Beach Smarts

Ah, the beach! There's nothing like taking a walk on a sandy beach, barefoot and gazing out into the ocean. The benefits include exercise and stress relief, not to mention the fact that sand is a natural pumice for the soles of your feet. Did you arrive with weary, calloused feet? Chances are good that they'll be a lot smoother when you leave.

The beach, like any place outdoors, however, has its downsides. Keep your eyes open for strange, mushy-looking dead critters and be sure not to step on or touch them. Definitely don't let the kids play with them! They may well be jellyfish or the infamous Portuguese Man of War, which can still inflict painful, dangerous stings even when they're dead. If by chance, you or someone you're with does get stung, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Treatment for each type of jellyfish is different, so try, if possible, to identify what stung you. Lifeguards are knowledgeable and will assist you in such circumstances. However, if no one is available, seek proper medical attention immediately.

Public access to area beaches is free because North Carolinians are rigid in their belief that the shores belong to the people. Look for the orange and blue signs at frequent intervals along beach roads — they point out easements between homes where you can freely cross over to the beach. Stick to these paths, and don't walk across private property to get to the beach.

You are free to walk the length of all area beaches, including those on private islands such as Bald Head and Figure Eight (although you'll need a private boat or, in the case of Bald Head Island, a passenger ferry to get there). Oceanfront landowners' property lines stop at the high-water mark.

Stay alert for hidden treasures in the sand when beach combing. After storms and especially after hurricanes, seekers of shells and shark's teeth are wise to get out early to treasure hunt as the frenzied sea will have tossed abundant loot upon the shore. When searching for shark's teeth, look for a characteristic glint along the water's edge or in wet, course sand. These interesting artifacts are ebony in color and varied in shape. Don't limit yourself to just one beach. Travel along the coast and visit Topsail and Brunswick County beaches as well because each offers a different variety of shells.

Are you spending the day on Brunswick County beaches? Frequent finds there are whole sand dollars, but make sure you don't take live ones. The all-white skeletal sand dollars are the ones you want. The brown, furry ones may still be alive and should be returned to the water. In addition, if you're lucky or very observant, you may find arrowheads from ancient Native American tribes. Considering the colorful pirate history in the area, who knows what else you might find in your search?

Preparations for a day at the beach should include a blanket or old quilt, towels, a cooler packed with soft drinks, water, iced tea or Gatorade, and beach apparel for the whole family. A beach umbrella gives some much-appreciated shade when old Sol is really hot. No matter what you do, grains of sand are going to creep into everything, but a blanket will at least give you protection from the warm sand. Make sure everyone has a hat, sunglasses and sturdy foot covering. Asphalt, concrete and sand above the high-water mark all get very hot, making it difficult and painful to walk to and from the parking areas.

Remember to bring something for preventing and treating insect bites as well. Sometimes the biting flies can be nasty. Away from the beach, no-see-ums come out late in the afternoon. You can't see the little rascals unless they're in a pack, but they'll think you're a delicious evening snack.

Beach hospitality includes public restrooms, showers and rinse-off spots located conveniently along most beaches. Restaurants that offer everything from hot dogs and barbecue to fresh seafood and even vegetarian dining are an easy walk from the beach in many communities.

Some laws worth noting: Don't take glass containers on the beach; don't let your dog run loose until you check local ordinances (and in all cases clean up your pet's "business" so you or other people don't step in it); don't let your parking meter expire; don't take alcohol to the beach; and don't litter. Take an ashtray with you if you plan to smoke because, as inconsequential as a butt or two may seem, millions of them cause environmental problems. Filters are not biodegradable and can harm sea life. Trash cans are placed on most beaches; please use them.

The most important rule of all: Protect the sand dunes by not disturbing the sea oats or other precious vegetation. Dunes buffer beach-front property and minimize erosion from tropical storms and hurricanes. Dunes also provide sanctuary for fragile turtle nests and a variety of shore birds. Damaging the dunes or disturbing turtle nests and beach vegetation will incur stiff fines, not to mention the wrath of environmentally conscious residents.Crossovers are provided for you to walk from the street or beach-front property. Use them rather than trudging across the dune line.

Speaking of sea turtle nesting, this is an awesome ritual that has captivated locals and tourists all along the North Carolina coast, but especially from Topsail Island to Ocean Isle Beach. Although five species of these gentle giants have been seen, almost all the nesting effort is made by the most common sea turtle in the region, the loggerhead, which weighs from 170 to 500 pounds. Every year in May, loggerheads find their way here from places as far away as the Azores and Canary Islands.

A network of turtle projects with hundreds of volunteers monitors sections of the beaches, identifies the nesting sites and stands guard over them near the end of the approximately 60 days incubation. When the two-inch-long baby turtles emerge from a nest and head down the beach to the sea, excited "nest parents" are there to clear a path and make sure no predator will eat them before they reach the water. At hatching time, lights all along the beach are dimmed or extinguished so as not to confuse these intrepid creatures. It's quite an event to behold. Be sure to read the closeup on Topsail Island's Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in our Attractions section.

Nighttime on the beach can be magical, and a quiet stroll in the moonlight is nearly irresistible. In the fall, your walk might kick up a strange phosphorescent phenomenon as you move across the water's edge. A night swim may tempt you as well, but be careful. Currents can push you away from your wading-in spot, and the darkness can disorient you. Remember that the law requires that swimming attire be worn while frolicking in the waves.