Camping on the Beach

This encampment on the main beach has been growing all week; there are about two dozen tents now, and another dozen down by the river mouth. It's a bit hard to see in the photo, but the tractor on the left that grooms the beach every morning and sifts the sand has to run circles around the campers because they won't move. The extra clearly shows the prohibitions designed to keep the beach safe for everyone. These are the rules that are currently being flaunted: no glass, no fires, no alcohol, no smoking, no dogs, no littering and No Camping. The sign doesn't have graphics for no drugs and no pooping on the beach. Many of us are confused about why all these behaviors are allowed to continue. It is true that the illegal campers will be asked to leave, but they must be given 72 hours notice. There is another, newer, sign just below the first one that tells of a beach curfew and a deadline. Everything is very careful and correct. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells here. I'm angry that I had to step out and walk in the street this morning because three drunks and a dog were taking up the sidewalk, stretched out across the concrete happily passing a bottle at eight in the morning. I'm angry because law enforcement has to tiptoe around this situation. I'm angry because we are losing our town. Because it doesn't feel safe here any more. Because I don't have any solution and it seems like common decency and common sense have gone out the window.