Friday, August 30, 2019

TGIF!

Mornin'!  It's 68° in Wildwood NJ.  It's pleasantly Fall-like with cool temps and warm sun shining down.  Humidity's low at 75% with a dewpoint of 62°.  Breezes are barely there (W-SW at 3-5mph).  Unlike Florida, we're heading into a perfectly lovely holiday weekend.  Expect plenty of sunshine today with temps tapping 80°.  Breezes will be out of the SW at 10-15mph.  Tonight... clear with temps in the upper 60s/low 70s and SW breezes at 10-15mph.  Tomorrow... a repeat of today.  Sunday and Monday... more of the same although there will be some clouds in the weather mix.   Today's the New Moon as we'll see higher than normal tides. A New Moon is beginning its new cycle and although invisible it causes the same effects as the Full Moon.  A New Moon is when the Sun and Moon are aligned and it's between the Earth and Sun.  It will cause some tidal flooding.  If you see water seeping onto the island this weekend, don't drive through it as it's corrosive saltwater.
High tide: 8:30AM and 8:46PM
Low tide: 2:23PM
Ocean temp: 72°
Sunset: 7:35PM
UV Index: 8-9 (high)
Rip Current: Low risk
And, here the last of the Friday Beach Tips...
Friday Beach Tips and Beach Etiquette...
~Important things to pack for the beach... water, (I also have a small spray bottle of fresh water for you never know what), hat, footwear, towel, sunblock, insect repellent, first aid kit, and shade (umbrella or sand chair with a canopy), something to read and I enjoy taking my crocheting, oh... and a small trash bag to collect any trash you may have accumulated while there.
~When planting an umbrella be aware of wind speed as you may have to take extra steps to secure it such as sand (screw) grabber or bungee cord.  It's pretty amazing how not secure some umbrellas can be as the wind launches them directly toward unknowing folks relaxing right in the line of fire. 
~Note the tide times when going to the beach.  If the tide is at it's highest, you can sit as close to the water as you want as the tide will take the entire day to go down to low tide.  You'll literally sit and watch the beach grow as the water slowly recedes a block or more away.  
~A new beach posting is there's "No Smoking" on the beach anymore.  That includes "vapes" and especially "cigars".  Some beaches do have designated areas posted.  Look for signs.  There's also "No Smoking" on the boardwalk.  I think most of the seaside towns up and down the coast have passed this new law.
~Kindly give your beach neighbors space when selecting your beach campsite. Courtesy is key. Careful not to plop only inches from others' blankets/umbrellas. 
~No dogs allowed on the beach (except at the wonderful dog beaches the Wildwoods provide). 
~Never leave trash on the beach and even better yet...pick up any that you see whether it's yours or not.   Note trash and recycle containers are situated everywhere.
~Remember to pack headphones for your music device or at least keep the volume down to a minimum (believe it or not no one really wants to hear your music not to mention your beach neighbor just might be quietly trying to listen to their own music).  
~Teach children beach etiquette. Running (basically "kicking" up sand) as well as throwing sand is a no-brainer but sometimes you'd never know it.  
~Feeding the seagulls is a big no-no. Eat and snack smartly. Using hands to express oneself when holding your sandwich up or out is a magnet for swooping gulls. Dropping one potato chip carelessly while eating will create seagull havoc. Eat under your umbrella or hooded sand chair as the seagulls are much like vultures and are endlessly eyeing beachgoers eating habits.  They're relentless trying to find the right opportune moment to swoop down and pluck your lunch right out of your hand or mouth (seen it happen many times).  By the way, seagulls know "chip bags" and if they see one sticking out of your unsupervised beach bag, they will think nothing of helping themselves and remove the bag of chips from your bag as well as share their newly acquired snacks with their gull friends while you're taking a walk or a dip (seen it happen many times).
~Playing ball, frisbee, horseshoes, corn hole, or kite-flying, etc is a no-no at the beach.  The backside of the beach (dune side) or other designated areas are more appropriate for active beach games.  Stay away from those camped out that are simply trying to enjoy their beach day and knock yourself out.  The beach patrol will probably stop you if playing in the wrong area anyway.  
~Shake towels and blankets away from others noting the wind direction.
~Observe and follow posted beach warnings (closed beaches, no alcohol, strong rip currents, surfboard/boogie board area, etc) and always pay attention to lifeguards.  If in doubt...ask the lifeguard.

~Couresty is key.  Be kind to one another.  Happy Beaching until next year!

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