Palm Sunday in Ocean City, Part 5: Sunbathing and Skateboarding

Sunday afternoon was the first time this year, far as I know, that was warm enough for sunbathing in Ocean City, Maryland.

Small groups of people were scattered up and down the beach. By 1 p.m., it was so warm that adventurous folks were sunbathing in swimsuits. When you lie flat on the sand, you don't feel the breeze, so you're warmer than if you're standing up.

The vast majority of people were content ride bikes or stroll the Boardwalk, where many shops were open, rather than venture onto the beach.

Bicycling is allowed on the Boardwalk all day through April. On May 1, bicycling on the boards will restricted to mornings, but biking will be extended one extra hour this year. In recent years, bikes have been prohibited on the Boardwalk after 10 a.m. The Mayor and Council decided to extend the biking time to 11 a.m. this summer, seven days a week. To make room for bikes, the starting time for the Boardwalk tram will be pushed back from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.

I didn't see anyone swimming. One toe is all you need to tell you the water is too cold.

Of course, it's always warm enough for skateboarding. About a dozen young people were practicing their skills at the Ocean Bowl Skate Park, at 3rd Street and St. Louis Avenue. Can you believe it? A woman asked me last night if there are things for her young teenagers to do in Ocean City -- and I forgot to tell her about the skateboard park! There is a charge to use the park, by the day or the season; helmets are required; and a parent is needed to give permission, the first time a youth signs up to use the skateboard park.