From the sea shores of Carova

When this comes out, I’ll be wrapping up week-long trip to the beach. And yes, it’s been as wonderful as it sounds.

We made the trek over three days, reaching the Outer Banks on Saturday. 10 people, one house on the dunes and hundreds of others hoping for the same relaxing week.

We spent our days on the shore, with four tents strung together, chairs set up and spread out, snacks and coolers filled with snacks and more.

Dragon flies surrounded us at times, ushering us up and down the boardwalk as we traveled to and from the house. Horse flies kept us waving and weaving as they tried to find a snack.

Each day, we’d watch the waves, the dolphins, the neighbors try to kayak in the waves, the same neighbors manage to catch at least two sting rays and the little one in our group explore the sand and water.

To be that little and have no cares again. And to run into freezing cold water with no fear. Ugh. If only. Not to mention having a whole squad of people catering to your every whim. Goldfish? We’ve got ‘em. Water time? Let’s go. Cookies? How could we say no?

We chowed on sandwiches, a table spread of shrimp boil, burgers and more. We spent nights in the hot tub or pool as we fought off horse flies and sweat bees.

In true ‘embracing the beach life’ fashion, I burned the first day. I’m talking face, shoulders, legs, I was a mess. And before you say anything, I did wear sunscreen. We all did. And every one of us is leaving this trip with something still more red than not.

With any trip like this, it’ll be sad to leave this place behind. Leave the calmness, the happiness, the adventure. But all good things must come to an end. And I’ve found anything as good as this isn’t as special if it happens all the time. We just enjoy it while we have it and hold onto the memories, the feelings and the photos until the next time.