabama coast and Florida panhandle.
The shoreline faces west, so you get these unbelievable sunsets over the water, and it's cool to watch the sun finally dip below the horizon.
The beach sand is not my favorite, preference being the sugar with sands of the panhandle. The sand is very compacted, from all the crushed shells you have to traverse to get to the water's edge. The biggest benefit of these beach conditions is all of the sea shells that you can pickup off the shore. Out in the water, if you waded to the next shallow area on a sand bar, you could spot live starfish and live sand dollars. These must be returned to the waters to insure that they are still there for future generations.
Our time there was at the end of "snow bird" season. You could tell what months they prefer just from the list of weeks that were for sale. One listing in mid February was for top floor, 2 bedroom, four consecutive weeks for $165,000. This was the exception, but lots of snow birds find that a bargain compared to the cost of private ownership of a condo unit on the beach.
There were quite a few people from California. That at first surprised me. They all said that they loved their beaches back home, but you just can't beat being in these warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Two ladies said their time will be spent on this beach and in these waters, and no time in the pool because they all have them back home!
There were plenty of noodles and toys to use at both the pool and the beach. These are a collection of items left behind by guests that flew in.
These northerners have this beach destination thing figured out. They fly in, then stop at Walmart, Sam's, etc... and pickup beach chairs and umbrellas. Some have even figured out that you can go to the consignment and resale shops and pick up chairs and umbrellas for a fraction of the cost, then either leave the stuff behind or resale it back to the shops. I think we all have a bit of Jewish blood in us because nobody wanted to pay $28 a day for a setup each day! Some of our "new friends" gave us four chairs, two mats and an umbrella that were not a week old. We shared some of this pirate booty with our new favorite couple from Georgia!
The best part about this southwest corner of Florida is that "my beach season" is the "off season" for the snowbirds! There were only a dozen or so couples on the beach during our entire week's stay! I had a FB memory pop up from 4 yrs ago at Sandestin, and it was wall to wall umbrellas!
For us, there will be many more trips to this corner of Florida. For us, the pleasure we get from this place far out weigh the drive to get there. We are only half way home and already we have the itch to return!
Life is good. All the time!
Retired in 2012. I'm trying to out run old age and boredom. So far, I'm winning the race!
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Beach Lingo
If you've never been to.the beach, but are planning on going and eventually want to become a beachnick you must be familiar with the lingo:
1. Chorus line: when you look up and see five or more guys in a row, in the water, facing the horizon, after drinking one too many beers.
2. Squealer: you're laid back, enjoying the view, and sounds of the surf, then you hear it: woman screaming her head off, because "something" just touched her. What!?? There are fish in this water???
3. Bombs away: when some nut decides to feed a bird. One bird becomes a whole flock. Feeding one becomes a freenzy, and the next thing you know, you're the one getting bombed from above!
4. Swoll up: there's that gal, cute little thang, wearing her itty bitty bikini, and she's at least five months pregnant!
5. Red Flag: the color of the day, telling you that you've got no business being in the water today. Rip currents will eventually grab somebody with no regard for themselves or the unlucky soul that tries to save them.
6. Rentals: these are the chairs and umbrellas that greet you when you top the dune. They rent for $25-50 a day, with a discount for the week. Be like Bill, bring your own....
7. Crime scene tape: sometimes you will see a spot in the sand that has been marked off with sticks and crime scene tape. Nobody died. This is the location of a sea turtle nest. If you're lucky, and your timing is right, you might get to watch the little ones making a run for the water!
8. Flying kite: not what you think. It's a windy day, and some nut has not secured his umbrella or tent canopy. Then a big gust of wind grabs it and off it goes! Hopefully nobody close gets hurt.
9. Roasted and toasted: there is always that guy that doesn't bother with sun screen. Next thing you know, he's riper than a tomato! He won't be back tomorrow, or any other day!
10. Diaper babe: the woman that refuses to buy a new swimsuit, and the one she has on, the elastic and spandex is totally shot, evidenced by her saggy bottom!
11. Navy Diver: that guy, that shows up with his latest purchase from the surf shop: snorkle, mask, and fins. You can usually spot him in three feet of water getting tossed about by the rolling surf!
12. Jay Bird: some parents let their toddler free style, with nothing on but a smile.
13. Fire walker: the Dude that shows up barefoot on the hottest day ever. Hot! Hot! Hot!
14. Sentry : that lone wolf that shows up, by himself, usually with a chair and a small cooler.
15. D J: the guy that brings his boom box and plays his music loud enough for the whole beach to hear!
16. The Creature from the Black Lagoon: this would be the guy or gal that comes in from playing in the gulf, and they have more tattoo ink than clear skin on their body!
