Posted by Jody on May 25, 2013
Lincoln City, Oregon
As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.
~Henry David Thoreau
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This week’s Travel Theme from Where’s My Backpack? is Pathways.
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Posted in Pacific Coast Beaches, Today's Special | Tagged: Henry David Thoreau, Lincoln City Oregon, Oregon Coast beaches, pathways, Travel Theme | 6 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 21, 2013
Rip Currents – Break the Grip of the Rip!
Rip Current Safety Sign Posted on Lifeguard Tower
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rip currents are the #1 safety threat at beaches.
Rip currents can be really hard to spot, so exercise caution if you see the following:
- a channel of churning, choppy water;
- an area with a noticeable difference in color;
- a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily out to sea;
- and/or a break in the incoming wave pattern.
If you get caught in one:
- Stay calm, don’t fight the current.
- Swim sideways out of the current and parellel to the shore, then at an angle back to the shore.
If you can’t escape it:
- Float or calmly tread water. The rip current will eventually fade.
- Try to face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.
If you see someone caught in one, DO NOT try to rescue them yourself, instead:
- Get a lifeguard or call 911.
- Yell instructions.
- And if possible, throw a life preserver or floatation device.
These things may help you save a life.
The ocean can be a source of fun and excitement, but you should always be careful of hazards that exist. Only swim at lifeguard protected beaches. Before your next trip to the beach, know how to spot a rip current and how to break the grip of the rip.
Source: Ocean Today (NOAA)
Lifeguard Tower with Posted Rip Current Safety Signs
Please take a look at these very helpful links:
“Don’t get sucked in by the rip…” Rip Current Science and Safety Video: Australia
The Grip of the Rip – NOAA Video
United States Lifesaving Association Rip Current Survival Guide
Have a safe day at the beach!
This week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge topic is Escape.
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Posted in Beach Safety Tips, Tuesday Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, beach safety sign, escape, NOAA, postaday, rip current safety, Weekly Photo Challenge | 4 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 20, 2013
Posted in Beach and Coastal Wildlife, Today's Special | Tagged: beach, beach sign, Santa Cruz California Beach, Save Our Shores | 5 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 17, 2013
Cycling at San Francisco’s Aquatic Park Beach
Joy Riding on Bryan Beach, Texas Gulf Coast
A Ride to the Beach!
Free Parking: Wavy Bike Rack at Manhattan Beach, California
Why not ride a bicycle to the beach during National Bike Month?
Bicycle riding is fun & healthy, and the parking is free!
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Helpful links:
Posted in Today's Special | Tagged: beach, bicycle, bike, family beach activities, National Bike Month | 5 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 15, 2013
The Santa Cruz Wharf on California’s Central Coast ~A quiet midweek in early May~
At 2,745 feet in length, the wooden Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest pier on the West Coast of the USA.
Greg and I had the best time exploring the Santa Cruz Wharf. We could hear the California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) barking from the beach, but we didn’t spot the first set of these noisy critters until we got to the very end of the wharf. The next morning, there were quite a few sea lions out enjoying the sunshine on the deck alongside the wharf’s waterside stairs. They were quite active and very entertaining!
About the marine sanctuary aspect of the Santa Cruz Wharf:
“The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is a Federally protected marine area offshore of California’s central coast. Stretching from Marin to Cambria, the MBNMS encompasses a shoreline length of 276 miles and 6,094 square miles of ocean. Supporting one of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems, it is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants in a remarkably productive coastal environment. The MBNMS was established for the purpose of resource protection, research, education, and public use of this national treasure. The MBNMS is part of a system of 13 National Marine Sanctuaries and one marine national monument, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”
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More helpful links~ The City of Santa Cruz: The Santa Cruz Wharf
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Marine Protected Areas and the California Marine Life Protection Act
Posted in Beach and Coastal Wildlife, Northern California Beaches, Sea Lions and Seals | Tagged: beach, California Sea Lions, California's Central Coast, Marine Protected Area, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, pier, Santa Cruz Wharf, Zalophus californianus | 4 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 14, 2013
~Patterns in the Sand~
Art on the Beach
~ Making Patterns in the Sand ~
On Manhattan Beach, Southern California
This week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge theme is Pattern.
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Posted in Sand and Shoreline, Southern California Beaches, Today's Special | Tagged: beach, Manhattan Beach California, pattern, postaday, Weekly Photo Challenge | 4 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 11, 2013
Mother and Daughter on the Oregon Coast
A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.
~Washington Irving, Author
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Posted in Today's Special | Tagged: beach, Happy Mother's Day | 11 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 11, 2013
Main Beach and Cowell Beach
Play it Safe at the Beach!
Main Beach and Cowell Beach
Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz Sands
16 beach volleyball courts are available for rent on the main beach in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk
Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz Treasure Hunter
Beautiful Santa Cruz
Main Beach and Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz
Main Beach and Cowell Beach
View from the tracks
Main Beach from the Bluff, Santa Cruz
From the beach to the boardwalk
Helpful link~ City of Santa Cruz: Main Beach and Cowell Beach
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Can you believe that this week’s Travel Theme is Beaches? I just pushed the “Easy” button! 
Posted in Boardwalk, Northern California Beaches | Tagged: beach, beaches, California's Central Coast, Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz California Beach, Santa Cruz Main Beach, Travel Theme | 8 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 9, 2013
Midweek in early May 2013 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on California’s Central Coast
“World’s Best Seaside Amusement Park” ~ Amusement Today
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Where’s your favorite Boardwalk? We’d love to know!
Helpful link~ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park
Posted in Boardwalk, Northern California Beaches | Tagged: beach, boardwalk, California's Central Coast, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park | 12 Comments »
Posted by Jody on May 7, 2013
Cute photo swiped from Google search
A lot of people love tuna.
Some are concerned about tuna not being dolphin-friendly.
Some are concerned about the amount of mercury in the large fish.
Some are vegan or vegetarian and don't eat tuna, but they miss it and crave it.
Well if you love the taste, here is an amazing protein-packed vegan recipe to try.
Posted in Today's Special | Tagged: beach, beach picnic foods, beach picnic ideas, vegan mock tuna recipe, vegan tuna salad | 9 Comments »
alainaflute
Greg
Jody
E.G.D.
