Don’t forget flooding during high surf and abnormally high tides. Sand clogging up the vacuum cleaner. Traffic and no place to park in the Summer. Riots on the 4th of July.
Yeah, I remember all that from growing up on the Balboa Pennisula. God, I miss it.
All of that is true, BUT — after living 7 years on a bluff above the beach just north of San Diego, I can tell you that from my perspective, the rust, salt film, and fleas were worth it.
I don’t know if you’ve ever been able to hear, Handy, but the sound of the surf is the world’s most wonderful lullaby.
Can’t tell you why, but I love the feel of salt water on my legs. Walking along the beach about shin deep was one of my greatest pleasures. (I was able to avoid stepping on the sting rays.)
There’s nothing like sitting on the rocks, staring out at the horizon to help put things in perspective. When work stress got to me, 20 minutes on the beach was wonderful therapy. In the evening, that combination of vast Pacific and the enormity of the universe always served to remind me that in the overall scheme of things, the stuff that was stressing me didn’t make a rats ass of difference.
Living in the mountains is great, but I love the ocean.
"…after living 7 years on a bluff above the
beach just north of San Diego, "
Really? The one above Blacks Beach? Wow, those are like $15M homes. Going surfing at Blacks Beach was a great thing to take the edge off when going to UCSD.
Also, I think a huge cliff fell off down there right onto some lady on the beach. Add that one.
It’s worth all those petty annoyances and more, Handy…but let’s address your list.
Unprotected ferrous metal rusts everywhere, not just at the beach. Most exterior housing products are vinyl and aluminum now anyway. Newer cars have lotsa plastic parts and superior corrosion protection.
Thats what hoses w/nozzles are good for.
Never had a mildew problem in 36 years. Except for stuff stored under the house, and that might be true anywhere.
Unless you’re RIGHT on the beach, don’t get this happening. Most seaside dwellings’ decorating schemes use a fair amount of pastels and lighter nuances, so maybe I just haven’t noticed.
Ah, now this CAN be a problem, if said relatives get on your nerves. You just have to act weirder than them, and the visits will fall off, trust me.
But let’s look at the good side:
What a place to grow up! You spend all summer swimming & running through the dunes. Yor hair bleaches out, your complexion dries up and bike accident scabs heal in double the time. When you get a little older, romance is a snap. Take a blanket and head out (However, mosquitos in the dunes can damper the lustiest ardor, trust me!). Making love at the water’s edge, with the waves gently lapping at you, is one of life’s richest experiences (IMO).
Ahem,…anyway where was I? Oh yeah,
Recreation. You have literally dozens of choices, depending on your temperment and the season. Bodysurfing is free. Jetskiing ain’t! Walking the beach during a nor’easter gives one a sense of humility Fighting a 75 lb. Wahoo is a blast. So is a day spent sailing in light, wispy winds. The choices are legion.
I, for one, could never move far from the shore for long. Must be the salt water in me veins. Oh, and the sunrises and the sunsets.
You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who can do nothing for them or to them. – Malcolm Forbes
The beautiful blue skys that meet the ocean. The soft ocean breeze. The miles and miles of blue water. The quiet morning sun rise. The crowds of tourist in the summer. The empty, peaceful beach in winter. Love all of our country but will stay by my sea…