I’m Thankful for our Carlsbad Beaches
Debbie Reynolds is sponsoring the Thanksgiving Challenge that ends today, Thanksgiving Day, with abundant opportunities for us to share why we are thankful and for what! This is such a thoughtful challenge, and it’s been fun to read about the thanks flowing around ActiveRain and the country!
For the last post, I’m thankful for our Carlsbad beaches!
My town of Carlsbad is basically one big beach - 7 miles long – at the edge of the continent. There are a number of different areas, with names (Tamarack Beach, South Ponto State Beach, North Ponto State Beach, Hole in the Fence, Warm Waters, Terramar, Jetties, Army Navy, Frazee,and you’ll hear other names, too) and a variety of access points; some are stairs, a few areas are accessed by beach paths, and others offer the opportunity to walk from your parking spot right onto the beach (South Carlsbad).
Some offer more sand to enjoy at low tide, or better surfing, and everyone probably has their favorites.
Most of my life has been spent near beaches or within an hour or so on the east and west coasts, and it would be difficult to be far away from them, and the lifestyle they offer that I enjoy so much.
One of the things about our Carlsbad beaches that I’m thankful for is their accessibility. There are a few pay lots at the state beaches, but otherwise parking is free along the coast road (Route 101, Carlsbad Boulevard) and in adjacent neighborhoods across the street; all residents and visitors can park and enjoy the beach whenever they wish for free. The beaches in Carlsbad are NOT limited to the fortunate few who can afford to live on or next to the beach, but are there for anyone.
Those who enjoy camping have a number of options at the state beaches in Carlsbad on the bluffs, including accessible camp sites and tables. I’ve heard the camping areas are very popular and fill up fast, even a year in advance.
There are designated parking spots for those with disabilities, and the South Ponto Beach area offers an accessibility ramp as well as a beach wheelchair.
There’s something very tranquil about the beach, even when crowded on our summer holidays, and I find it immediately relaxing to take walks or even just to drive along going to and from appointments or to stop for a few moments at sunset to enjoy nature’s beauty. Even better when I take a few moments with my camera to enjoy nature’s beauty, especially the sunsets.
I’m thankful daily on being able to enjoy a lifestyle by the beach and to enjoy all that the beaches offer that suit my style and personality. That, so far, does NOT extend to surfing! LOL. And I’m grateful to be able to help others find their lifestyle and home by the beaches.
I’m also very thankful for the private, city, county, and state organizations who are committed to keeping our beaches in Carlsbad clean, and to deal with erosion and related issues like bluff collapses and sea caves that have occurred in several areas (especially near Terramar Beach). I think most people are careful when using the beaches, but some leave trash scattered about or climb on the bluffs which can cause erosion issues, as well as being dangerous.
Here are just a few of the organizations that work on preserving our beaches, a year-round process: Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, the Surfrider Organization, the California Coastal Commission, San Diego Coastkeeper, I Love a Clean Ocean, and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
These organization organize clean-up efforts, provide education, and some sponsor fund-raising and educational events. And of course residents and visitors can do their part to help protect our beaches and keep trash from the ocean.
I’ve lived in Carlsbad nears the beaches for over 13 years now and continue to love where we live. I’m so very thankful!
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