17. Cliff diver: that newbie at the beach that gets a running start and dives through the first wave, only to crash land on the sandy bottom!
18. Board walk shuffle: the amusing sight of watching older folks making their way to and from the water!
19. Noodler: that man or woman that requires more than two noodles for floatation in the resort swimming pool.
20. Sargent Major: that woman, that takes charge, and uses the first fifteen minutes to remind all the kids about beach safety, and how to stay alive in that water out there!
There are a lot more. These will help you make it thru the first hour, then you're on your own!
1. Chorus line: when you look up and see five or more guys in a row, in the water, facing the horizon, after drinking one too many beers.
2. Squealer: you're laid back, enjoying the view, and sounds of the surf, then you hear it: woman screaming her head off, because "something" just touched her. What!?? There are fish in this water???
3. Bombs away: when some nut decides to feed a bird. One bird becomes a whole flock. Feeding one becomes a freenzy, and the next thing you know, you're the one getting bombed from above!
4. Swoll up: there's that gal, cute little thang, wearing her itty bitty bikini, and she's at least five months pregnant!
5. Red Flag: the color of the day, telling you that you've got no business being in the water today. Rip currents will eventually grab somebody with no regard for themselves or the unlucky soul that tries to save them.
6. Rentals: these are the chairs and umbrellas that greet you when you top the dune. They rent for $25-50 a day, with a discount for the week. Be like Bill, bring your own....
7. Crime scene tape: sometimes you will see a spot in the sand that has been marked off with sticks and crime scene tape. Nobody died. This is the location of a sea turtle nest. If you're lucky, and your timing is right, you might get to watch the little ones making a run for the water!
8. Flying kite: not what you think. It's a windy day, and some nut has not secured his umbrella or tent canopy. Then a big gust of wind grabs it and off it goes! Hopefully nobody close gets hurt.
9. Roasted and toasted: there is always that guy that doesn't bother with sun screen. Next thing you know, he's riper than a tomato! He won't be back tomorrow, or any other day!
10. Diaper babe: the woman that refuses to buy a new swimsuit, and the one she has on, the elastic and spandex is totally shot, evidenced by her saggy bottom!
11. Navy Diver: that guy, that shows up with his latest purchase from the surf shop: snorkle, mask, and fins. You can usually spot him in three feet of water getting tossed about by the rolling surf!
12. Jay Bird: some parents let their toddler free style, with nothing on but a smile.
13. Fire walker: the Dude that shows up barefoot on the hottest day ever. Hot! Hot! Hot!
14. Sentry : that lone wolf that shows up, by himself, usually with a chair and a small cooler.
15. D J: the guy that brings his boom box and plays his music loud enough for the whole beach to hear!
16. The Creature from the Black Lagoon: this would be the guy or gal that comes in from playing in the gulf, and they have more tattoo ink than clear skin on their body!
17. Cliff diver: that newbie at the beach that gets a running start and dives through the first wave, only to crash land on the sandy bottom!
18. Board walk shuffle: the amusing sight of watching older folks making their way to and from the water!
19. Noodler: that man or woman that requires more than two noodles for floatation in the resort swimming pool.
20. Sargent Major: that woman, that takes charge, and uses the first fifteen minutes to remind all the kids about beach safety, and how to stay alive in that water out there!
There are a lot more. These will help you make it thru the first hour, then you're on your own!
Monday, May 23, 2016
Beaching On the Cheap
Somebody asked for the essentials for beaching. I try, as best I can, to do it as cheap as possible. This includes buying extra swimmy suits at the end of the season when they are marked down 75% off. Ain't no reason for a woman to show up at the beach with a six year old swimmy suit that the elastic is shot and her rear has a sag line, if you know what I mean! It's best to have two or maybe three suits so that you will always have a clean one while the other is either drying or being washed.
When you travel to the beach as much as we do, you figure out that chair and umbrella rentals are expensive! We opt to bring our own. I like the Sportsbrella model the best because it is light weight and has the UV coating on the underside. Luckily we have never had one tear up on us by the wind. I use plastic anchors to hold the umbrellas in the ground. I tried using a metal one once, but the tightening knob rusted shut after one season.
For me, I cannot do without my beach cart. They roll great, til you reach sand, then you end up dragging to your spot, but it can carry just about everything you want to bring. We then collapse it at put it behind our chairs.
