Beach days

The beaches have been busy during these hot days, but of course the term "busy" is relative. On any weekday, even now in July, there is plenty of space at any of our local beaches. For that matter, even on weekends its not all that hard to find your own stretch of sand as long as you're willing to walk a little. Years ago I was lucky enough to visit Hawaii and let me tell you, Waikiki is one crowded beach! So I do know the difference!

One of the best things about living near the beach is the ability to go down any time you want to and enjoy it. My husband does this more than I do, and he sometimes comes home from work, changes into a swim suit, and goes down for a quick swim. Where else can you do that?

I prefer the beach at night and I love going with the kids to have a beach fire and toast marshmallows. Of course at that hour it means sharing the sand with dozens of dogs but most owners and considerate and it's not a problem. Occasionally we have one run through our group, kicking up sand and shaking off its coat after a swim.  We grin and bear it.

The thing I love the most about living near the beach is the fact that any time I'm moved to do so I can drive down to the shore and watch the surf pound away at this island we call home. It's mesmerizing, calming, thought provoking and thrilling from one day to the next. I love it when it's calm and it hypnotizes me with its soft lapping along the shore and I love it when it's so churned up that its beige from the sand that's being carried along with it, inspiring me with its power and danger. I find that if I spend too much time inland I start to feel a little landlocked. But here by the sea I can let me soul soar.