Ocean City's Biggest Beach Bum ... Ever!
Have you seen this guy? If not, you must not spend much time on the Ocean City beaches.

Name: Earl Paul
Age: 73
Hometown: Philadelphia - before adopting Ocean City 15 years ago.

In 15 years, Earl believes he has spent more time on the beaches of Ocean City than any other person ... ever! (For what it's worth, I think he's right). In some years, Earl has spent 360 days on the beach. There were some other years where it was 350. He has "weathered" all types of conditions to accomplish this incredible feat. Clearing snow in the winter to get his spot set-up is old hat for Earl.

His daily routine consists of several trips back and forth from his condo ... just off the boardwalk ... from where he wheels his highly modified beach cart, loaded with beach chairs, umbrellas, and all sorts of beach gear.

"A quick walk on the beach with your dog doesn't count" he says. "2 hours ... 2 hours minimum in the winter or it doesn't count."

Always An Open Chair
Every day, Earl sets up a whole line of chairs ... inviting anyone who wishes to stop by and stay a while - with an open space. I, for one, have enjoyed many hours over the years with Earl ... sitting on the beach talking about life. In fact, it is truly comforting to me knowing that in the off-season ... if the weather is not too cold ... I can be brave and find an old, reliable friend waiting to have a conversation. I suspect, I'm not alone.

The Secret
Earl was a construction worker in Philadelphia. He worked on high rises in 15 degree weather for years. He said, the ocean keeps things warmer than that ... so it's not too bad for him. He also is one of the best wind stoppers around. "If you can control the wind ... that's the key". And he does. He gets his umbrellas set-up just right ... blocking the cold wind ... creating a warm little world on the sand, for him and anyone else brave enough to venture in his direction.

Seen it All
Earl has seen a lot of things in his years on the Ocean City Beaches. When asked about some of the more interesting things ... he gets a glimmer in his eye ... and tells of a book he is writing. He says he has over 100 truely remarkable things he's recorded in that book. "All true, all happened right here, all of it ... "East of the Boardwalk. That's a pretty good title isn't it? East of the Boardwalk ... hmmm".

Where to Find Him
Earl sets up shop, everyday - on Plymouth Place beach (between 7th and 8th streets). It's easy to find ... just look for the only guy sitting in beach chairs in December.

"Hey Earl ... save a chair for me! "