Oceano Dunes…….

I live where people vacation.  I know what you are thinking, she has mentioned numerous times there is nothing to do there.  Why would anyone want to go there?  I know! I know! When I go on vacation I want to see things I have never seen before preferably, historical things, shops, swim in warm water, not 50 degree water…..well you get the idea. 

If you want to do nothing, but sit on the beach in nice weather….then this is the place for you.  Also, we have one of the only beaches you can still drive on.  If you are coming to camp or drive on the beach there are a few things you should know first.  There are rules……I know what am I talking about?  For some reason, people who are on vacation and driving on a beach think there shouldn’t be any rules or laws.  I am sure most people know these rules, but from the stories I heard last weekend…….some people might need a reminder.

First, the part of beach that you can drive on is a Federal Highway and all the same laws apply, as if you were driving on the 101 or whatever freeway you drive on everyday.  Not a good idea to let your children play in the middle of the road…..I know it looks like a beach and there is water, but there are cars driving there.  There is a speed limit, the nerve of them to put a speed limit where people vacation! Two, they have police that keep everyone in line they are called Rangers.  If, you are one of the millions that think they are above the law while on vacation the Rangers will take your stuff!  SWEAR! They call these guys…….. and they tow your stuff away!  Oh, keep in mind that if they do come to take your stuff away it is not their fault they are just doing their jobs, it is actually your fault for not abiding by the laws! Also, remember they are not cheap and you have to pay for it!

There is no drinking and driving on the beach, you have to register your car, RV, trailer, ATV or motocross bike, etc and they have to have the appropriate sticker on them.  Example.. red sticker, green sticker.  You are not allowed to leave your trash at your campsite or on the streets. That is what these are for…… When leaving the beach remember…….No parking in the middle of the road…..if you do this, don’t be surprised and act like you don’t understand why the locals are honking and screaming at you.  They are not on vacation and don’t have all day to spend watching you figure out how to drive your over-sized vehicle.  You must pull over to the side and completely out of the lane where people drive!If you rent ATV’s from a local rental place, know that if you have under age children, even though you have done this in the past, they cannot drive without an ASI certification (you can get certified online, it’s a good idea to do this before you go) and if they don’t have one you have to pay for an hourly chaperone.  That is, IF the rental place has enough employees to cover chaperones and if not, they can’t ride!  It has always been a rule, but just this past year the Rangers have started enforcing it and NO the rental places are not going to just let you do it.  They will get in trouble with the state and lose their state contract.  Which means…… they will go out of business.  Not worth it for them.  Reminder, it will not help your cause to yell at the sales girl and remember if you do yell at her she is someone’s daughter and do you want someone yelling at your daughter, who is just doing her job? Keep in mind her dad could be the one driving the big yellow tow truck that comes to take your stuff.  It’s a small town and it could happen! It is a dangerous sport like any sport you need to use common sense!  Please tell me you know what common sense is?  I know you have told your children to get some, please be a good role model and use it for the sake of the children.  Not smart, to go out to the dunes in your fancy trucks, drunk, at night, then crash the truck.  (This happens a lot!!!) The dunes are steep and the wind makes them shift.  I thought this next statement was just common sense, but apparently, it needs to be said.  “Don’t bring grenades or other weapons to the beach!”

YOU must wear helmets, have flags and if you are going to do jumps you need a spotter.  Wear seat belts, last year one guy died in a buggy because he didn’t want to wear his seat belt and he rolled it.

There are actual people who have homes on the beach in Oceano, it is known as the strand.  These people spend a lot of money to own these homes and they really don’t appreciate it when you steal their patio furniture or what ever else to burn it on the beach.  They like the patio furniture that is why they purchased it in the first place.  If you have ever wondered, why do those people pad lock their stuff?  It would be because people steal it!  Keep in mind this group of people and the Sierra Club are trying to get this beach shut down because of the above mentioned things and the Snowy Plover. Enjoy your vacation, but not at the expensive of everyone else!

Be safe!

Denise

xoxo

Thanks to A Southern Day Dreamer for hosting Outdoor Wednesday.