Off Season Horse Riding on the Beach

Last week the town proposed a new ordinance that would allow people to ride horses on the beach from November 1 - March 30.  Riders would need a seasonal permit, which would cost $50 per horse and would be allowed on the beach from 6 am - 7 pm.

Personally, I am somewhat torn by the idea.  I think it's a great idea for tourism, and could help promote some of our local stables.  Our surrounding area has a rich history in horses, being one of the centers for American thoroughbred racing.  Many champion horses were raised and trained here, including Man O' War.  Plus, knowing the success of Assateague Island, where people can visit the wild ponies, there is clearly a interest in horses at the beach.

I can really only see two drawbacks to this.  One, how would they handle waste?  Currently there is a $500 fine for anyone who doesn't pick up pet waste, but this may prove slightly more difficult while riding a horse verse walking a dog.  As a huge supporter for the MD Coastal Bays Program, picking up pet waste is a major concern for the health of our waterways.  Pet waste encourage bacterial growth in our water, leading to health concerns and can kill marine life.  (Check out Shore Bread's Article - Don't be a Poop-A-Traitor for more info).  Although I am no expert, I simply can't image Horse waste to be any better for our waterways... it also happens to be on a larger scale....  

Finally, the second draw back would be how this would affect winter beach goers and dog owners.  Currently, during these same months we are able to let our dogs out on the beach, leashed of course.  As long as owners keep dogs leashed, and horse riders can properly control their horses I'm sure there wouldn't be an issue.  But you never know, there is always a few bad apples in every bunch.  I'd hate to see an animal or person get hurt in the mix.

If these two things could be controlled, I say give horses the green light!  It could be a great draw to the area during our off season.

What do you think? Are you a supporter?

India's Multi-Purpose Reef

I came across an amazing article today about a new 'multi-purpose' reef that was recently installed off the West Coast of India.  Although the construction occurred quite sometime ago, this is the first I've heard of it.  I plan to do a little more research to see the total effects and other projects - look forward to another blog on this soon.

The reef was constructed by the company ASR.  ASR is dedicated to finding solutions to preserve the environment from existing nature.   One of ASR's projects is building man-made reefs to attempt to control coastal erosion.  By using the waters own energy, the reef slows erosion by pushing the wave further offshore.  The reef not only benefits the environment in a more cost efficient way, but it turns out it's providing some amazing surf.  Perhaps it could have a positive impact in the local economy, surf tourism could be in their near future!

India's First Multi-Purpose Reef Goes Off from ASR Limited on Vimeo.

New Jetty Tower

This morning the United States Coast Guard gave Ocean City a new temporary tower for our inlet's jetty.  Our previous light tower and fog horn was swept away by Hurricane Irene's swell in late August.

Our new tower comes from Portsmouth, VA and was flown in by helicopter.  This tower will only be a temporary fix, Ocean City has plans to build a permanent tower that can better withstand Hurricane winds and tides.  The old tower, which lies nearby in the surf will be taken apart by divers - piece by piece.  Although there has been no reports of the tower, for boater and surfer safety it will be removed.

Courtesy Ocean City Life Saving Museum

Penguin Swim 2012

Every New Year's Day our local hospital, Atlantic General hosts their annual Penguin Swim.  This year they couldn't have asked for better weather or turn out.  New Year's Day was a beautiful sunny 60 degrees.  Almost 1,000 people came out to jump in the Atlantic to celebrate the 2012.

Check out their amazing photos on Flickr.  This year they had some awesome costumes.  Superman, Angry Birds and the green men showed up for the big event.  Participants all got some great warm hats, including some super cute penguin hats!

Great video footage from this year's event

Check out more pics from AGH's 2012 Penguin Swim on Flickr

If you couldn't make it this year, they are always taking donations! Visit their website

Don't forget to check out their facebook, keep in touch year round

Berlin New Year's Ball Drop

Berlin will be celebrating the New Year with a street party and Ball drop.  This will be Berlin's 2nd annual New Year's celebration.  Last year was a great time, I'm excited to see how this year turns out.  The town will allow people to walk around main street with drinks, the local bars will set up stands around the area.  This year the town will even have food vendors to accommodate the masses.  If you arrive a bit early, free carriage rides through the town will be available.  

I'll let you know how it went in the New Year!

Shorebread put out a great article this week listing some of the area events for the weekend, be sure to read Socially Speaking: Happy New Year's!

Holiday Hair Bow

So, I've recently become obsessed with the 'bow' hair style, and can't wait to try it.  It's the prefect holiday hair do, it's like wrapping yourself as a Christmas present!  I've seen a bunch of tutorials, but none of them are wonderful... until now!  Check out this great tutorial, complete with pictures and instructions from 'beautylish'

Holiday Hair Bow Tutorial

DIY Shark Purse

Looking at one of my favorite blogs today, a Beautiful Mess and I came across the cutest Shark Purse Tutorial. 

This would make the perfect gift for any 'coastal chic'!   Hopefully no one minds their Christmas Gifts a little later than normal... 

View DIY instructions here