Entry bubble Summer Beach Vacation

By: Joanne | July 28, 2009 | Category: Travel

two pairs of bare feet standing in the sandThe kids are getting antsy. In a couple weeks we’ll be headed to the Jersey shore for our summer beach vacation. We’ve been doing the same thing for a few years now and we think a week at the beach is a wonderful family vacation. It’s nice to get away and spend a week biking, swimming, and golfing (mini golfing, that is) together.

Since we don’t live close to the coast, it’s a long, long ride to get to the beach. Any time you’re taking a long ride, it’s a good idea to check for road closures and construction. Anything that makes a long ride with little kids smoother is time well spent. We plan to map out a good route and then bring along plenty of snacks and dvd’s to keep the kids happy along the way.

There’s a lot to remember when heading to the beach – like water safety, and sunscreens, and hats, and towels. I start making a list weeks and weeks in advance. We also keep an eye on the beach temperatures just because we’re excited and we can’t wait to get there!

| View Comments [0] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: beach   jersey   joanne   new   ocean   sand   shore   sun   travel   vacation  

 

Entry bubble Heading for the Beach? How's the Water?

By: Joanne | May 27, 2008 | Category: Travel

ocean waves breaking on the shoreMemorial Day weekend is behind us and hurray, it's beach season! Soon school will be out; we'll be taking the kids to swimming lessons and it's time to make plans for summer vacation if you haven't already done it.

My family likes to do many things, but we really love a week at the beach. So now my thoughts keep drifting to the sand and the surf. As the summer days pass and the weather warms, I'll fantasize about lazing in the sun and relaxing in that quaint cottage in Avalon, New Jersey.

Before we hit the road I'll check out the beach temperatures and I'll check our route for summer traffic and road closures. Then I'll toss the sunscreen, the kids, and the beach ball in the car and we'll be off!

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: beach   joanne   ocean   temperature   vacation   water  

 

Entry bubble Be Safe for Memorial Day Weekend

By: Nicole | May 23, 2008 | Category: General

When I was in college, my parents lived aboard a 41’ sailboat. I must confess that this arrangement made for fabulous spring break visits to the Florida Keys. I fondly remember the marina restaurants dotted along Boot Key Harbor, where my parents anchored their floating home. Still, the Keys can be a treacherous place to live. I can’t begin to describe the storms my parents weathered while there. Listening to their stories has given me a new appreciation for the importance of boat safety, which brings me to my topic.

For many people, Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of summer. Here in the Chesapeake Bay area, we are sure to see folks heading in droves to the water, which is one reason that National Safe Boating Week (May 17-23) always begins the Saturday before Memorial Day Weekend. In recognition of the week, the United States Coast Guard offers important boat safety tips, such as:

    Boat
  • Ensure life jackets are within reach and are worn at all times by children and weaker swimmers.
  • Complete a safe boating course.
  • Properly equip and inspect your vessel; get a free vessel safety inspection.
  • Maintain a prudent speed and respect others on the water.
  • Help fellow boaters in distress.
  • Avoid alcohol while boating.
  • File a float plan to tell others where you will be boating.

The National Library of Medicine offers some additional water safety tips. And the Federal Citizen Information Center offers more information and resources about water safety for swimmers, especially children.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend. I’ll be soaking up the sun, with the appropriate precautions of course!

| View Comments [3] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: boat   boating   memorial   ocean   safety   sports   water   weekend