Winter Beach Rides And Low Tides

Greetings from the island everyone!  I hope that all of you are doing well and weathered the very cold temps and high winds that we had last month.  Being on a barrier island, the temperatures never get quite as cold as on the mainland, especially the more inland towns, but dipping down into the mid 20’s like it did last month was dang cold!  And factor in the 20-30 mph winds, it certainly felt like temps were in the teens.  That’s too darn cold for sure!  Corky, Jetty and I just hunkered down and stayed inside during those several days, running my little propane heater and a few stovetop burners to stay warm and thawed out during the day and night.

I know that I talk a lot about the tides out here, but the fact is they play a very important role in when I can, or cannot, get off the island and then return when it’s time.  For some reason, it seems like the tides have been much lower this winter, and staying low for extended times, than in previous winter months.  Of course the strong north winds are the primary factor in the tides dropping lower, and if those winds continue blowing hard for 3-4 days at a time, the water level just gets lower and lower.  To get off the barrier island and into the actual bay, I have to maneuver out of the lagoon and through a narrow inlet, and it’s this inlet that becomes impassable if the tide gets too low, at times being only inches deep   There have been several times this winter that I had to lift the motor and get on the bow and pole the boat through the narrow shallow inlet.

Corky and I have been making a few trips down to the beach lately, when we can catch a nice weather day without the bitter cold and rain.  The island has seen an abundance of rain the past month, having gotten nearly 9” of the wet stuff since the beginning of January.  Once on the beach, Mr. Dog and I just drive along, me looking for seashells or unusual treasures that might have washed ashore, while Corky is doing his running and chasing the little surf birds.  The beach has been fairly clean lately, not a lot of seashells or neat little finds to collect and bring back to the house.  Beach combing is definitely a hit and miss endeavor, never knowing what, if anything, might wash up on the beach.  I’ve seen several weeks at a time pass and very few treasures would make their way from the Gulf of Mexico onto the sandy beach.  But it’s still enjoyable being on the beach and seeing all of nature’s wonders.

In closing, I want to take a minute to wish my handsome and smart little buddy, Kamdon, a very HAPPY 7th  BIRTHDAY!!  I hope you have a wonderful day and get lots of great birthday presents!  I love you, little Kam.
That’s it from the island for now, everyone take care and have a wonderful day, and Happy Valentines Day to all!