It was a cloudy day on the beach the last time Mike and I went for a walk there--at least when we first got there.
Things change day to day, minute to minute. The tides or a strong storm can carve a whole new face on the beach. Some days treasures are littering the sand. Another day there is just sand. We see a lot more people, especially families with children visiting grandparents, at this time of year...but not today--too early, too cloudy.
There were plenty of pelicans out fishing. Mike wanted a picture of them, but he always insists on the panoramic view. The smudges are pelicans, trust me on that.
I tried to introduce him to the concept of changing the lens and zooming in, but some are just naturally more resistant to change than others.
Then the tree fell over. Sand has been washing over it. Some of the branches stick out, but it no longer looks like a tree. It looks like a dead bush, maybe. Still, nearly everyone refers to the the "dead tree." I am sure it is confusing to newcomers who do not know the history.
It seems that every year there is an effort by some group or another to have this particular section of the beach--by the dead tree--declared a clothing optional beach. Unless you really consider those bits of spandex thong things clothing, I would say it already is clothing optional, but it is a change that the city council resists making official.
On the whole, that particular resistance is probably a good thing. This is not where the beautiful people and the spring breakers hole up. I once heard someone say that people in Florida and other warm climates are in much better shape than the rest of the country because their clothing is more revealing because of the weather and so they make more of an effort to stay in shape. And maybe that is so, but they are also more exposed to the ravaging effects of the sun. Not all change is for the better.
I love when you share your Florida adventures! I'll take your word for it that they're pelicans!
ReplyDeletePeace,
Muff
Florida seems like an alternate universe to me right now. I enjoy reading of your adventures.
ReplyDeleteChange happens, as they say. As that is probably a good reason to keep it covered up!
ReplyDeleteHa! you nailed it on that comment!
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ReplyDeleteGood luck with the nude beach. My only experience with one convinced me that the people who frequent them would be better served keeping their clothes on.
ReplyDeleteSo true!
DeleteAs a regular Snowbird visitor to Florida, my vote is: keep the nude beaches in California. But your post ... oh, how it makes me want to take a walk in the sand!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love walking on a beach? It's one of my favorite things to do... early in the morning or around sunset. I'm not one for swimming, but walking by the water or sitting by the ocean is so-oo serene. It puts life into perspective. I once had all my priorities slip into place while standing on a pier during a storm.
ReplyDeleteI do love the beach--the air, the colors, the sounds.
DeleteA friend of mine did a student exchange in Germany. He went to a nude beach--once. He said that for 90% of the people, from the neck down it was a toss up which was male and which was female. I would probably fit right in. However, my interests in public aesthetics dictates that I remain fully clothed at any beach.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am much too vain to be seen in public in the nude...or even with sleeveless shirts.
DeleteDo I detect a sadness? I am in the land of snow and beaches sure look great right now!
ReplyDeleteNot sad. Even on a cloudy day the beach is beautiful to me.
DeleteI could never do the nude beach thing. Couldn't have gotten up the nerve to do it when I was young and gravity hadn't taken over and I sure am not going to ever find the nerve to do it now.
ReplyDelete