We like using sand spikes to hold our cups, and sometimes our electronic devices. These spikes help keep the sand off your stuff.
This year we have added a Bluetooth speaker so we can listen to Internet radio or pandora. Helps pass the time when the beach birds aren't flocking that day.
If you are into shelling, be sure to bring along a mesh bag and also pick up a dip net or shelling stick. These are helpful in keeping the sea water out of your mouth when those rogue ways come your way.
Most resorts furnish beach towels that can be exchanged at some point for a clean one. We tend to bring extras, just in case.
Toiletries are a no brainer, but you can pack a littler lighter by bringing the small sample sizes of shampoo and tooth paste to save room in your suitcase.
If you are bringing a wee one, a fitted sheet makes a great play pad. Just put something substantial in the corners to keep the sheet stretched out tight. Your wee one will have a ball and be "sand free" for the most part.
If you are doing the Condo thing, you need to pack a box with all the kitchen items that you will need: washing powder pods, foil, paper supplies, seasonings, etc...
We bring along our margarita machine, ziploc bags, and all the ingredients for frozen ritas. I freeze them overnight and use them as ice packs for the early part of the day, then by 11 or so, it's "5 o'clock somewhere"!
I've learned from other guests, that if you are flying in for your beach vaca, think about stopping by the resale and consignment shops for umbrellas and chairs. You can either sales them back to the shops, or leave them at the complex for newly arriving guests to enjoy!
We usually cook at least half our meals at our unit and also do simple breakfasts and pack sandwiches and snacks for our all day stay beaching. Bringing the basic seasonings from home help keep down the cost of the trip to the grocery store.
Once you are at the beach, enjoy yourself. Respect others by not playing you music too loud, and pick up after yourself. Be mindful not to feed the birds. You will start a freezy, and some poor soul will get "bombed".
That's about it for this one. Enjoy yourself, especially when you are beaching. No problems, no worries, just wind, sand and surf!
When you travel to the beach as much as we do, you figure out that chair and umbrella rentals are expensive! We opt to bring our own. I like the Sportsbrella model the best because it is light weight and has the UV coating on the underside. Luckily we have never had one tear up on us by the wind. I use plastic anchors to hold the umbrellas in the ground. I tried using a metal one once, but the tightening knob rusted shut after one season.
For me, I cannot do without my beach cart. They roll great, til you reach sand, then you end up dragging to your spot, but it can carry just about everything you want to bring. We then collapse it at put it behind our chairs.
We like using sand spikes to hold our cups, and sometimes our electronic devices. These spikes help keep the sand off your stuff.
This year we have added a Bluetooth speaker so we can listen to Internet radio or pandora. Helps pass the time when the beach birds aren't flocking that day.
If you are into shelling, be sure to bring along a mesh bag and also pick up a dip net or shelling stick. These are helpful in keeping the sea water out of your mouth when those rogue ways come your way.
Most resorts furnish beach towels that can be exchanged at some point for a clean one. We tend to bring extras, just in case.
Toiletries are a no brainer, but you can pack a littler lighter by bringing the small sample sizes of shampoo and tooth paste to save room in your suitcase.
If you are bringing a wee one, a fitted sheet makes a great play pad. Just put something substantial in the corners to keep the sheet stretched out tight. Your wee one will have a ball and be "sand free" for the most part.
If you are doing the Condo thing, you need to pack a box with all the kitchen items that you will need: washing powder pods, foil, paper supplies, seasonings, etc...
We bring along our margarita machine, ziploc bags, and all the ingredients for frozen ritas. I freeze them overnight and use them as ice packs for the early part of the day, then by 11 or so, it's "5 o'clock somewhere"!
I've learned from other guests, that if you are flying in for your beach vaca, think about stopping by the resale and consignment shops for umbrellas and chairs. You can either sales them back to the shops, or leave them at the complex for newly arriving guests to enjoy!
We usually cook at least half our meals at our unit and also do simple breakfasts and pack sandwiches and snacks for our all day stay beaching. Bringing the basic seasonings from home help keep down the cost of the trip to the grocery store.
Once you are at the beach, enjoy yourself. Respect others by not playing you music too loud, and pick up after yourself. Be mindful not to feed the birds. You will start a freezy, and some poor soul will get "bombed".
That's about it for this one. Enjoy yourself, especially when you are beaching. No problems, no worries, just wind, sand and surf!
Marco (Polo ) Island
I can honestly say that this place is one of the hardest locations to find something to write about. We are here a month or so out of the "busy snow bird season". For the most part, this is the most laid back locations that we have been to, which was just what we were looking for!
