Two weeks back from that big, blue ocean and already the week has melded itself into a collective memory of every summer trip taken there. All of my stays seem to mingle together and one year becomes impossible to separate from another. It's sweet, though, and comforting.
This year was exactly as I
pictured it would be, and I enjoyed it more than you'd think something so familiar could be enjoyed. Some slight variations made the trip exciting, however, and perhaps some new traditions were established. A few moments-
Saturday
Dad, being the avid walker that he is, inspired us all to walk several miles first thing in the morning. We were all happy for the company and cool morning air, and the coffee upon our return was all the more appreciated.
Sunday
The first of many days spent entirely on the beach. This year had to hold the record for the clearest water; seaweed was nowhere to be found. Clear water has an absurd amount of influence on my happiness level on the gulf.
Wednesday
To celebrate the fourth, we made our way to the very base of the pier to watch the fireworks (rather than watching the show from two miles away on our stretch of beach, as per usual). We sat in the sand right underneath the dazzling lights- the closest I've ever watched such a brilliant show. The sounds of each burst echoed off of the highrises behind us, every firework appeared twice as lustrous reflected in the ocean below.
Friday
Pool games this evening were energetic and fun - who knew how exciting it is to find a toothpick floating to the surface of the water? New and old friends, late night camaraderie, staying quiet so we aren't told to leave the pool after hours.
I unfortunately took only
one picture the entire week (very typical, actually), and it really had nothing to do with the beach. It was of a couple of racoons hanging on a tree outside our door.
And it was a fuzzy one at that.
Just have to take my word on the endless blue skies, white hot sand, and rolling ocean waves. It was
beautiful.
