Beach Rules

Mr. L and I just returned from a very-much-needed-post-Advent/Christmas vacation at the Oregon coast. My grandfather built a cabin there in 1950 and it has always been a special retreat for our family. It is a bit rustic (at least compared to the multi-million dollar homes that have cropped up all around it in the past 60 years), but I believe that aspect only serves to reinforce what I see as the inviolable rules of beach cabin vacations:

#1 No less than 70% of one's time at the beach cabin shall be taken up with the following three activities: reading, eating, and napping. The other 30% may be spent: watching cable (after 3pm only), playing board games/assembling puzzles, staring at the ocean.

#2 Walks on the beach are encouraged. All other type of physical activity is to be kept to an absolute minimum. Jogging or other types of fitness nonsense are forbidden.

#3 Delicious meals are to prepared at any time one chooses, and unhealthful snacks of all varieties shall be accessible at all times throughout the day.

#4 The consumption of libations may begin any time after 12:01 pm and should be mainly in service to making more naps possible per day.


#5 Going to bed at 8 pm is completely reasonable as is getting up after 10.

#6 Daily showering is considered optional.  

#7 The first person up in the morning in winter is responsible for starting the woodstove. Those who wake after this are responsible for refilling the wood bin. 

#8 The wearing of various types of pajamas throughout the day is completely acceptable.

#9 Trips into town to survey coastal souvenirs such as sand dollars and "Life is Good" t-shirts are acceptable, though an extra afternoon nap may be required afterwards.

#10 All parties--spouses, pets, visitors--are required to abide by these rules while at the Beach Cabin. The only exceptions are children under 10.

And follow them we did!