Just another day at the beach

Painesville residents Mike Watkins and his mom, Barbara Watkins, surveyed Lake Erie on the first day of spring from just beyond the historical marker at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park observing ReneRobert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle’s 1669 expedition up the Grand River.

Just beyond them, the Watkins’ friend, Eastlake resident Hope Connolly examined the shore a little closer to the surf at the west end of the beach.

The trio said they like to come to the beach here often.

“It’s nice to be able to walk from over there, to over here,” Barbara Watkins said, motioning to Lake Metroparks’ wooden boardwalks.

Mike said they enjoy the atmosphere the park offers and take it in whenever they can.

“When it’s nice, though,” Barbara said, referring to the weather. “Sometimes it’s just, well, it’s just yuck out here sometimes.”

When asked what they like to do most at the beach, Mike replied: “just to walk, to take in the scenery, relax and meditate.”

It’s true: The first day of spring on the Northcoast didn’t serve up puffy clouds, blue skies and sunshine. In fact, temperatures hovered in the mid-40s and the National Weather Service is calling for a chance of snow showers come March 22.

But at least we’re not looking at snowdrifts and squalls like last week.

JONATHAN TRESSLER — THE NEWS-HERALD Painesville residents Mike Watkins and his mother, Barbara, sit and watch the surf just beyond the historical marker commemorating Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle’s 1669 portage up the Grand River at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park March 20 as...