Beach

I tried to learn how to surf once. My boyfriend (who is now my husband) bought me a longboard for my birthday and took me out surfing in Cayucos. It was almost impossible to paddle out–me with my noodle arms that earned me the childhood nickname “T-Rex.” But I did it and there we were, bobbing in the ocean that suddenly seemed so much bigger than it ever had from the sand. “Look!” my boyfriend said, “Dolphins!” And then he took the next wave in and left me there to wonder how he was so sure those fins were that of dolphins smiling smart and not those of sharks most certainly out to eat me. I never did surf again, my arms too skinny and my imagination too fat, and my boyfriend eventually commandeered my birthday present longboard as his own, which I somehow think was the plan all along.

I don’t know how surfers do it–bob out there with nothing but a board and their thoughts. I am too macabre, too weak, too yellow maybe, my toes tingling with the maybe of it all. So what if more people die from car crashes, wasps, from snakes and bees, from drowning? There is just something about a shark that holds a special place primal cold in my nightmares. So in honor of Shark Week, I give you three of the World’s Sharkiest Beaches (based on nothing but my own research of the www):

Catch of the day. http://www.flickr.com/photos/zainedriscoll/3623710592/

New Smyrna Beach, Florida holds the dubious honor of being called The Shark Attack Capital of the World. Surrounded on all sides by water–the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River–New Smyrna Beach boasts subtropical weather ideal not only for tourists and beach-goers, but also attractive to sharks: tiger sharks, blacktips, spinners and more. Given the large shark population and the increasing amount of people swmming and surfing in the waters just off the coastline, it is no wonder New Smyrna Beach holds the title of Shark Capital of the World.

Cape of Good Hope. http://www.flickr.com/photos/haakon/10398408/

Of course no discussion of shark attacks would be complete without mention of the coastline of South Africa. Here there has been documented footage of Great Whites leaping from the water to feast on seals, a watery ballet of grisy proportion. And it doesn’t even truly matter which particular beach you choose on South Africa’s eastern coastline—from Cape Town, up the Garden Route, and beyond to Durban. The entire area is famously shark infested. The fishing village of Gansbaai near Cape Town, for example, is known as Shark Alley for its unrivaled density of great whites. And the mouth of Kosi Bay in KwaZulu Natal, is known for its aggressive Zambezi, or bull sharks. Something tells me that it is of little solace to know that most shark attacks are a case of mistaken identity, a shark’s way of poking at something to see what it is. When the poke in question produces a deep gash down the side of one’s innards, it is of no matter that you are not a sea lion but a surfer.

How it got its name. http://www.flickr.com/photos/89044634@N00/24548709/

And then there is the poetically named Red Triangle, that is if the poet were Edgar Allen Poe and the subject the tell-tale shark attack. The Red Triangle is the name given to the roughly triangle-shaped area off the coast of Northern California extending from Bodega Bay, north of San Francisco, out to the Farallon Islands and down to Big Sur. The waters here are snack-rich, full of marine life such as elephant seals, harbor seals, sea otters and sea lions, favorite cuisine of the Great White Shark. Around thirty-eight percent of recorded Great White Shark attacks on humans in the United States have occurred within the Red Triangle – eleven percent of the worldwide total. And it just so happens that the Red Triangle includes my hometown beaches of Stinson, Bolinas, Tomales Bay where the sharks mate, and Ocean Beach where my husband now surfs sheathed in a black wet suit looking for all the world like a seal, a little gamey but good. Here the Great White rides at the tippy top of the food chain, fish and seals at the bottom, and surfers and swimmers only a half notch up from that.

So there you go. From my primal fear to yours, keep your toes tingling and stay dry–Happy Shark Week!

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

The fact that the beach at Harry Harris Beach is man-made makes it no less attractive than other Florida Keys beaches. In fact, the coral rock barrier that surrounds beach protects it from wave action and large fish. With its protected lagoon, wide expanse of white sand, half-moon sweep of stately palms, covered picnic tables, BBQ grills, showers, and bath house, this Tavernier beach approaches perfection. And that is no small compliment in the Keys, where beaches are few in number and marginal in quality.

A rock jetty creates this placid man-made lagoon in Harry Harris County Park

But that’s not all! This pleasant County facility also has playground equipment, basketball courts, a softball field, volleyball net, a bike path, and even an in-line skating park for sports enthusiasts, while boaters will find an excellent boat ramp that provides access to both Key Largo and Islamorada.

Palms, pavilions, and picnic facilities dot the sand beach

To reach Harry Harris County Park turn east on Burton Drive at the 92.5 mile marker on the Overseas Highway and follow it to the end. The park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset.

On Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays, an entrance fee of $5 per person is charged for non-residents over the age of 16.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

I am on the road again, this time on a discovery tour of the Florida Keys, surveying the islands’ best best known and least known beaches. Higgs Beach in Key West, while not as pretty as some of its counterparts, is immensely popular because of the variety of activities it offers.

