Bringing all but the kitchen sink to the beach

I really enjoyed reading “Drawing a Line in the Sand” (Aug. 26). I often joke with my mom that whenever my family made day trips to the beach in the mid- to late ‘60s, I felt like we were moving. If we had plans to go to the beach the upcoming Saturday, my mom and grandma began preparing days in advance.

We took with us the makings for a complete lunch and dinner, two changes of clothes, plenty of towels, coolers with food, drinks, water to wash off with and water to drink, a huge pot to use as a makeshift sink, and umbrellas and chairs for the grown-ups.

During the summers when she was a child, my grandma, her father and brothers used to travel to Fresno to pick grapes or to La Puente to work on a walnut farm. They took a tent, makeshift cots, etc., so they could still feel at home. Maybe there’s some connection. Maybe old habits are hard to break.

Still, if you’re ever traveling with my mom or grandma and suddenly realize you forgot something you need and the stores are closed , they’ll have it. You won’t have to do without, and maybe that’s what it’s all about for them.

Liz Gonzalez

Long Beach

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The one thing Scott Sandell forgot to mention is that these people who bring all that stuff to the beach also have no sense of space. Every weekend, a large group with a tent will sit so close to me, they might as well put the giant ice chest on my towel. I have started to bring extra towels so I can mark out my “territory” and hope no one gets too close.

Mary Driscoll

Los Angeles