Top ten lists have more to do with the knowledge base of the list maker than with any objective reality. But that doesn't stop us from enjoying them. On behalf of Travel and Leisure writer April Orcutt has compiled a list of what she proclaims are the world's the top ten urban beaches.  The list includes Honolulu's Waikiki, Venice Beach in Los Angeles, Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Sydney's Bondi Beach, Repulse Bay Beach in Hong Kong along with beaches in Miami, Vancouver, Puerto Rico, Cape Town and Barcelona.  Here's the slide show.

There are special quiet places on the California Coast that I'd just as soon not write about. But when the NY Times puts out the word then it's no longer a secret. So here goes. While the beach areas from San Diego to Malibu have fully entered the 21st century with crowds and congestion, California's Central Coast offers many spots that retain a feel of timelessness. Cambria, on Highway 1 on the route to Hearst Castle and Big Sur, remains one of those places. This part of California used to be ranch land. It still offers huge vistas of wide open spaces. Great surf spots abound. But the vibe might not be for everyone. Topedo shaped residents with pointy orthodonture are known to enjoy seal buffets here. When I last drove through Cambria, about 14 years ago, I had a meal that changed my life. It was at an Italian restaurant off main street. I don't recall the name. The dish was spaghetti marinara. There was so much garlic in the sauce that it looked like meat sauce - at least one full head of garlic in my one serving. Amazing. I've been a garlic monster ever since (sauteed garlic to be precise).  If you have the budget and want to splurge for a night or two at a romantic resort located on a high bluff overlooking the Pacific, I highly recommend the Post Ranch Inn up in Big Sur. The two nights we spent there in a "tree house" cost over 100,000 pennies. It was worth every one them. Here's the NYTimes story on Cambria.  Lastly, if you're in the area, make a pit stop or spend the night at the landmark Madonna Inn off Highway 101. It's a fun place for both kids and grown-ups.

It's cold outside today and our thoughts turn once again to points south. NY Times has a piece on 36 hours in St Barts. This Caribbean gem has an active night life and is visited by the likes of Beyonce and Jay-Z... reasons to stay away in my book.  On the other hand there are 17 exquisite white sand beaches, first rate food and the opportunity to speak French si vous plais.  The good news is that the rich and famous can't land their Gulfstreams on St. Barts, the landing strip is too small.  They need to fly in by puddle jumper just like everyone else.  All of that said, if I were looking for a warm beach in February I'd be more inclined to look to Belize.  Belize is one of those off the beaten path places where the beaches are uncrowded, the natives friendly and the prices low.  American Airlines  is offering discounted fares to Central and South American locations through May.  Denver to Belize is just $425 RT.  So maybe you get in some skiing before heading south.  That's the ticket.  Or you could fly Boston-Sao Paulo for $588 RT.  

Newcomb Hollow - Local media and local locals turned out to look at the wreck of a 100+ year old schooner that washed up here during the last storm.

Although there are scores of wrecks off the coast of the National Seashore, Cape Cod beaches see relatively few of them. The prevailing winds and currents move eastward. Here are some links to the story:
Boston Globe Cape Codder
{gallery}/blog/misc/wreck/{/gallery}