The calm before the Memorial Day crush

I was witness to the calm before the storm this morning (Friday, May 27).

Taking a bicycle ride between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. from Lewes into Rehoboth Beach was actually peaceful.

There were parking spaces within the first and second blocks of Rehoboth Avenue and traffic was minimal. In fact, traffic was so light you didn’t have to worry about someone opening a car door on you.

Deliveries were being made just in time for the Memorial Day crunch and town employees were scurrying around cleaning up the Nation’s Summer Capital.

A few people were taking advantage of the beautiful sunrise as it glistened off the ocean.

Fast-forward about 24 hours, and the picture will be far different.  Route 1 will be jam packed with traffic, parking in the resort towns will be at a premium and colorful umbrellas will cover nearly every inch of the beach.

With the almost-perfect beach weather forecast for Memorial Day weekend, it’s a sure bet the crowds will be huge.

That same bike ride the next three days would be far different, and it’s one I won’t be taking. I'll be riding inland this weekend.

During the busy holiday weekend, take a few moments to remember why it’s a long weekend. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those in the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom.