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Greg
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E.G.D.Show us your seaside style!
Happy Holidays from the Mississippi Gulf Coast!
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Seaside Style
Posted by Jody on December 1, 2016
Posted in Beachy Keen Art, Gulf of Mexico Beaches, Holiday, Sand and Shoreline | Tagged: beach, Pass Christian Mississippi | Leave a Comment »
Cruisin’ The Coast
Posted by Greg on October 9, 2016
There is a celebration we didn’t know about when we moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast a couple months ago. It’s not something people usually think about when they say, “Lets go to the beach!”. Touted as “America’s Largest Block Party,” Cruisin’ The Coast is winding up its 20th anniversary year this weekend. According to the Cruisin’ The Coast web site, “Cruisin’ The Coast® has become the biggest special event in the state of Mississippi. As Cruisin’ The Coast® has grown, the honors and awards have followed suit.”
From the reports I’ve heard, this year there are between 6,000 and 7,000 registered classic cars and many more that are not registered. I haven’t seen final numbers yet, but last year there was a record 7,639 registered cruisers that participated in the event. Cruisers and spectators come from all over – packing hotels and setting up camp along Beach Boulevard. If you love classic and custom cars this is the week-long (8 days, really) event to attend. And even if you don’t love cars it’s still one heck of a party at the beach! Jody will freely tell you she doesn’t know a Edsel from a Studebaker and she thoroughly enjoyed the nightly parade of cruisers along Beach Boulevard, aka: Hwy. 90.
This is a collage of some of the photos we took as the sun set last night. Classics were represented from a wide range of years up to 1989 (the newest models the organization considers classic), with a huge number of 1950’s Chevys in the mix.
Ya’ll can start planning for next year’s event with a little help from the following sites:
Visit Mississippi: Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
Welcome to the coast!
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
20th Annual Cruisin’ The Coast
Wishing you safe cruising! ~ From a motorhead of yesteryear, Greg
Posted in Gulf of Mexico Beaches | Tagged: beach, beach events, classic cars, Crusin' The Coast, Gulfport Mississippi, Mississippi Gulf Coast | Leave a Comment »
S.H.A.R.K. in the Sky!
Posted by E.G.D. on September 23, 2016
Photograph © Jody Diehl
It isn’t really noticeable here in the Houston area yet, but it is officially autumn! Can you believe it? Summer just flew by. One way or another, we’re past peak beach season, which never really made much sense to me. In the autumn and winter months, I’m as likely to go to the beach as spring and summer. Granted, the sorts of things I do on the beaches change with the seasons. In the colder months, most of us are pretty unlikely to go wading and swimming, but shelling is often best in the dead of winter, and if you ask me, there’s no better time for beach kite flying than autumn! Here in La Porte, TX, we are truly fortunate to have a spectacular organization that sends sea creatures into the sky on a pretty regular basis right at our very own Sylvan Beach: The South Houston Area Recreational Kiters, or S.H.A.R.K. for short.
Photograph © Jody Diehl
At the tail end of last autumn, Jody (my mom) captured some great photographs of some S.H.A.R.K. kites, and while we were there, the kiters kindly arranged it so that we could pet the dolphin kite (and while doing so, we got a chance to show everyone how big these kites really are!). The only photo in this lineup that does not belong to Jody is the one of crab ground-kites, which were at Sylvan Beach on a different day and were photographed by F. Travis Riley. I hope you enjoy the slideshow:
If you like what you see, S.H.A.R.K. meets to fly beachy kites at beaches all over the Port of Houston/Galveston Bay area. They have a great calendar of events that lets you know where they’ll be and when.
Have a great start to your autumn, everyone! I hope you don’t miss a chance to see high-flying sea creatures at a beach sometime soon- E.G.D.
Posted in Friday Finds, Gulf of Mexico Beaches | Tagged: beach, beach kites, kites, La Porte Texas, Sylvan Beach, Sylvan Beach Park, Texas Gulf Coast beach | 1 Comment »
Weekend Wisdom
Posted by Jody on July 24, 2016
Rockport, Texas
“We could never have loved the earth so well if we had had no childhood in it.”
~George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss, 1860
~~~
Posted in Gulf of Mexico Beaches | Tagged: beach, George Eliot, Rockport Texas beach, Weekend Wisdom | 1 Comment »
The Best Little Beach Towns On The Pacific Coast
Posted by E.G.D. on July 16, 2016
Today’s Featured Guest Writer is Claire Lovesti.
The west coast may be best known for San Fran and LA, but these beachy babies are sure to make any vacation worthwhile.
The big stars of California (L.A., Long Beach, Napa Valley) and bustling cities of Washington (Space needle anyone?) get all the good reviews on TripAdvisor, but when it comes to getting the small town experience to a t, it’s more about the west coast towns that are a little off the radar.
From beautiful northern islands all the way down to Laguna, here are five beaches that are bound to make you lust after a trip out west.
- San Juan Islands, Washington
View of Roche Harbor from the McMillan Suites by Bhsantos
This archipelago in Washington with a penchant for northwestern landscape and wildlife are literally a sight to behold. From the horseshoe shaped Orca Island to the bustling Roche Harbor on San Juan, there’s plenty to do and see here to make any beach vacation a gorgeous one. For orca whale sightings, head for the national park on Orca Island. For great hiking and kayaking, head for Moran State Park. With accessibility between these islands limited almost exclusively to boats (Anacorte is the only town you can connect to the mainland by bridge), it’s a dream situation where you’re literally cut off from the rest of the world by, at the very least, a charming ferry ride. Stay at the Roche Harbor Resort in your very own town house and grab a bite at Lime Kiln Cafe—it’s a mix of great views and a great breakfast!
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach may be Oregan’s less famous beach town, but it gets you out of the way of all of the tourist traffic of Seaside and offers the same excellent beach feel. Haystack Rock is known for it’s killer landscape and beautiful beach atmosphere (also well known for being featured in The Goonies and Point Break) and is a must-see stop on your itinerary, as is Hug Point State Recreation Park with it’s waterfall and excellent hiking opportunities. Arch Cape Inn & Retreat will provide European style architecture (and eco-friendly outdoor excursions) while Cannon Beach Hotel offers the classic New England style B&B with excellent beach views. With a healthy restaurateur selection, I suggest making plans at The Irish Table (worth the wait in line) and Tom’s Fish and Chips for a local, quick bite.
- Monterey, California
Cannery Row’s Beach in Monterey, CA
Monterey’s claim to fame may have been all the sardine canneries along the coast, but good news for the tourists (and for the smell) Cannery Row is now a waterfront delight that looks like the “Good Ole Days” but is bustling with excellent, modern attractions. Boasting an excellent seaside aquarium, a stellar brewing company (an original Cannery Row beer milkshake anyone?), and a beautiful inn or two, Monterey is the place to go for local culture, flavor, and an authentic West Coast beach vibe that has nothing to do with surfing or getting the perfect beach tan. American classic novelist John Steinbeck wrote of the Canneries in his novel, Cannery Row, and while Steinbeck’s character enjoyed his beer milkshake, I bet any traveller is going to enjoy it more since it’s gotten an upgrade since it’s literary mention in 1945.
- Santa Barbara, California
By John Wiley User:Jw4nvc – Santa Santa Barbara, California
While Santa Barbara might not be anyone’s idea of a small beach town, it’s undeniable that this charming city by the sea is definitely underrated. From the picturesque boardwalk to the extensive botanical gardens, there’s so much more to do than just enjoy the beach life (and that’s perfectly great for me). This beach town is perfect for travelers who like to get in plenty of cultural stops as well as sun rays, so make sure to stop at Lotusland for an exotic botanical experience, the Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park including Native American stone paintings, and Arlington Theatre for a cool, old-fashioned movie theatre vibe.
For fans of a packed itinerary, download the Best of Santa Barbara app from the iTunes store for free and enjoy the limitless options that the city has to offer. Heading to the West Coast from out of town? All non-US travelers can grab a local SIM card for their unlocked iPhone and save on international plans while keeping the same service!
- Laguna Beach, California
Laguna Beach, CA by D Ramey Logan
While the innuendo of a Lauren Conrad or Kristin Cavallari apocalypse comes along with any mention of Laguna, it’s still the most picturesque little beach town on the California coast. Full of art galleries, fantastic restaurants, and that full-on beach town vibe, this nook previously visited by artists and writers is now a great place for families, couples, and friends to go on vacation. If you’ve got the vacation budget, I suggest a stay at the The Inn At Laguna Beach—crystal beach water views, excellent food and coffee, and just steps away from the main town center of Laguna.
