Book of Lists ~ Things I Like About the Beach

Things I Like About the Beach

~an on-going list~

 

• White sand. (as in Gulf coast white "silvery" sands).
• Crystal clear, green salt water (no seaweed).
• Starfish. We've only found them two of the many years we've been to the beach.
• Tiny sand crabs that tickle my palm.
• Beach umbrellas.
• A good book to read under the umbrella.
• Early morning beach walks and cool sand between my toes.
• Sunrises.
• Sunsets.
• Sea turtles and sea turtle nests.
• Feeding popcorn to the gulls.
• Searching for shells.
• Finding unbroken sand dollars.
• Casual beach style furniture and decor.
• Family.
• Renew-ing old friendships.
• Appreciation for the beauty of the sea and our Creator.

My earliest memories of our family vacations involve all of these things, in one way or another.

As soon as school was out for the year, my sister and I received our "summer haircuts." This was a short, carefree cut my mother called a Pixie Cut. Basically, just wash it and wear it. This look was much more flattering for my sister, but I didn't want to waste valuable summer time washing, rolling and sitting under a hair dryer either. Our visit to the beauty shop usually heralded the approach of our week long Florida vacation.

My mother did the packing in the early days. My sister and I were allowed to pick out one or two toys to take with us, depending on their size, because car space was limited. I nearly always chose my favorite baby doll - Judy - and the small "little pillow" I required for sleeping. Over the years, the toys we chose would change, but a selection of books to read was always essential.

In the days before extensive interstate travel and air-conditioning, the trip was long and hot. My mother hid road trip surprises in the car. When two little girls got car-fever, she pulled out a surprise to delight us and distract us from the long ride. New colors, new coloring/activity books, paper dolls (that required no scissors), drawing pads, a new book. It didn't really matter what they were, they got us through another hour (and made an easier trip for her).  We made frequent stops to "stretch our legs" as well. My dad encouraged us to get out and run around the car a couple of times. The hope was that this exercise would make us less antsy, and therefore, be an easier trip for the parents. I never believed it helped. For me, frequents rest stops just made the trip longer!

I have random memories as to how my parents made the trip affordable. Gas cost roughly 25 cents a gallon in general, but the cost would be higher at "filling stations" along the main tourist routes, up to 30 cents (gasp). My dad complained about this and sometimes drove an extra mile off the route in order to save pennies. We rarely stopped at restaurants on our trips; my mother packed a picnic lunch to eat at roadside tables. Travelers looked for places on the side of the road with a couple of white concrete tables with attached benches; these were the precursors to interstate Rest Areas. We also had a green gallon thermos jug with a spicket (it fascinated me) that my mother filled with lemonade. She packed pop corn and other homemade snacks; we knew we'd never get the green light to buy sugary snacks at Stuckey's or some other store along the way.

We didn't have iPods and DVD players and other electronic devices, so parents often resorted to bribes. My dad paid a nickel to the child who saw the ocean first. If the amount of kid monetary awards has increased as much as the Tooth Fairy's payment for a tooth, then I figure I'd be paying out a fiver in today's world in order to keep a child occupied during the last hour of a long trip.

We also didn't have reservations. Upon arrival, we stopped at likely cottages and motels to inquire about their prices. I learned early what the words "No Vacany" were. Once, my sister and I left the car to inspect playground equipment on the sand just beyond a motel, while my dad negotiated with the manager. We were very happy with the place and looked forward to taking advantage of the extra amusements. Turned out there were no ground floor units available, so my dad moved on to the next place. There, we rented a small efficiency unit. My sister and I were happy with that and immediately headed out to play on the merry-go-round, only to have the manager run us off because we weren't staying there. I was young, but old enough to feel embarrassed and then angry. Funny how the brain retains memories like that.

Another funny memory: we used those photo booths on the beach to take Before and After pictures. By the end of a week in the sun, we were dark tanned!

Over the years we spent a week at many different towns along the coast; Clearwater, Indian Rocks, Pensacola, Panama City, Navarre, Ft. Walton, Destin and more.  Our accommodations changed from primitive cottages and cabins with screened porches and no air conditioning to the more modern townhouses and condos with all the amenitiesin recent years. The unchanging variable has been mealtime. We were not those people who ate out every meal. Our places had kitchens where my parents carefully prepared meals in order to save money. Once each trip we went out and had a seafood meal. I loved eating at a table with a view of the water. Still do.

Sand. Sand. Sand. Kids. And bare feet.  Definitely equals SAND IN THE BED! We weren't allowed to get on our parents' bed either. And every night, it was almost necessary to strip the bed in order to sleep in a bed with a minimal amount of sand. That changed the year we had carpet on the floor for the first time (I was married with a toddler in tow!). To my surprise the sand disappeared into the carpet fibers long before my feet hit the bed.

Every summer in Florida with my family is a precious memory. We spent our honeymoon in Florida. We took our children to Florida. And our grandchildren. It is OUR idea of a true vacation.

After I retired, my one-week-during-the-summer beach vacation extended to several trips a year and lengthened to a month at a time. I love returning to the same beach, the same condo, the same restaurants, shops and old friends time after time. I may take other vacations, but I feel as if something is missing when I don't get to the beach.

And I don't require new experiences for my beach stay.
The traditional experiences on my list more than satisfy.