Bad news. . .and good!

© 2012 Lydia Hinshaw

The end of the pier that is not being worked on yet

The north end of the pier

 ORMOND BEACH, FL --  Prince Charming and I aren't fishermen, but the local fishing pier is a favorite hangout anyway.

 We live in a city divided by the Intracoastal Waterway, known locally as the Halifax River. There is one bridge in town, and it's four blocks from our house.

 On the west bank of the river, under the bridge is a pier, 1,500+ feet long.  It  loops around from the south side of the bridge to the north.  It's popular with fishermen, and also with walkers who can do lap after lap in a scenic area.  Cars?  You can hear their muffled rumble from overhead, but they aren't blasting past your elbow.

 About a week ago we read in the newspaper that part of our pier would be closed for the next two months, as repairs are made to the decking and railings and whatever else has suffered from years of exposure to salt air and relentless sunshine.

 So there will be no laps for a while, although the sections not under repair will still be available for out-and-back walks.

 The good news:  Once the repairs are complete, we won't feel loose boards shifting under our feet anymore.