Compared to last summer, when LBI was just coming out of the lockdown, this holiday weekend saw a packed beach unlike anything seen in recent memory.  I took my usual quick stroll up to the dune to check out the ocean and was greeted by the site of literally hundreds of beach umbrellas stretched out along the shoreline.  That people can be comfortable crammed in like that puzzles me.  There was not an open spot to be had as far as the eye could see. Only a few intrepid souls braved the water, and no wonder, it was only 60 degrees. Staring out at the wall of humanity parked on the sand only served to strengthen my resolve NOT to sit around on the beach before 4 PM.