The Summer Crowds...

Between the construction to put up new power poles and blocking a traffic lane, combined with greatly increased traffic heading to the island (and the beach), it is a shit show to get through Port Isabel.  When we went out on the scoots a couple days ago, we intentionally didn't go west because we knew what the traffic would be like.  Joan considered going to the store this morning, but the traffic was already backed up over a mile outside of town (nice to be able to check that)... that is "summer weekend crowds" or possibly Spring Break crowds.  But, we don't generally experience that until after Memorial Day.

There is a thread on the scooter forum right now about the changes from the virus pandemic.  I think the big increase in traffic here is a direct result of people having to "stay at home" until May 1st.  All the usual end of the school year stuff would have kept families at home.  Now, they are loading everyone into the car and heading for the beach.  Here's what I wrote...

Big changes in the past week locally. When I went for a bike (bicycle) ride this morning, I passed about 30 people... not one person wearing a mask, besides me. Until May 1st, it was required when in public; that changed to "recommended" on May 1st. There are a lot of rentals on our island, and new rentals weren't allowed in April (owners who rent their properties were pissed about losing revenue). Rentals are allowed again starting May 1st, and they have come pouring in. People who were required to "stay at home," have come to this resort area, even though most of our amenities are still shut down. People seem to think the easing of the stay at home orders means "all clear." Local news video taken on the beach yesterday showed big crowds (the beach accesses have been closed since the last week of March). Walking to our central mail boxes yesterday, I saw a couple 4-passenger golf carts with 6 people on them.

I hope I am wrong, but I am expecting a marked upswing of the virus in the next month. I can social distance on my scoot and our boat.  Hard to do in crowded beach parking and with a lot of people on the beach.

There is a difference between reasonable caution and total indifference. We will see how this plays out. I have read that the virus doesn't do well in heat and humidity - that is our climate. The numbers had been decreasing, prior to the easing of restrictions.

With the virus situation, it seems that summer has come a month early here.  The resort is generally quiet this time of year.  We noticed a change when we went out on the boat: more families with kids are here.  The only amenities open right now are the tennis courts and the golf course (with social distancing requirements)... neither of which is popular with kids.  The pools are closed.  Not much for kids to do here right now.  But, it is a change of pace for those who have been house-bound in the Valley.  Can't say I'm excited about increased crowds right now.