30A Secrets

We all have secret places we don't want to share. There is a path in the State Forest that I love so much I don't even like using it myself. I don't want to mess it up and just me being there will do that because other people might see me going to it and then they will invite more people and then it will just get changed into something unrecognizable. That is the kind of conflict we face here on 30A. There is talk of a fishing pier being built on Grayton Beach, thank BP. Just hearing that made me catch my breath and not in a good way. I like fishing but I can't see a fishing pier being a good idea anywhere on South Walton 30A beaches. A fishing pier, or any kind of pier, will certainly bring more people into the "underutilized" state park but right now, our scenic highway and all our pretty beaches are pretty popular and our infrastructure is kind of straining under the pressure. It's challenging enough taking care of our seasonal vacationers in the manner that they have become accustomed to. We aren't set up at all for "day-trippers"...our one road gets congested with traffic as it is during peak season. It would be a better idea to take care of what we have and fix what needs fixin' before we invite more people to come. A fishing pier isn't going to take the pressure off of 30A beach accesses by drawing people to the park, it will just add traffic. There is a community meeting on this subject May 7th at 5pm at the South Walton annex. Geez, I hope people come out and have some input on projects that are lining up to be done because the fishing pier in Grayton Beach is one of them. I remember my mom telling me how when she and my dad were first dating in Miami, he was known to just pull the car over and dive into the river from a bridge to cool off. When I was a child south Florida looked a lot different than it does now but even by the time I was a teenager the rivers didn't look clear enough for me to dive into, no way. With lots of people, asphalt and trash, degradation happens fast. I pray we are more careful in how we handle the growth here. We are going to grow and as much as I'd kind of like to, we can't keep the secret to ourselves.  But we can plan thoughtfully and we can think hard about how to do the least harm. It's just so important to decide ahead of time what we want to leave our children and their children. What can we do to protect the things that people like about coming here? At the risk of repeating myself, that is the question that should always guide us.

Beach bonfires in South Walton

I have lived in Florida most my life and here on 30A over 10 years so I have had the chance to do many beachy things. I've been to almost all the beach accesses, walked the parks and the state forest, eaten at almost all the restaurants, at least poked my head into almost all the stores, walked and rode on the bike path and neighborhoods and I can't say that I have had an unpleasant experience anywhere so when visitors ask me what to do here, it's hard to give bad advice. But after this weekend, a beach bonfire is something else that will now be high on my suggestion list to experience. Geez I hadn't been to a beach bonfire for years and this was the first time on the gulf coast and it was lovely. Getting a professional to set it up for you is the best way to go because there are permits involved and, well, it was just fun showing up with everything ready. We have some fine vendors in south walton that will be happy to help you. They all have different levels of service and pricing to match. Livewell put this event together on Grayton Beach, in my opinion, one of the best beaches in the state...maybe the best. So we walk down to this circle of chairs surrounding a big beautiful fire, joining our group for the festivities. At first the fire itself is not the showcase. The white sand, the golden light of the late afternoon, the beautiful water, the "young people" playing, the ritual of gathering, that is what sets the mood.  The bonfire organizer had a nice spread of food to munch on while the food was simmering in the big pot. We enjoyed beverages as we watched the sun set like a ball of fire into the gulf. Sunset is always a spectacular show in itself but as the sun was setting the big orange moon took the eastern stage and then settled into a pretty backdrop for nightfall, the moon rays sparkling on the water. Yep, excellent. After we ate the shrimp boil feast which included some kid friendly sides, we picked seats around the bonfire. Contained in a metal firepit, the flames provided a warm, very friendly focal point. Evenings on the beach cool down and sitting around the fire was just right and I have to say, not having to do a bit of work for it was kind of nice. The sun, the moon, the water, the fire, the people the food, all good.

Easy Does It On 30A

The 10 best ways to enjoy the beaches here:

1. Slow down. Beach time is a lot slower than city time. No need to go fast here for anything. Really. If you are rushing around, you are not on beach time. Take a breath of the gulf air and relax.

2. Go fishing. You can fish right from shore or go to Grayton and catch a charter. If you don't catch anything that is fine. Just relax and enjoy the experience.

3. Take a walk on the beach and then take a nap. Nothing more soothing than the ocean waves and the warm sun to calm you into a nice nap after a good walk.

 
4. Play in the water. Sand castles and shells and shore fish can be very entertaining. Be nice to the critters.

 

5. Enjoy nature quietly. Watch carefully and you will see wonderful sites of some of our really interesting neighbors.

6. Be nice to the people around you. The folks who work here, work hard to serve you. Believe me they want you to have a good time while you are here.

7. Ride a bike (and lock them because...for some reason, sometimes they get "borrowed" and it can be difficult to find them)

8. We have some really fine dining here on 30A. It's hard to have a bad experience. Eat well and drink responsibly.

9. Choose to be happy. Just do it.

10. Leave no trace.