The old pilings from the original pier offer the ideal location for snorkelers to see tropical fish

Higgs is tucked between two piers. On the west end, an old wooden pier juts out into the shallow water. Its concrete stairs are perfect for launching rafts or inner tubes and it is the best place for snorkeling, since schools of tropical fish hover around the pilings. Masks and snorkels are available for rent on site, as are beach chairs. On the the east end of the beach, White Street Pier, reconstructed just a few short years ago following a destructive hurricane, is popular with fisherman.

White Street Pier is a favorite with fishermen

But the fun doesn’t end with snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. Yoga classes are held every Saturday morning on the large raised pavilion on the beach, and directly across the street is a large Playground for the younger kids in the family. Colorfully painted picnic tables and barbecue grills scattered beneath the shade palms invite family picnics; those who prefer to be served will find the ever-popular bar and restaurant, Salute, located right on the beach. Restrooms and an outdoor shower complete the facilities. Higgs Beach may not be the most beautiful beach in Key West, but it is definitely one of the more popular places for fun in the sun.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

The Kennebunk River separates the upper village of Kennebunkport and the lower village of Kennebunk

Say the word Kennebunkport and most people immediately think of the summer home of ex-President George H. W. Bush. Nestled between the shores of the Kennebunk River and the ocean, the village is home to historic riverfront shops where everything from fine art to precious gems are sold, and historic mansions that stand like sentinels along the windswept ocean shores.

On the other hand, say the word Maine and people usually think of fine restaurants and mouth-watering, fresh lobster. Strangely, neither Kennebunkport nor Maine conjure up visions of lovely beaches, despite the fact that  the village is home to a wide arc of talcum powder sand that forms Gooch’s Beach and Mother’s Beach.

Even on a blustery fall day, people stroll along the wide crescent that is home to Gooch's and Mother's Beaches, here seen from the jetty on the north side of the Kennebunk River

Gooch’s, at 3,346 feet long, is the main beach. During the summer months it attracts beachcombers, sun worshipers, swimmers, and skim boarders. It is also the favorite haunt of surfers because most days the waves are big enough to ride.

Shops fill historic buildings along the waterfront, leading to the town's tiny harbor

To the north, the jetty at the mouth of the Kennebunk River is a perfect place to watch luxurious yachts sail in and out of the town’s tiny harbor, while at the southern end of the crescent, Mother’s Beach is tucked into a sheltered cove. With a playground right on the beach and gentle waves, Mother’s is a favorite of families with small children.

Both Gooch’s and Mother’s Beaches have lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day from July through Labor Day. A permit is required to park at the beach and can be obtained at the Chamber of Commerce or through local merchants. Better yet, just hop on the town trolley and ask to be taken to the beach

Maine, and especially the Kennebunkport area, is great for lobster and shopping and spotting celebrities, but its beaches should not be overlooked, because they rank among some of the finest in the country.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

Rip Current Chart - The beach is colored green and the rip is the arrow pointing down.

Getting caught in a rip current can be a scary experience. After all, a rip current is a strong seaward surface flow of water which is the official way of saying “the express line out to sea.” I remember when I was fourteen years old I used to look for rip current while on beach vacations with my family in southern Java, Indonesia. I used to think they were fun, my friends and I would intentionally look for rip currents and ride them on our inner tubes out into the water and then we would swim back to shore and do it all over again. It was silly but for the most part it was safe because I was taught at a young age how to deal with rip currents and which ones to avoid. I highly suggest you avoid rip currents in general, the point I am illustrating with my experience is that if you can recognize a rip and know how to deal with one you will know how to survive one. So stay calm.

There are three easy ways to recognize the presence of a rip current. The first (and most obvious) is to always check the signs at the beach you are headed down to. I know, I know -”DUH!” right? Well, you’d be surprised at people. I used to work at a CD store (which ONLY sold CDs) and I got yelled at by a customer who stormed in and demanded a refund for the defunct watch we sold her…riiiight. Always read the signs and always know your surroundings – isn’t that covered in Travel 101 class?

The second way to distinguish a rip is to look for an unusually calm section of water. It is particularly calm because the water is headed back to ocean, so as opposed to the waves crashing onto the shore, the water swiftly moves outwards in unison without much resistance.

Finally, keep an eye out for differently colored water with and a lower waterline. These two characteristics are classic telltale signs of a rip current. So now that you know how to look for one, we can now talk about getting out of one.

Human instinct would say PANIC! and to swim against the flow towards the beach, but this exactly the WRONG approach. First, stay calm and remember that the rip current is outflowing water and that on either side of it is inflowing water. Swimming against fast outflowing water will tire you and that is when your situation can get very dangerous. What you should do is swim parallel to the shore towards the inflowing water. If you feel you are not a strong swimmer, float on your back and wave towards the shore for help. Also, rip currents eventually die out and you can swim back to shore safely although this could take longer to accomplish.

