On the weekends, especially in April and May, Clearwater Beach is a scene. Want solitude? Not the place. Want to see and be seen? Bingo.
Top 5 Sightings:
- Teeny Weeny Bikinis
- Garish Grandmothers
- Buff Dudes in Banana Hammocks
- Tattoos Too Many
- Crops of Condos
Oh, and middle-aged fathers like me contending with their curious, cranky, crazy but OH SO cute kids. My suggestion to all of you parents out there who are ready to roll to the beach with their little bouncing babies – buy a shade tent. It will make your life so much easier and quite possibly liberate you from feeling like you just can’t go to the beach with a young child. Your little one will have a safe play place out of the sun, and if the wind is blowing then it will act as a nice shelter for you and your gear. If you get really lucky then it might even serve as a salubrious spot for a nap.
Eureka makes a decent one that even has little sand bags you can fill and bury for extra stability against high winds. Sets up in just a few minutes and comes with a stuff sack that also acts as a sling you can carry over your shoulder.
Whether you are kicking it on the shores of Lake Tahoe, exploring the beaches of Hawaii, or battling for a spot at your favorite Florida beach the shade tent is a must have.
Dude. You’re not middle aged. That’s ABSURD! Good GOD MAN!!!!
Anyway, good call on the shade tent. I have a Bibler Ahwanee that got kinda jacked in a wind storm. The full panel doors open up and it makes a great little shade tent. I know Black Diamond now makes a fast anf light version of that tent, so that’s a good dual purpose option too!
-M