I have lived in the North Beach area of Orcas for close to a decade. During this time, I have spent countless hours on North Beach from as far west as Terrill Beach to as far east as North Beach Inn. I’ve walked around “the ditch” on many occasions and have had some of the most memorable moments of my life on the north end of the island.

Over the years, I have never been approached by someone asking me to leave their private beach. Maybe it’s coincidental, or maybe it’s because people recognize me as an islander because I work with the public. Or maybe it’s a combination of both. I have heard stories of other islanders and tourists alike who have been asked to get off of the beach by various people and in various degrees of rudeness, or some maybe not even with a rude tone. I understand that people spend their hard-earned money on buying tidal rights to the beach. I believe that it is ludicrous to be able to do so, but that is the way it is.

Nonetheless, if one chooses to buy a home right on the beach, you should expect that people such as yourselves are going to enjoy this little piece of magic we call home, and they deserve it just as much as you and I. Be nice to the tourists. Even if you don’t directly work in the tourism industry, you can bet your lucky stars that your life here would not be the same without our tourist economy. So unless there are explicit activities, rude and aggressive behavior, or people leaving trash, respect other peoples rights to enjoy paradise. It is ours to share, and others deserve to enjoy it just as much as you and I.

Haven’t you been a tourist before? Treat others as you would hope to be treated.

Eros Belliveau

Orcas Island