You can come out now...

Most every one's gone but the locals, leaving the 30A beaches just the way we like them, kind of empty. Okay, don't get me wrong...we like our visitors...we love them. Without them we couldn't live here year round but during the "shoulder" seasons, the weather is great, the water is nicest and the lines to get into restaurants are pretty much non-existent. Another bonus is we townies can get back in touch with the shorebirds and pelicans and gulls we share the beach with. All the wildlife is more approachable this time of year. Another sure sign of fall are the random rough and tumble sandcastles made with whatever is handy, without the aid of Walmart plastic molds. They are a bit more primitive but have a good vibe to them standing like little forts built for the crabs to trample over until the tide takes them down to a sandy, sticky rubble. And of course the street traffic is nice and light. A nice beachy pace like it should be. Funny how when people come visit the beach it takes them time to slow down and relax.

The clean-up crews are still here and there but they are not the focus of attention anymore and their numbers are minimal. You don't see any damage but these days, without the vacationers, it seems to me like the rythum of the waves coming in and going out are an exercise of washing themselves. That will change. We have time. It will be nice to take some time to really be with the beach again. I didn't go in this morning because I didn't have my swimsuit on but everything looks just right to me now and I'll have a dip next time. There's nothing better.