Canopy on the beach

[Fryday_1]

Ok Ok you have got me. I have seen the light. I will not leave my canopy up overnight any longer. However I am puzzled that most feel my canopy is a real danager to turtles and people walking on the beach at night, but do not seem to have any problem with the turcks that run up and down the beach. They casue much more damage to the beach than I and I have notice many people who are trying to enjoy the beach being nearly run over. Obviously if they run over a turtle nest it will be destroyed. I guess the reason for no outrage regarding the trucks on the beach is that most of them are owned by locals. The same locals who do not want to follow the law about private beach ownership.

But I will be a good tourist and from this point forward, will never leave the canopy up overnight. I have seen the error of my ways. Maybe now you can lead the cursade against the vehicles on the beach. Just don't ban canopies on the beach at all.

 

[scooterbug44]

Non-emergency vehicles have to be permitted and are only allowed on a small section of the beach and only at certain times.

People who do not follow the beach driving rules are subject to consequences and criticism just like people who didn't learn the kindegarten lesson that they should pick up after themselves and follow rules.

 

[seagrovegirl]

Grayton Beach is the only beach that allows permitted "local" vehicles (Inlet Beach too, but it's too small) The other vehicles you may see would be county maintenance and emergency vehicles. There are 27 miles of beach and about 1/4 mile is allowed for vehicles. So you do have a choice...............

 

[Matt J]

Ok Ok you have got me. I have seen the light. I will not leave my canopy up overnight any longer. However I am puzzled that most feel my canopy is a real danager to turtles and people walking on the beach at night, but do not seem to have any problem with the turcks that run up and down the beach. They casue much more damage to the beach than I and I have notice many people who are trying to enjoy the beach being nearly run over. Obviously if they run over a turtle nest it will be destroyed. I guess the reason for no outrage regarding the trucks on the beach is that most of them are owned by locals. The same locals who do not want to follow the law about private beach ownership.

But I will be a good tourist and from this point forward, will never leave the canopy up overnight. I have seen the error of my ways. Maybe now you can lead the cursade against the vehicles on the beach. Just don't ban canopies on the beach at all.

The vehicles outside of Grayton and Inlet beach are either TDC clean up vehicles or emergency vehicles. As to destroying turtle nests that just goofy, have you ever seen the markings that go up around a turtle nest? As to locals and tourists (you only have to own property to have a beach permit) driving on the beach I can guarantee you that they are most likely not going to hit a turtle nest on Grayton beach. Turtles will not nest in areas that are especially noisey and Grayton can fall into the category. I don't believe a turtle nest has been found near Grayton in some time.

As to the vehicles destroying the beach, they are not out bogging or doing donuts, they are patrolling the beach at a very reasonable speed. Yes they leave some tire tracks, but if you can't navigate them you are probably ill equipped for the beach anyway. The tracks left are usually gone with the wind/tides within 24 hours.

We do appreciate that you have decided to remove your canopy.

 

[Auggie Gal]

I'll jump in one more time. There was a turtle nest outlined with marker tape at Grayton while we were there, which is the point I made in my last post-couldn't understand why folks didn't get their stuiff hauled away for leaving canopy frames, chairs and umbrellas up overnight right by the area. We are also old-timer, sans canopy beach goers-including when over here in our home territory of St. Augustine. We also have a red-headed child, but using common sense about sunscreens, cover-ups, time of day, and a small portable beach umbrella has stood us well through two children. I also saw the canopy thing as a marking of territory, which was more than obvious by the looks when my family plunked itself down, (w/o any overhead covering), between two canopy dwellers at Grayton during our stay. We don't have the same problems here in St. Aug. due to the higher tides, and probably having beaches where folks can still drive and park, with limitations near dune/turtle nesting areas. Currently this is being reviewed again for ecological reasons. P.S. We never drive onto the beach here, but use the pubic walk-overs.

 

[Fryday_1]

I am amazed at these post. First I am told that my canopy will prohibit or danger turtle nesting, yet according to the following post, their has not been a turtle nest found in Grayton in sometime. SO which is it.

As for the vehicles, the ones I am talking about are not TDC and most do not travel at a resonable speed, especially the ones out on the beach at night. Like I said, since they are locals, then I guess most don't have a problem. "Hit a tourist, good he want come back". Have any of you seen the depth of the tracks some of these trucks leave. You could easliy step in one of these at night and break a leg. How come no ban on non-emergency vehicles?