Here, you take your time to get up. No rush to get to the beach, because there is hardly anyone here! The sand is nothing like that up in the panhandle of Florida and the Bama Coast. It's highly compacted, which makes walking and pushing your beach stroller a breeze. Lots of shells in the sand, and especially along the waterline.
I finally learned to back some water shoes for going back and forth to the water. We bought a shell scoop with is awesome for grabbing those finds in the water and on the shore and not have to bend over.
I've had a giggle or two, watching older retirees come out of the water carrying their noodle, or playing in the sand with their bucket and shovel! I feel that I'm trapped on set of the next filming of the movie Cocoon!
The trip down here will wear on you, but once you get here and see that beautiful blue green water, the trip is worth it!
The only bird watching has been of the feathered kind. The others are weathered, leathery, and have skin flaps like me! Three birds were up to no good. Two were getting along til a third crashed the party. One flew off, later returning with a fish in his small beak. He begang churping the loudest, til the other one left. The third, was obviously a female. She and the other soon left, I'm assuming to share in that fresh catch! Women!
No need to do the chair and umbrella rental thing since there is no problem setting up your own. I got all new chairs, new Sportsbrella umbrellas and a new Beach stroller. Cup spikes are a must to keep the sand off the cups and electronic devices. We added a Bluetooth speaker this year and bought a shell scoop when we got here, and it's the bomb!
The resort, the Charter Club, has a professional grilling station that will be utilized the rest of the week. Since we are on the west coast of Florida, we don't want to miss too many of the sunsets from this awesome coastline.
The Everglades is a short distance away and an airboat tour is climbing up the bucket list fast.
The radio is playing, and the frozen margarita is melting, so it's time for me to get back to "wasting away"!
God Bless!
Here, you take your time to get up. No rush to get to the beach, because there is hardly anyone here! The sand is nothing like that up in the panhandle of Florida and the Bama Coast. It's highly compacted, which makes walking and pushing your beach stroller a breeze. Lots of shells in the sand, and especially along the waterline.
I finally learned to back some water shoes for going back and forth to the water. We bought a shell scoop with is awesome for grabbing those finds in the water and on the shore and not have to bend over.
I've had a giggle or two, watching older retirees come out of the water carrying their noodle, or playing in the sand with their bucket and shovel! I feel that I'm trapped on set of the next filming of the movie Cocoon!
The trip down here will wear on you, but once you get here and see that beautiful blue green water, the trip is worth it!
The only bird watching has been of the feathered kind. The others are weathered, leathery, and have skin flaps like me! Three birds were up to no good. Two were getting along til a third crashed the party. One flew off, later returning with a fish in his small beak. He begang churping the loudest, til the other one left. The third, was obviously a female. She and the other soon left, I'm assuming to share in that fresh catch! Women!
No need to do the chair and umbrella rental thing since there is no problem setting up your own. I got all new chairs, new Sportsbrella umbrellas and a new Beach stroller. Cup spikes are a must to keep the sand off the cups and electronic devices. We added a Bluetooth speaker this year and bought a shell scoop when we got here, and it's the bomb!
The resort, the Charter Club, has a professional grilling station that will be utilized the rest of the week. Since we are on the west coast of Florida, we don't want to miss too many of the sunsets from this awesome coastline.
The Everglades is a short distance away and an airboat tour is climbing up the bucket list fast.
The radio is playing, and the frozen margarita is melting, so it's time for me to get back to "wasting away"!
God Bless!
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Roadside Sightings
I am so glad that the spousal unit and I travel so much by car. There is so much to see along the road side, especially when you are not on the Interstate.
It's nice to see the progress being made along hwy 471. The new route over the railroad track is going to be awesome. We got stopped at the red light at hwy 80, and I look up and see this four man MDOT crew, walking down the center lane:
The lead guy had a hand held stop sign for the traffic. The second guy had some type of survey device. The third guy was on a cell phone, and I'm guessing the fourth guy was a requirement of any State MDOT contract! As I'm watching, they would walk a bit, stop, then walk some more. The lead guy stopped prematurely and they all looked like the keystone cops, almost making a pile of bodies in the middle of the road!
It's nice to see the progress being made along hwy 471. The new route over the railroad track is going to be awesome. We got stopped at the red light at hwy 80, and I look up and see this four man MDOT crew, walking down the center lane:
The next sighting was signage for a road side vendor. I noticed the sign said "sweet taters for sale". I laughed, knowing that the spousal unit hates the word "tater". Well low and behold, we approached the next sign, and it said "sweet potatoes for sale"! We both got a laugh seeing both versions from the same "tater truck"!. How they make a living selling "taters" on the side of the road out of the back of a pickup is beyond me!
