Why we've been staying at the beach longer

There's something about late summer beach days that hit different.

Mid arvo beach trips

We've been heading down mid-afternoon lately instead of the usual morning routine. My husband, the two kids, and I have figured out that if you time it right, you miss the worst of the heat but still get those long hours on the sand. The crowds have thinned out, the water's still warm.

Set up around 2, when the shade starts stretching longer. Grab some snacks, a book, maybe a mate. Then just stay.

The picnic blanket for all day at the beach

That's actually why we designed Cabanamate the way we did. Once you're comfortable and set up properly with kids, you really don't want to get up out of the shade. But with regular mats with a hole in the middle, we'd end up stuck out in the sun as it moved, or have to sit on the sand, chasing the shadow. With two kids, that's a nightmare.

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, then this is your perfect excuse for a sunset picnic! Same setup, different vibe. Bring something cold, find a quiet stretch of beach, let the day wind down slowly.