The pandemic has forced Carmel-by-the-Sea to limit the use of its world famous beach to those who “exercise,” meaning, sun bathing not allowed while masks are required if social distancing is not possible. Took this photo yesterday–those are my size 11’s–of a bare beach, at least from the camera’s perspective. I walked Ivan, the rescue dog, on the sand, long enough to see an maskless man smoking a cigarette in the wind. I haven’t seen anyone smoke on the beach in years, let alone during the pandemic. At least he was walking. My mask was around my neck since I was moving at a brisk pace, so I give the guy a pass on the lack of face wear, but puffing on an idiot stick bothered me. I don’t want to turn mask wearing into a political moment. Do it to protect others. And while you’re at it, quit smoking for your own health, at least in public places.
