Days 11 & 12, The White Sands Irregular Trip Report

I just spent about an hour or so writing this most recent version only to have lost it – again. Can’t do the whole thing again so here is the abridged version (or what should truly be stated as all that I can remember).

A point of clarification about the title of these threads. We are both very proud and humbled by our experiences here at White Sands. We are proud of the effort that all of the staff and regulars here make in their desire to ensure that the time our visits are memorable (in a good way) and so, so positive. We are neither so arrogant nor so presumptuous as to say that we are treated like family (who needs any more of that dysfunction in their lives?). But we are treated with kindness, friendship, respect and that indescribable feeling that we belong. We are humbled by the effort made by the staff and regulars in how much they give of themselves to ensure that each of us garners and retains good memories of the time we spend here. This is truly selfless.

Day 11 – We met a new staff member person today. Martin. Martin is our new Lifeguard (not that we had an old one). We also had some pretty big doings on the beach today.

The picture below is what the beach approach looked like last year. This year the tree is gone having been snapped in two during a storm late last year.

Attachment 25787

If there is no picture I apologise. Haven't sorted that out yet.

Picture if you will <to be said in the voice of Rod Serling> a 4’ X 4’ hole, 2.5’ deep with a palm tree stump in the middle of it. Got that? Now, put 3 workers in flip-flops, two shovels, a machete and a chainsaw into the hole. It was sort of like watching a NASCAR race – nobody cares about watching “stock” cars running at 195mph in a perpetual left hand turn, we’re all just waiting for the wreck. Fortunately there was no need for Westmoreland Parish emergency services or worse, the coroner.

The hole is the beginnings of what is to be a Lifeguard chair. Once the stump once removed some larger stones were placed around the perimeter inside the hole to support the rebar that was to come.

Having asked Mr. Moo-Young as to why there was a lifeguard seat being built he explained that it is a requirement for all sea-side properties to have a lifeguard on duty. Apparently it’s been law for some time. With the number of families that visit here who have young children, it’s good idea.

Rasta Stan stopped by during his walkabout. We chatted about the local music scene for a bit before he was on his way again.

Dinner at Rainbow Arch. I know it doesn’t look like much when you walk by but Denise and her crew are the purveyors of some good basic food. We can always count a good meal. And if you are looking for goat…

A few drinks at the bar with Tony and we called it a night.

Day 12 – Rebar is wired together and the ¾” crushed stone was added to the bottom of the hole this morning. And then the heavens opened. We had a wonderful 4 hour or so rain. I say wonderful because the rain is needed here. We escaped to our room to


sit on the balcony and take in the sounds and smell of the fresh rain. Eventually the effort became too great to maintain an upright position. A chance to nap, perhaps a chance to dream.

Woke up, cleaned up and headed back down to the beach before heading out to supper at Idle Awhile - again.

Now would be a good time to break into Minnesota and steal their stuff. With the exception of Renee and Ron, and Dawn who have returned home the rest of the state appears to have checked into the White Sands. It’s the use of snow shoes as swim fins that give them away. There should be an Al Franken or Jesse Ventura joke in here somewhere (although I profess to find Al Franken quite funny). I did see one little guy in a purple speedo.

Note to JJH: No thank you. MLM free zone.

Only two days left and I still haven’t let Stan buy that drink! Bwa-hahahahahahahahaha

I always sit in the empty lifeguard chair at CoCo and bring a Red Stripe and a smoke up there.It's great.

From all the posts talking about rain,it's sounds like there's quite a bit going on,still a water shortage?( unlike northern il we've had like 6inches or so in the last couple days

Have to love the White Sands.