If you’re aiming for a relaxed, off the beaten path vibe, these five choices are sure to give you that beach tan and hang ten vibe—just a word of warning, you may never want to leave!
About the author:
I’m Claire – a self-confessed travel nut. I’ve been traveling around the world since my mum farewelled me in a teary goodbye and I haven’t looked back since. You can read all about my adventures through 48 cities in 26 countries on 4 continents on my blog Traveltio.com.
~~~~
A note from our Treasure Hunters:
We simply love to share when it comes to beaches, treasure hunting, beachcombing crafts, and beachy tips. How about you? Do you have a favorite beach you’d like to share with us? Maybe you have some great tips for beach picnics, seaside safety, or seashore activities. Please check out our Submission Guidelines for info on jumping into the fun at Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches. You could be our next Featured Guest Writer!
Posted in A Treasure of a Beach (Best Beaches), Beaches of North America, Featured Guest Writer, Northern California Beaches, Pacific Coast Beaches, Southern California Beaches | Tagged: beach, Cannon Beach Oregon, Laguna Beach, California, Monterey, California, San Juan Islands, Washington, Santa Barbara, California | 4 Comments »
Carla’s Club Med and My Country Club
Posted by Jody on July 15, 2016
Many thanks to Jake W., today’s Featured Guest Writer.
Photo by Jake Wollam
I’d much rather be here than there; the serenity of a lapping wave, sounds from the birds and the occasional fish jumping for joy is, to me, what flowers are to bees. It’s what feeds and nurtures my soul. Without the salt, sand, shells, and sea, my life would be quite bland. It’s Carla’s Club Med and my country club. Winter can be the best time to explore without the spring and summer’s swelling reign of humans. I’m not saying that in a bad way; lots of coastal towns rely on tourist support to live.
Photo by Jake Wollam
Photo by Jake Wollam
Photo by Jake Wollam
Photo by Jake Wollam
Photo by Jake Wollam
I’ve met some great people over the years doing the same thing I do. Enjoying Mother Earth’s givings and giving back .
This is a friendly reminder to take your trash with you, and you may be rewarded a treasure.
~~~
Posted in Featured Guest Writer, Gulf of Mexico Beaches | Tagged: beach, Texas Gulf Coast beach, Thoughtful Thursday | 1 Comment »
Does this mean I’m a shellebrity?
Posted by Jody on July 12, 2016
Visual Guide to Collecting Seashells on Florida’s Beaches!
Earlier this year, I was very surprised to find a copy of the beautiful, laminated Visual Guide to Collecting Seashells on Florida’s Beaches on the floor of my daughter’s car. Well, actually I wasn’t surprised that something was on the floor of the family mini-van, but it was definitely a shock to see my very own seashell photos inside the brochure. No kidding! I had been asked to help out with a seashell guide layout last year that I knew was for VisitFlorida.com. What I didn’t know is that it was going to be printed, laminated, and available for any and all travelers to pick up at the Florida Welcome Center! (Silly me, I thought it was going to be an online shelling reference guide. Must have been the “.com” that tripped me up.)
So, the next time Greg and I visited Florida, we stopped in at the Florida Welcome Center which is some 6 miles west of Pensacola on I-10. There we found stacks and stacks of the Visual Guide to Collecting Seashells, in all its glory – showcased everywhere from the Atlantic beaches brochure racks all the way around to the Gulf Coast shelves!
They were everywhere!
Free Florida Seashell Guide
Free Florida Seashell Guide
Welcome to the Sunshine State!
My photographs of bubble seashells, calico scallops, moon snails, a Florida fighting conch, and more – all inside! There is even a special recognition and thank you for me in the credits on the reverse side of the brochure. I couldn’t possibly be more pleased!
Be sure to stop in and get your free copy of the shelling guide the next time you are traveling through the Sunshine State, and use the handy-dandy checklist inside to keep track of your new found beach treasures.
So, what do you think? Does this mean I’m a shellebrity now? 😉
~~~
Posted in Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Seashells, Tallies & Tips | Tagged: beach, beachcombing, Florida Welcome Center, Free Florida Shelling Guide, VisitFlorida.com, Visual Guide to Collecting Seashells on Florida's Beaches | 4 Comments »
Jake and Carla’s Texas Treasure Trove
Posted by E.G.D. on July 8, 2016
Today’s guest post, including the beautiful beach treasure photographs, is courtesy of Jake and Carla W.
