Saturday, July 13, 2013

The weather gods were on my side.

I'm told it rained at home the whole time I was gone. But on the island, it was gorgeous every day. Sunny, breezy and warm without being too hot. Even in the middle of the day, I could comfortably walk around.
I like that point where you can just spot the ocean beyond the sea oats.
At the edge of the dune, protective markers have been placed around sea turtle nests, to keep people from disturbing the eggs.
There were many times when the empty beach seemed to stretch out endlessly.
In the mornings I took my coffee and a book and would listen to the waves and read until I inevitably slipped into a coma. The beach always has that effect on me. Once I was startled awake by the only unleashed dog I saw on that island, a silky border collie. I sat up and she leaned into me and pressed her face against mine. The young guy walking her apologized and said, "She saw a friend and just had to say hello." It was impossibly sweet and made me wish I had a dog there with me.
Occasionally a rainshower would spring up out over the ocean, beautiful from a distance and never making it to shore.
I walked for miles and miles along the water. Past the sandbars where the shorebirds congregated,
past the marshy areas near the bird nesting grounds,
and to the very end of the island where you could see Hunting Island, a state park I used to camp on with my family when I was a kid. That lighthouse in the distance was rebuilt in 1875 after the original was destroyed during the Civil War.
Sometimes as I walked, I was completely alone. For as far as I could see in either direction, only me. Hundreds of birds and crabs, but no other human. It felt a little like being dropped on a deserted island.
I would walk until my legs ached and then return to sit in the sand some more.
The shrimp boats came out early, too, and would pass as I watched the sunrise.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times on a beach. I was only there Friday through Monday, but I loved every minute of it.

24 comments:

  1. "I like that point where you can just spot the ocean beyond the sea oats."

    Me too. What an awesome shot!

    I know I've shared this with you in previous posts, but you have an excellent 'eye' for the camera. I like your perspectives on what you SEE through the lens.

    That shot of the rain shower in the distance is stunning. And the last two of the shrimp boat and sunset are superb! Gorgeous sky!

    Thank you, I'm really enjoying these walks through your trip!

    X

    Love the sound of water in that video clip!

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    1. Thanks, Ron! I always feel like having a camera in my hands shapes what I see.

      I loved the sound of the waves, too - so peaceful and soothing. I'd love to hear that I I slept.

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  2. That all sounds and looks perfect. I love when I drive closer to Lake Erie and can see the lake past the houses. When I was younger and heard the fog horn, I thought it was kind of creepy, but also a little comforting. Now I miss that sound.

    Oh, and I love the story about the collie stopping by to say hello to you. :)

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    1. I love the sound of foghorns and train whistles from far away. So lonesome.

      Wasn't that adorable? Very sweet dog.

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  3. nice...looks like you were surrounded by beauty...and its good to be alone in some cases...having that huge beach...the morning reading sounds like a blast...that i would love...

    and of course it rained the whole time you were gone...ha...smiles.

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    1. There were others on the beach some of the time, but even at its most crowded, you could find places to be alone. It helped me to have that solitary time.

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  4. Looks like a wonderfully relaxing time. Glad you were able to get away.

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  5. That kind of solitude is amazing, and surprising considering what a beautiful spot it is. Why isn't it packed with tourists? What a wondeful place to be alone with your thoughts and to refresh your spirit. Good thing I live far from there or I'd be bound to interrupt your peace and quiet because I would want to be on that beach all the time!

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    1. I think you can't be there unless you own (or are renting from someone who does) one of the houses or condos. You have to get through a gate and have a parking pass.

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  6. Just looking at your beautiful photos relaxed me, I can only imaging how wonderful it was for you. So glad your getaway was glorious.
    xo jj

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  7. I didn't know you could find islands along the Atlantic coast that were so empty. Nice to get away from the crowds.

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  8. You have inspired me.

    You would be very comfortable and content on the sandy beaches of our coast which are mostly uninhabited except near the cities. We do not have many resorts, and I thank God for that.

    I prefer going to places no one has ever heard of and during week days so that I can be alone on the sand. Once the monsoon is over here, I think I will go again.

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    1. Oh, I love that seeing this would make you decide to visit the beaches again!

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  9. Oh it all looks and sounds heavenly! I love the ocean. :)

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  10. Your photos are so beautiful! I admire your eye very much. I love that shot of the rain falling out over the ocean. These posts have definitely made me want to have a little beach getaway.

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    1. Thanks so much! Re-looking at the pictures makes me want to head right back myself!

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  11. I thought the same as Mischief - where are all the tourists? I suppose it's good in a way that access to the island is limited, but it's a shame it can't be enjoyed by a few more people. It's certainly a very beautiful spot.

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    1. They were there, just not constantly. Which is why there was so much wildlife. It's a good thing.

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  12. Your photos remind me of past times at both oceans and along the Gulf - good memories. Thank you for sharing your vacation with the rest of us.

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  13. Your pictures are gorgeous. What camera do you have and what setting do you use? Sounds like a perfect place to be and I like how few people were around. The video is perfect, could listen over and over again.

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