... to be continued.

what happened to the original post? i typed out a reply and hit post - and it didn't work... my reply was never posted and then to try to get back into the original post was useless, because it's closed or something...

what happened?

Yes - interesting - they've closed it off so you can no longer post to that original thread.

Maybe it was the politics starting to emerge. Amazing. Beach chairs to politics. Only on fodors.

...with Blacktie. It often happens.

Okay, I'm guilty of it too.

20 lashes with a wet beach towel

Oh, graceib, you probably enjoy those lashes.

Very much.

Enjoyed ahhnold's rhinestone sunglasses too!

I say, if there is not a REAR-END in a chair that you've been observing as empty for half an hour and don't think the party is anywhere near the pool, then consider it your own and go sit there (removing a personal item, putting it under the chair,if you have to.) The worse that can happen is somebody charging out of the pool, saying what the h*** are you doing, at which time you can apologize and move on. If that doesn't happen, relax and enjoy the chair - if someone shows up later, shocked that you have "their" chair - be just as shocked to see them! Smile and tell them you assumed someone forgot their bag/shirt, and that you've kept it safe for them under the chair!!!

What you do then depends on the situation...... with some of these people, they wouldn't show up for HOURS so you might be ready to leave by the time they got there! I don't think most people would pressure you to give a chair back. The most you'd probably have to put up with is a dirty look. Yes, I realize this may sound rude to some, but someone who ties up a chair for ages while they run off to do something else is RUDE first in my mind. JMHO...

... once we've all scored a chair, and settled in with cool ones, lets chit chat about those speeches, maybe order some lunch.

bonnie - that doesn't sound rude at all. I think your solutions sound pretty good. That's about how I'd handle it, too. Though, for the most part, I just don't care that much about pool loungers. If there isn't one for me, oh well... I prefer shade and if there isn't any, I'll go do something else. Simple. No use getting worked up about it, I guess. I also think the solution for those who want to sleep in and head down to the pool around 10am, why not just wake up early at 7am and finish your snooze down by the pool? That's what I do. Usually by 10am - I'm tired of sleeping by the pool and I'll leave and head out for the day. I also like to go the pool in the late afternoon and at night (if it's open). I love being in the pool on a hot night out.

To bonniebroad: I think you said it all!

This is starting to remind me of people who park an almost empty shopping cart on line and then proceed to go about their shopping, but that's probably an issue for another thread . . .

HEY! the post is still there.....

AnnaR - it's still there, but it's "closed" meaning you can't post to the thread anymore.

I'm with you, Bonniebroad. Sometimes I wonder if it comes from teaching middle school for several years. Ya get over people (kids) with attitudes real fast. Whaddaya gonna do...pull a knife on me by the pool chair?

I almost enjoy waiting in lines at Disney parks. It's almost fun when unescorted teenagers start working their way up the line, breaking in line in front of others. When they get to me, they are stopped. I put two hands on the railings and hold my space. There have been elbows, continual nudging and "accidental" stepping on feet, but they don't get past me. Then, how fun is it to catch up with the group at the end of the ride or elsewhere in the park and report to the chaperone what the behavior was!

I do have to admit I met my match in Provence. A very pushy matronly woman got past 20 people in line at the Cannes train station - including me.

Politely place the personal items on a nearby table and put your own towel on the chair. Let 'em glare!

Now gracie - maybe if you are nice, Ahhnold will put on those glasses (and ONLY the glasses) and get that wet towel out...

Blacktie - you know, under "travel talk' there is "Other Topics". Some are not travel related. Wonder if fodors would let us start a political thread there...? Then we could find a chair, grab a cold one, and discuss...

... interesting idea, Austin. Have a good day.

BIG smile, Austin!!!

Blacktie and Austin, if you get that thread going, let me know and I'll join you.

Twist my arm and I'll join in as well,infamous sunglasses and all.

Ah, well, I checked again. Looks like the "Other Topics" are pretty much travel related. I knew it was too good to be true. Sorry about that.