The daze of summer
By Charles P. Eberson
Senior Moments
Just prior to summer, it is common in the shore communities such as the shore community in which I live, to post what I call “Rules of Conduct” to follow for residents and visitors alike. Usually, they consist of biking hours, dog walking, alcohol consumption and observing pedestrian crossings since they have a habit of flinging themselves in front of oncoming cars. Now that we are in mid-summer, how do I perceive it going?
First, let me be clear: I am not complaining. If one is to live in a very desirable resort, one must accept some of the behavior that temporarily comes with it. But as a student of human behavior, I find some of it worth noting. As far as bicycling on the boardwalk, I find the Lance Armstrong wannabees amusing if not hazardous, using pedestrians and slower bikers as pilons. Then there are the electric bikes and scooters which add to the Thunderdome. Beachgoers pause before they cautiously attempt to cross the boardwalk. There are no “pedestrian crossing” rules on the boardwalk; everyone has their own “Rules of Engagement.”
As a former smoker, I understand the pleasures of a good smoke on the beach but one guy smoking a cigar like a locomotive was a bit much especially since he was practically sitting on our towel and the wind was blowing my way. It was pretty obvious to me that a gentlemanly request of him putting his cigar out or moving farther away would have us both off of the beach and in front of a judge. I found that tossing little pretzels around his supine body, thus forcing him to fight off the diving seagulls, offered the necessary distraction from smoking his cigar and was the more peaceful alternative.
Speaking of smoking, now I am no longer shocked by the smell of marijuana as I ride on the boardwalk. I remember when people felt like outlaws, risk takers, etc. while surreptitiously purchasing and smoking pot (I am told.) Now, because of relaxed laws and medical marijuana cards, people can light up a joint, doob or a fatty, blowing thick plumes into the air resulting in my impulse to imbibe in an ice cream sundae with peanut M & M’s.
Another breach of boardwalk etiquette is people ambling along, four across taking up what is half of the boardwalk. This backs up the rhythm and flow of the aforementioned bikers, strollers, runners, scooters forcing them into oncoming bikers, strollers, runners and scooters. But what triggered this diatribe happened to my wife and I recently on the beach.
We only visit the beach on the weekdays to avoid the crush of humanity. Ever cognizant of the tides, we positioned ourselves comfortably above the high water line with our umbrella, chairs, cooler and a cute little end table and a beautiful unobstructed view of the ocean. Before too long, two women old enough to know better, positioned themselves no more than six feet in front of us with beach chairs and started putting up their umbrella. My wife and I just looked at each other and shook our heads. I was clean out of pretzels, so we just decided to make the best of it. It was a beautiful day right up until their umbrella was caught by the wind and slammed into my wife’s chair causing her to cry out in alarm. Ordinarily, I would be the first to assist someone struggling with a windblown beach umbrella but I was confident they had it handled.
So, the precious days of summer continue to roll by. The ocean is forever changing, glistening, renewing. The beach keeps calling and the sun bathes us in its warmth during these Halcyon days. Let us all take a deep breath. Labor Day is approaching.
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson.fineartamerica.com