Hi. I’m Jake and my treasure hunting partner is my wife Carla. This is my first post. The first pics are from 7/5/16, and the rest are from the last 2 to 3 months. We live south of Houston in Brazoria county. We treasure hunt in 3 Texas counties: Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda.
The last pics we think might be a partial megalodon tooth! I’ve emailed pics to a professor, but we haven’t heard back. Any input on that from the readers of Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches would be appreciated.
As you can see we like to go to the beach. Carla says its the only place we get along (LOL!). Anyway, enjoy the photos and happy hunting. -Jake and Carla.
About the Authors: “Jake and I are both in our 40’s and have been together for a little over three years. We love camping, fishing and shell seeking. We seem to have created an unspoken deal where he teaches me how to catch really big fish and I try to teach him the patience and tenacity needed to find shark teeth. I’m more into shells and driftwood, he’s searching for antique bottles and the occasional pirate treasure chest. To an outsider, we must seem odd, as we can go for hours with very little conversation and be content being with one another and our passions. But it works for us.” ~Carla
~~
Texas Gulf Coast beaches: A Sea Glass Treasure Trove – Surfside Beach
Elusive Bryan Beach
Galveston Island: A Texas Oasis
Quintana Beach County Park on the Texas Gulf Coast
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A note from our Treasure Hunters:
We simply love to share when it comes to beaches, treasure hunting, beachcombing crafts, and beachy tips. How about you? Do you have a favorite beach you’d like to share with us? Maybe you have some great tips for beach picnics, seaside safety, or seashore activities. Please check out our Submission Guidelines for info on jumping into the fun at Beach Treasures and Treasure Beaches. You could be our next Featured Guest Writer!
Posted in Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Beaches of North America, Featured Guest Writer, Friday Finds, Gulf of Mexico Beaches, Seashells | Tagged: beach, beachcombing, Brazoria County Texas beach, Galveston County Texas beach, Matagorda County Texas beach, seashells, shark teeth, shelling, Texas Gulf Coast beach | 8 Comments »
Celebrate Independence Day!
Posted by Jody on July 3, 2016
Venice Fishing Pier, Venice, Florida
“And forever in peace may you wave.”
~You’re a Grand Old Flag by George M. Cohan
~~~
About the photo:
The Pier was originally built in 1966 for $133,877. It was destroyed in July of 1981 by the “No Name Storm”. Rebuilding took place in 1984 with Greenhart lumber from South America, the only place in the world to purchase this wood. It did not have to be treated, nor did it shrink, because it was grown in the swamps. In February 2004, the Pier was totally removed. The construction of the current Pier cost $1.75 million dollars, and the money was raised by a municipal bond (recreational). The decking of the Pier is now made of plastic wood fiber composite, is built to withstand a category 4 hurricane, and has a projected life span of at least 50 years.The Pier is 720 ft long (219.45 meters), 22 ft wide, and the height is 20’ feet (6.096 meters). Water depth at the end averages 16 ½ feet (5.03 meters). The Pier is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, with free admission, and no fishing license is required. Papa’s Bait Shop is located midway down the Pier and is open 7 days a week at 6:30 AM. Source: Venice Fishing Pier
Have a fabulous, fun, and safe July Fourth!
Posted in Gulf of Mexico Beaches, Holiday | Tagged: 4th of July, beach, beach photography, Florida Gulf Coast beach, Independence Day, Venice Fishing Pier, Venice Florida | Leave a Comment »
It’s National Seashell Day!
Posted by Jody on June 20, 2016
It’s National Seashell Day!
To shell-ebrate, here are just a few posts on some our very favorite Beach Treasures:
Picture Perfect Calico Scallops
Wavy Turbans, Tile & Lots of Fun
Colors of Sunset: Gould’s Wedge Seashells
Would you like to check out other seashell posts? Simply type “seashells” into the search box (top left), sit back, and enjoy!
How about getting your feet wet with your own seashell post? We’d love to hear from you! Click on the “Submission Guidelines” tab for more info.
How will you shell-ebrate National Seashell Day?
Posted in Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Holiday, Monday Miscellaneous, Seashells | Tagged: beach, beachcombing, National Seashell Day, seashells | 3 Comments »
