IT'S ISLAND TIME - ONCE AGAIN

Spent the afternoon on the beach wrapped in a yellow towel after my swim.  Snuggled in my blue awning chair with my Coastal Living magazine.  I look over at Xi Shi who is sitting next to me in her brand new matching blue awning chair and I am a little cocoon of happiness. 

The stretch of sand is nearly empty.  I reach for my iPhone to see what time it is because who the heck knows what time it is down here?  The hot Louisiana sun is like a drug, making it hard to rouse oneself.  The island is prettier than ever... oh... wait... what is that new sign up ahead.  There's another one over by the pier.  NO DOGS ON BEACH.  What the hell...???

Then I woke up.

When I checked in today, I noticed the new, large, red signs posted everywhere.  I made my displeasure about this new rule known to all who would listen.  The park ranger told me to write to my representative and complain.  I said I would indeed.  The one place I could have fun in the sun and surf with my doggie and now that is no longer possible. 

I asked if my dog could still go on the fishing pier and the ranger said yes.  I joked with him and said, "If a dog falls off of the pier onto the beach and no one is there, is it breaking the rule?"  He laughed, "I can't advise you on what to do."  I continued with my joking and asked if the beach would be patroled during the week.  He replied, "No, but it will be on the weekend."  I smiled and he knew that I fully intended to take my dog on the beach.

This afternoon we walked to the new bath house which has a pier onto the beach.  Xi walked down the steps and onto the beach as she always has and I pulled her back up the steps.  She was confused but obeyed.  Tomorrow we'll go to the fishing pier which is further down the beach and a bit more secluded.  I'll let her go swimming there, if no one is close by.

Grand Isle State Park was the only state park that allowed dogs on the beach.  I'm not sure why they have decided to change their pet policy.  This island is 7 miles long and there are many places to take Xi swimming but I'll have to unhook and leave the park to do so.  I have looked into other RV parks along the beach but the cost is $40 a night and the sites are very close together.  So I'm going to make the best of the state park and their new rule.

We're here for 7 nights and the weather is cool but is expected to get warmer within a day or two.  I'm loving it.  Didn't have to put the A/C on today.  I love the beach when it's cold.

New pier just opened.

Poor little Xi Shi can't go play in the water.

Here's a shot showing the Gulf to the left and the park to the right.

The Palm trees are looking good.

Our little campsite for a week.