Trieste, Italy

When you think of swimming in the Mediterranean, you probably don't conjure up landscapes like this. Instead, your mind goes to the Rivera and the Costa del Sol, with their long, sandy beaches. But, the Adriatic is different. [2008]

Mellieha, Malta

Off to Gozo it goes. A ride on the Gozo Channel ferry allows you to see all three islands of the Maltese archipelago: Malta, Gozo, and Camino. Which two are visible here? In archipelagic states, ferry links are not a luxury; they are a necessity. [2009]

Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Welcome to "the coast of seven colors." The southern extension of Bonaire is low in elevation and almost invisible from the sea. Ships would often sail right into the coral reefs and split apart. Bad news for the sailors, but good news for the families of Bonaire. Each family would identify its salvage pile with a different color. [2017]

Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Because it isn't as commercialized as the other ABC islands, Bonaire excels in the conservation of nature, particularly the protection of seas turtles and their nesting areas. The beaches may not be that attractive for humans, but sea turtles need them to reproduce. If you are snorkeling along the coral reefs offshore, you might even see one. [2017] 

Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

Bonaire is less commercialized than its sister islands, Aruba and Curaçao. Beach tourism is not its specialty (not even here at Pink Beach, which is not very pink and not much of a beach), but diving and snorkeling are world class. As for the painted rock marker: Why isn't it pink? [2017]

Oranjestad, Aruba

Aruba: "sheltered west coast." Cruise ships and Palm Beach resorts bring in the money, but backpacker tourism also finds a place along the island's coast. The campground at Surfside Beach is within walking distance of the airport and the cruise port. [2017]

Oranjestad, Aruba

Aruba's cruise-industry advantages: warm breezy climate year-round, location south of the hurricane belt, exotic small-island ambiance with European overtones, sheltered west coast. Aruba's cruise-industry disadvantages: farther from the market than its competitors, no natural deep-water harbors, unapproachable east coast. [2017]

Whitstable, England, UK

In the United States, life-saving stations are historical curiosities, but in Britain they are still depended upon to rescue mariners in distress. The Whitstable Lifeboat Station was founded not that long ago, in 1963. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution currently oversees 444 lifeboats around the UK. [2003]

Lewes, Delaware, USA

Life-Saving Stations of Maryland & Delaware: Compare with Delaware's other surviving life-saving station and with Maryland's Ocean City station. What's missing? The observation cupola, a feature present in all of its brethren. That may mean it's merely a boatshed rather than a full-fledged life-saving station. What's the story here? [2022]

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, USA

Life-Saving Stations of Maryland & Delaware: Like many surviving stations, this one was moved to its present location in a Delaware State Park. Even though these stations were always on the beach, you can't even see the ocean from its current behind-the -dune-line location. And, it has been reoriented so surfboat doors no longer face the surf. [2022]

Ocean City, Maryland, USA

Life-Saving Stations of Maryland & Delaware: The first structures on the Atlantic Coast's beaches were often life-saving stations complete with surfboats ready to be deployed for offshore rescues. They were always built with their surfboat doors facing the ocean. Compare the doors and ramp above with those in the historical mural art below. [2021]

Beaufort, North Carolina, USA

Fall comes to the Carolina Coast. Today, in fact, is the first full day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Blue skies reflected in still waters are a trademark of the season, but the story of seasonal change is told by the transition of the cordgrass marshes from summery green to autumny gold. [2021]

Caye Caulker, Belize

It's been two months since the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, but there is still time to enjoy some time with family and friends. For the ultimate get-way, try the island of Caye Caulker (key call-ker). [2015]

Santa Monica, California, USA

Shouldn't sea gulls be white? This one is probably a youngling who hasn't molted yet. What a view he must have and what stories he could tell if only he had a voice. Your assignment: Add a caption bubble and give him something wise to say. [2020]

Ocean City, Maryland, USA

In Ocean City, the power of place is generated by the beach. That power is amplified by the public art that is featured on at least one of the city's power boxes. What else is used to amplify the power of place? Hint: Focus on the horizon. [2021]

Bethany Beach, Delaware, USA

Answers in the pic: (1) Where is the southernmost point in the continental US? (2) Where would you go to hike in the High Atlas Mountains? (3) What is the soon-to-be most populous country in the world? (4) What is the capital of Ohio? (5) What country introduced democracy to the world? (6) Where would you go to see the Golden Gate? [2021]

Ocean City, Maryland, USA

February is all about the number two, and 2/22 is a palindrome too! A town's economic base can inspire artistic creativity. Let other community's take note: Water towers don't have to be blank slates. Give them a job to do building the spirit of place. Be sure to see yesterday's post. [2021]
 

South Bethany, Delaware, USA

On the other side of that dune is the Atlantic Ocean. In order to protect the nearby Delaware Bay from enemy attack during World War II, over a dozen observation towers were built along the coast between Cape May, New Jersey, and Fenwick Island, Delaware. This is Tower #3, soon to be a magnet for coastal tourism. [2021]

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Odds and Evens, Ones and Twos, Singles and Doubles, Which one be You? Here are two snorkelers who have just taken a bath in the warm waters of the Caribbean in January. The setting: The Baths, a geologically unique area where granite boulders seem to have been coughed up from the depths. [2014]

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA

Ocracoke is but a tiny island on the Outer Banks. The only way to come and go is by ferry. The one anchored here in front of the former Coast Guard Station will take you and your car to the mainland. It plies one of seven regular routes that cross the sounds and estuaries of coastal Carolina. [2019]