As we neared Hattiesburg on Hwy 49, I began seeing a lot of blue light activity. As we got closer, it became clear that it was some type of escort, but who or what could it be??
The procession began with eight motorcycle patrolmen, followed by several police cars. Then we see it. It's the "Travelling Vietnam Memorial" which we can recognize from the signage on the side of the trailer.
Following the truck and trailer was a steady stream of Patriot Riders, escorting the exhibit to its next stop, presumably Jackson. Behind these riders were two additional patrol cars.
It was kinda neat seeing this procession of riders, paying repect to their fallen brothers. I personally have not seen this travelling memorial, but it just made my bucket list!
The procession began with eight motorcycle patrolmen, followed by several police cars. Then we see it. It's the "Travelling Vietnam Memorial" which we can recognize from the signage on the side of the trailer.
Following the truck and trailer was a steady stream of Patriot Riders, escorting the exhibit to its next stop, presumably Jackson. Behind these riders were two additional patrol cars.
It was kinda neat seeing this procession of riders, paying repect to their fallen brothers. I personally have not seen this travelling memorial, but it just made my bucket list!
Ed''s Burger
Robert St. John opened a new burger joint in Hattiesburg and I committed myself to stop by and give it a try on my next trip thru the Burg.
Since we were headed beaching today, lunch was a planned stop at Ed's. On the way down, the spousal unit looked up the address and read a few reviews on Yelp. Lots of negative press about the long lines, but you would think Robert St. John would have it all figured out by now.
True to form, Ed's is right next to all of Robert's other restaurants on Hardy Street. Plan to walk a bit from the parking lot, since very few spaces are up close to the restaurant. We showed up right after CSPIRE had given away free samples to their walk in customers. No matter, AT&T here!
Just as the YELP reviews commented about the wait, yep, there was indeed a line, at 12:45. We joined the others and grabbed a menu. On the wall, was the storyline about the wait.
The footprint of the kitchen of the former restaurant that was in the building, limited them on being able to turn out volumes of food. Solution, longer wait to order, with much shorter wait for the delivery of the food. The public's response to Ed''s has till to this day, been overwhelming, for the staff and the owners! On this day, Robert St. John was seen working the crowd.
Ed's is a 50's style burger joint. Burgers are their specialty. There are other items on the food menu. They have all the drink orders covered, from tea, to soft drinks and even beer. And you can finish up with a hand dipped milkshake.
We enjoyed our first visit, having tried the bacon jam burger and the chilli cheese burger, and of course, a milkshake!
Don't be in a hurry on your first visit, and try to pick an off peak hour so the lines won't be a turnoff to you. Here are a few pics from our visit:
Since we were headed beaching today, lunch was a planned stop at Ed's. On the way down, the spousal unit looked up the address and read a few reviews on Yelp. Lots of negative press about the long lines, but you would think Robert St. John would have it all figured out by now.
True to form, Ed's is right next to all of Robert's other restaurants on Hardy Street. Plan to walk a bit from the parking lot, since very few spaces are up close to the restaurant. We showed up right after CSPIRE had given away free samples to their walk in customers. No matter, AT&T here!
Just as the YELP reviews commented about the wait, yep, there was indeed a line, at 12:45. We joined the others and grabbed a menu. On the wall, was the storyline about the wait.
The footprint of the kitchen of the former restaurant that was in the building, limited them on being able to turn out volumes of food. Solution, longer wait to order, with much shorter wait for the delivery of the food. The public's response to Ed''s has till to this day, been overwhelming, for the staff and the owners! On this day, Robert St. John was seen working the crowd.
Ed's is a 50's style burger joint. Burgers are their specialty. There are other items on the food menu. They have all the drink orders covered, from tea, to soft drinks and even beer. And you can finish up with a hand dipped milkshake.
We enjoyed our first visit, having tried the bacon jam burger and the chilli cheese burger, and of course, a milkshake!
Don't be in a hurry on your first visit, and try to pick an off peak hour so the lines won't be a turnoff to you. Here are a few pics from our visit:
 |
| Food order on the way! |
 |
| signage inside Ed's |
 |
| self serve drink station |
 |
| the decor! |
 |
| chilli cheese burger |
 |
| bacon jam burger |
As Arnold used to say, "I'll be back"!
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