Radio Island beach is where many Beaufort locals take their dogs to the beach. The last rule on the sign actually says "Leash all pets and clean up after" but dog owners don't observe the leash part very strictly. In December there's nobody there but dog owners and people fishing. In the summer, it's wise to always walk on leash from the parking lot, turn south, and walk through the area busy with families, swimmers, sunbathers. We walk down to the far end where other beachgoers are unlikely to complain, and authorities are unlikely to patrol. That's where the dog play group is likely to gather.
Sunday December 16 was a warm day, over 70 degrees, but the only dog on the beach was Magic, the Golden Retriever. Mike takes Magic to the beach every day of the year, no matter the weather. No walk to the far end needed, we had the place to ourselves.
This great music is "Dog Beach Boogie" by Kirk Olsen off the CD "Dog Songs," from Happy Dogs Records. You can buy the CD at that site, but it's also available at the website of Bay Families With Dogs. That's where I bought it, and the proceeds benefit the cause of "preserving our freedoms for outdoor recreation with our canine companions." The organization is fighting to preserve off-leash access to Shell Island off Panama City, Florida. I read on the site that for generations Shell Island had been, by community custom, open to off-leash recreation. In 2006 a decision by the State of Florida locked the State, the Bay County Commission, and the citizens in a battle over off-leash canine access. There are lots of good links on the site for anyone interested in dog parks, dog beaches, and pet travel.
Kathy, Emma's 2lggd mom
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