So here is a recap:

There is a rip current if…

1. There is a sign on the beach that says so.

2. There is a section of water on the beach which is unusually calm.

3. There is a section of water which is of a different color and the waterline is lower when compared to other sections of the beach.

Most importantly:

You get out of a rip current by staying calm, swimming parallel to the beach NOT against the current towards the beach. Or, you can let the current take you out and you can swim back to shore.

Safe beaching!

By Sebastien Tobler of Colliding Continents

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

Bondi Bay, with double overhead surf and an offshore wind

During a recent visit to Sydney, Australia, a friend said I must see Bondi Beach, insisting that coming to Australia and not seeing Bondi was akin to visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. As an ex-surfer, I had long known about Bondi; it is famous with surfers the world over for its waves. To my surprise, however, I discovered that there is much more to Bondi than just surf.

Residents and tourists come from far and wide to take the 3.5 mile cliff walk leading from Bondi’s beautiful crescent, up and over the rocky headland to Coogee Beach. Many begin at the midpoint of the trail, in Bronte. Walking toward Bondi, they arrive just in time to enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the restaurants that offer unobstructed views of the bay, before making the return trip. I did not have a full day, so my friend and I began in Bondi.

The Icebergs Pool at Bondi, one of many oceanfront salt-water pools around Sydney

At the southern end of the beach we followed the concrete ramp up to the cliff walk. The well-paved path hugged the jagged rock face, climbing steeply in some areas. Soon we came to the Icebergs Pool, one of the many oceanfront salt-water pools found at Australian beaches. Home to the Bondi Icebergs Club, this club requires members to swim three out of four Sundays for a period of five years. The water is cold in the winter (thus the moniker “Icebergs”) but the pool is perched on the cliff at just the right height to catch incoming waves, providing calm waters for swimming year round.

The cliff walk between Bondi and Tamarama Beaches

A bit further along we came to tiny Tamarama and Bronte Beaches, both offering great little cafes. We had to turn back at this point, but the walk continued to Clovelly, a sheltered beach popular with families, and then on to Gordons Bay, great for snorkeling and scuba diving. The path ends at Coogee Beach, which is popular with backpackers as it the site of Selena’s night club, famous for hosting top Australian and world bands.

In addition to great surfing and body boarding, topless sunbathing and swimming are allowed at Bondi. Bondi is also home to the world’s oldest surf lifesaving club, so even if you’ve never surfed, this is the perfect place to take lessons, since there’s always someone to rescue you if you take a nasty tumble off your board.

Bondi is the nearest ocean beach to Sydney, located a mere five miles from the city center, and easily accessible by bus or train.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel

Beware the Jellyfish!

Going to the beach is going out and experiencing nature, which sometimes means you encounter nature’s not so friendly surprises. Jellyfish and humans come into contact regularly which means people get stung. So what do you do if you get stung by a jellyfish? You’ve heard all those silly stories and myths before, so now lets see what really should be done in order to avoid more stress than you have to on your beach vacation.

1. Call for help immediately

2. If you were stung while swimming, swim to shore immediately

3. Make sure you have gloves on (or any barrier between your hand and the affected area) when handling the sting.

4. If you know you have been stung by a box jellyfish then pour vinegar onto the affected area, if you know it is a Portuguese Man o’War then avoid vinegar. The best thing to do is use saltwater to wash the area off if you do not know what kind of jellyfish it was.

5. Avoid using freshwater on the sting if you were stung in salt water as this may help spread the venom

6. If there are still tentacles attached to the area, remove all parts of the Jellyfish from your body/victim’s body. Remember that you will not be able to see all of the smaller pieces so the ideal thing to do is to spread shaving cream on the affected area and ’shave it off’ with the edge of a card (credit, driver’s license etc). This will remove all the smaller jellyfish cells which are still pumping venom into the victim’s skin.

7. Drink Benadryl to avoid an allergic reaction

8. Go see a doctor ASAP

Check out this article from WebMD for more helpful information: Jellyfish Sting Treatment

By Sebastien Tobler of Colliding Continents

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

Magens Bay on the island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Island has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Although located on the northern side of the island, a narrow arm of land protects the bay from the Atlantic’s rough waters. Deep within this wide sheltered bay, Magen’s white sand beach stretches for nearly a mile. With its clear water, soft sand, and palm trees, the beach is the island’s most popular destination.

Looking down at Magens Bay from Mountain Top, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

This lovely beach offers something for everyone. While there is plenty of beach for sunbathing, there are also plenty of shaded areas under the trees. Families with young children especially love this beach for its gently sloping bottom, shallow water, and year-round life guard service. Coral reefs scattered along the rock formations on the northern and southern end of the beach provide snorkelers the opportunity to see conch, sea turtles, grouper, snapper, sharks, barracudas, parrot fish, doctor fish, surgeon fish and other marine species such as humpback whales and dolphins.