 

[Teresa]

I agree Tootsie, I don't "get" the canopy thing. When we're too hot or have enough sun we go in. The last time I was in Sowal the people in the neighboring house had one. They were out there every morning putting it up and every evening taking it down. Their property rented for over $7000 a week. (I know because we priced it before we got our rental) Yet they didn't seem to think their financial contribution to the area meant they could do whatever they wanted.

Get a clue people. I spend alot of money at Disney too. But they probably won't let me set up a tent for my convenience, and leave it there for a week so I have a shady spot by my favorite ride.

very excellent point there cheering!

I know a few visiting tent people and I love them much. They are mostly very responsible about caring for the beach. I don't want to say anything negative about their choice to bring a tent to the beach. I just want to ask why do you need one? The number of tents on some days is truly huge these days.. I really think it became the popular thing to do and so now many visitors feel they must erect a tent. I just don't see how a tent/canopy is even a tad bit practical or useful for a windy/sandy beach environment.

I just never really thought about it before, but after seeing this thread it hit me that it just does not make sense to me to even have one at all. umbrellas, chairs and coolers - yes. absolutely. tents on the beach? a good one must be fairly expensive, someone has to haul it from the store and then to the beach, it must be a biotch to put up and take down. yes, it comes in handy for a little respite from the sun, but is that it? doesn't make sense to me.

cheering is right - when you've had enough sun, go inside your house or condo, or a restaurant for a lunch break. take a nap. return at sunset for a wonderful view unobstructed by big tents.

but I want to repeat that most tent people I know are very responsible about caring for the beach.

If I happened to be a visitor with a BA tent, I think I would eventually decide to pitch the entire tent idea and live without it. absolutely not necessary. its a big pain in the butt anyway. not to mention, its really trendy to be "green" now, isn't it?

 

[Savethebeach]

Skin Cancer

Has anyone considered the potential law suit if someone should get skin cancer and claim the new law made it too difficult to set up a canopy every day? How about a moral obligation to making it as easy as possible and necessary to protect people from the suns radiation while at the beach? Is the moral obligation in favor of the sea turtle? Does the aesthetic value of the water front trump a moral obligation to the health of the average vacationer? Just a thought.

 

[Kurt]

I am amazed at these post. First I am told that my canopy will prohibit or danger turtle nesting, yet according to the following post, their has not been a turtle nest found in Grayton in sometime. SO which is it.

There are currently 7 nests at Grayton Beach. They are all on State property. The area in Grayton Beach that is driven on (between State property) doesn't have much dune to speak of and has lots of foot and vehicle traffic. It is an area that isn't very turtle friendly because it is low-lying, and because of all the foot and vehicle traffic, lots of homes with bright lights, and the lake and lake outlet. Turtles like to nest at the base of dunes, which is a good choice because they get some protection there.

As for the vehicles, the ones I am talking about are not TDC and most do not travel at a resonable speed, especially the ones out on the beach at night. Like I said, since they are locals, then I guess most don't have a problem. "Hit a tourist, good he want come back". Have any of you seen the depth of the tracks some of these trucks leave. You could easliy step in one of these at night and break a leg. How come no ban on non-emergency vehicles?

As I say, Grayton isn't turtle-friendly and vehicles are part of the problem. In other areas of SoWal, vehicles are also a problem because of the deep ruts sometimes left, but construction vehicles are allowed on the beach when it's turtle season. Most people who drive on the beach as part of their job look out for turtle crawls and nests, and know not to drive near the dunes where turtles nest. Many nests and crawls are reported each nesting season by county employees driving the beach as part of their job.

There has been a lot of discussion on this forum about vehicles on the beach. You might want to do a search if you are interested, or start a new thread. It's always interesting discussion.

If you want to know a place where you can vacation and set up your tent that doesn't have vehicles or turtles, PM me and I'll give you some suggestions.

 

[Jdarg]

Has anyone considered the potential law suit if someone should get skin cancer and claim the new law made it too difficult to set up a canopy every day? How about a moral obligation to making it as easy as possible and necessary to protect people from the suns radiation while at the beach? Is the moral obligation in favor of the sea turtle? Does the aesthetic value of the water front trump a moral obligation to the health of the average vacationer? Just a thought.

I must be really stupid. I didn't know I could get skin cancer after dark. I will make sure to seek shelter after the sun sets.

Nobody said it should be illegal to have them up during the day. Many don't like them, but you are still allowed to set up canopies, as long as they are removed when you leave the beach at the end of the day. If you are unable to set up your own canopy and are really concerned about skin cancer, take the appropriate personal measures, like protective clothing and sunscreen, don't go outside during peak sun hours, and make other arrangements for shelter, like an umbrella, or use a beach service. Your argument has to be the lamest one yet.