Things to Do at the Beach

It’s May—and that means the temperatures are in the mid 70s and sunny in the Outer Banks. A friend of mine traveled to the islands over spring break. It was “biker” week and the islands were packed with kids and motorcycles. Usually, the Canadians come to the beach to defrost over spring break. A stretch of Pamlico Sound between Avon and Buxton is named Canadian Hole due to the numbers of Canadians who wind and kite surf there. Don’t know what kite surfing is? Here’s a clue, and if I were younger…dang, missed out on this scene!

My friend said that the ferry lines to Ocracoke were eight lines wide and deep. I was disappointed that I couldn’t go with her, but as I write this blog, I’m anticipating traveling there within two days. Some people get bored on the beach. I feel sorry for them. Get ready, lather up with sun block, leave the fancy sunglasses at home and buy yourself a pair of Sea Strikers-polarized, cheap and worthy. Here’s some of the ways I know to enjoy the beach.

Forget the expensive cosmetics; roll in the sand to exfoliate

Remember the inner child—build a sand castle, sit in the surf and let the waves roll you

Read a book that you haven’t had time to read

Catch up on your sleep

Sit a spell and talk to your spouse, mate, child, friend

Boogie board with your spouse, mate, child, friend

Heal—the salt water and sand will mend many ailments

Find sea shells, take them home and decorate with them

Try ocean kayaking or surfing

Swim

Fish

Read magazines that no one need know you read

Take a walk; take pictures of the wonders around you

Fill your cooler for lunch—remember happy hour

Dig a hole until the sea comes up

At the Sea-side

By Robert Louis Stevenson

When I was down beside the sea

A wooden spade they gave to me

To dig the sandy shore.

My holes were empty like a cup;

In every hole the sea came up

Till it could come no more.

Happy 60th Birthday to my brother, Nat.