It was Sunday afternoon, and the beach was a little more crowded than it was the first time I went on the previous Friday, but it wasn't crowded on the scale of Newport Second Beach in Rhode Island on a hot summer day. Families and tourists were enjoying the shallow waters surrounded by piers or were boating and diving off the docks.

I dropped my backpack on the sand along with my sarong for a beach blanket and made my way into the water. I had re-pulled my left calf muscle a couple of days before, and it was still sore. The water was 85 degrees F and like bath water, but it felt wonderful for one who hates swimming in cold water. Getting older, I must be taking after my Dad who said he would never go swimming unless it was above 90 Degrees F!

I didn't swim but walked a distance to a spot and sank down and enjoyed the water. The warm water felt great on my sore calf and my body, and I thought it was going to be very hard for me to get out of the water. But a few minutes later, I pulled myself out of the water and went to my area and dried out in the sun. My fair Scandinavian skin burns, so I added more suntan lotion and wrote a postcard to my friends at the Home Depot in Eagle, Idaho. "I am writing this card from the beach. . .", it began.

After writing my postcard, I went into the water again and watched everyone around me. There were many people on floats enjoying the water, and there were a couple of boats off the pier disembarking their passengers to enjoy time at the shops on the pier.

Not wanting to fry my skin, I got up and went to the shower on the beach to rinse off the sand and salt off of my body. The water was a little colder than the ocean but it felt good. Then I went into the public restroom and changed into dry clothing before heading to Alvin's and something cold and creamy with my beach fix satisfied for the time being.

This beach off of Quietwater Pier is free for all to use. No dogs or glass is allowed on the beach, and no lifeguards are on duty, but the water is only about 2-feet deep, but be safe.

Dubbed the "World’s Most Beautiful Beaches," northwest Florida is blessed with white sandy beaches and light-blue to aqua-green water. The surf can vary from calm to light, and rough in times of hurricanes. Nothing more than a body board for the maybe 3- to 4-foot waves on occasion. In the springtime, the algae moves in just as the weather gets warmer. I’m told this is why the area is called the "Emerald Coast." It’s not harmful, just a little bit gross. The first 3 feet of the water is dark with the green stuff.

Jellyfish come and go. In spring and late summer, they are more popular, as they come in to feed. It’s just something we live with. Numbers can vary daily. They are small to medium-sized and sting; it hurts for about 10 to 15 minutes and then leaves a small red welt. Dolphins or porpoises are frequent visitors to the beach area. They can often be seen from the beach.

The main beach area has more than enough space for everyone to lie out and marvel at the wonder of nature. The beach spans about a half-mile and is 100 yards wide at points. Play some Frisbee or football, or set up your own volleyball net.

Ravaged by Hurricane Ivan, much of Pensacola is still recovering, and the beach is no exception. Although most businesses have returned, there is still construction and some vacant buildings. Eat at one of the many beach bars/ eateries. Grab a beer and relax.

No pets, or glass on the main public beach. If you need to bring your dog or have a longneck, go down to the residential section, farther along the main road, and hide your beer when the beach patrol comes zooming by on an ATV.

There is a state park located on the island, Picken’s Gate. It’s an old fort. Due to Ivan, it had been closed, but it’s open now. Get some education in while you're sunbathing. Take a right when you get to the first stop light and drive. This is also a good direction to take if you are looking for a bit more solitude away from the crowds. The only problem could be parking. There is no designated area along the way, but there is some in the State Park Area.