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     One of my favorite icons here in Sunset Beach is the 1 lane pontoon bridge that allows access to the island.  It is 1 of only 5 left in the entire country.  It's sheer nature almost forces you to slow down, relax and enjoy the tranquil sights that make up the beach. 

 There have been numerous attempts to have this quaint piece of history removed and replaced.  However; each time they were soundly defeated.  Progress being what it is, the forces of change have finally vanquished those of us clinging to a small piece of our history.  A proposed "super-span" bridge has been approved by the town alderman, and upon its completion in 2009, that 1 lane bridge that I love so much will be taken apart and sold as scrap. 

I'll be next to that old bridge when it happens.  Like an old friend whose time has come, I'll stay until the end.  I spend my afternoons taking pictures, and remembering.  I am going to miss that old bridge.

     It was with some trepidation and surprise that I learned 1 of our new homeowners here at Sunset Beach wanted to install an in-ground pool on his oceanfront property!  Dismay was a closer description.  I simply could not understand how or why someone would want/need an in-ground pool 50 yards from my favorite "pool" aka The Ocean!

A history lesson may be in order here.  Sunset Beach is a quite, undisturbed barrier island in S.E.  North Carolina.  The only access to Sunset is a 50 year old 1 way "swing" bridge that is 1 of 3 left in the United States.  There are NO putt-putt golf courses,  beachwear stores, or anything resembling it's spoiled neighbor Myrtle Beach.  The only store on the island sells some cold cuts, soda and the required Corona.  The 5 mile island is dotted with beach homes dating back to the late 1950's and early 1960's.  The NC state division of beach reclamation visited last year.  I spoke with several of them-thinking that we were perhaps losing part of our beach to erosion; like most other coastal communities.  Actually; they informed me-the beach at Sunset was GROWING!  They were there to see what it was that we were doing correctly, so they could share it with other coastal towns in NC.  We have footbridges over the dunes, loggerhead sea turtles choose to nest, lay eggs, and live here.  We happily share our slice of beach with Summer residents and welcome all who just come for a day or a week. 

Given that background; you can imagine my surprise when a 5 year ocean front property owner decided he needed an in ground pool in his backyard.  I am ecstatic to report that this gentleman did NOT receive permission to do so.  Sometimes there is more to a community then just bending over to those who pay the most tax (his argument).  Thank you residents of Sunset Beach for keeping our community unspoiled for another generation.

Alas; I feel the warm breeze of Summer drifting further away like the tides.  The icy grasp of Winter has not yet arrived, but already the days are shorter with less sunshine.  I hesitate to reach for a jacket on my way out the door to the beach; thinking that somehow this may delay the inevitable. 

I walk along the beach, noticing that my Chessie "Cobi" is now less inclined to jump into the waves-my first sign of Summer slipping quietly toward Winter.