Behind Magens’ shimmering strip of sand is a restaurant and beach bar that is famous for its tropical drinks. In addition to food and drink, the local family that operates the facility also offers rentals of sail boats, sail boards, chaise lounges, masks, fins and snorkels. Showers, changing rooms, and restrooms, and camping sites area also available on site.

Whether vacationing on St. Thomas or day tripping from a cruise ship, Magens Bay is an absolute must see.

by Barbara Ann Weibel of Hole In The Donut

St. Pete Beach is a wide expanse of sugary pinkish-white sand fronting the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico

Spanning much of the length of a six mile long barrier island, St. Pete Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast. St.Pete Beach’s reputation as a first class beach destination has as much to do with the wide variety of recreational activities available as it does with its beautiful, wide beaches and crystal clear waters. A short stroll down the beach will provide opportunities to rent waverunners and beach buggies with giant wheels, or to sign up for parasailing, scuba diving, and fishing. Traditional wooden chaise lounges line the beach and are available for a nominal daily fee.

For those who prefer a more secluded beach, a 10-minute ride on a catamaran provides access to lovely Shell Key, an 18-acre undeveloped barrier island known for its shelling and birding. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy the unspoiled beach or the quiet lagoon behind the island.

On the southern tip of St. Pete Beach lies the historical district of Pass-a-Grille. Inhabited long before the rest of the island, Pass-a-Grille began life as a fishng village and has evolved into an Old Florida artists’ colony. Today, its galleries, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and shorelines draw tourists from all over the world.

The Don Cesar Beach Resort, locally referred to as the "Pink Palace." Photo courtesy of Don Cesar.

No visit to St. Pete Beach is complete without a stop at the famous Don Cesar Beach Resort. Located at the south end of the beach, this stately old hotel describes itself as “A flamingo-pink, Mediterranean landmark chiseled into the blue Florida sky, accented by Moorish bell towers, imperial turrets, clock tower, sun-splashed terraces and rows and rows of Palladian windows encased with French doors.” Now a National Historic Landmark, the Pink Castle is known for its famous guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Al Capone. Tours of the Don’s beautiful botanical gardens are available at very reasonable rates. If you’re looking for a hotel slightly less stately, St. Pete Beach has the highest number of hotel/motel rooms of any community along the Suncoast.

Photos not otherwise credited courtesy of Barbara Weibel

by Barbara Ann Weibel of Hole In The Donut

“Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw; formed by a contour of mountains into a basin…finely interspersed with islands, its water limpid as crystal, and the mountain sides covered with rich groves…down to the water-edge: here and there precipices of rock to checker the scene and save it from monotony.”
– Thomas Jefferson

As the fall foliage turns to irridescent shades of gold, orange, and red, sunbathing at Shepard's Park Beach comes to an end and "leaf peeping" begins.

Despite the fact that the area is much more accessible than it was two centuries ago and numerous towns have grown up along the shores of Lake George, Jefferson’s comment is as accurate today as it was in 1791. The waters of Lake George are known to be some of the cleanest in the nation, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to boat, sunbathe, and water ski at this pristine lake each summer.

One of the most popular destinations in this resort area is Lake George Village, nestled at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains on the southern shore of the lake. The heart of the village is the town square, with its exquisitely manicured park and outdoor amphitheater. Behind the park, just a few short steps down a flagstone stairway, is Shepard’s Park Beach. Throughout the high season, the beach’s location in the center of town allows visitors to swim and sunbathe while simultaneously enjoying a concert or one of many special events sponsored by the town. Something new and exciting is scheduled every day, from fireworks on Thursdays, to big bands on Tuesdays, to boat cruises and carriage rides in the evening.

Beachgoers and boaters alike appreciate the crystal clear waters of Lake George

Even during the coldest months, Shepard’s Park Beach is a hub of activity, beginning with the annual Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day. In February, the beach becomes the site for the opening ceremonies of the Lake George Winter Carnival. This four weekend long event features outhouse races; a childrens’ petting zoo; chicken wing, chili, BBQ, and chowder cook-offs; the Lake George Blues Blast Benefit; motorcycle and car races; an ice castle; fireworks; a Mardi Gras parade; an ATV poker run, flag football; ice diving demonstrations; hot air balloon tethered rides; a ‘closest to the pin’ contest on the ice, and a bonfire on the beach.

Due to federal and state conservation efforts, the majority of the 32-mile long shoreline is unsettled and will remain so, ensuring that Lake George’s natural beauty will be preserved for future generations. Numerous lodging options are available within Lake George Village, outside the village, or in other nearby communities such as Diamond Point or Bolton.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Ann Weibel