Charlotte Beach

Mark asked me about going to the beach. They really do want to check it out. So we gather our beach stuff and head out. I wasn't aware that there was a big barbecue event going on at Charlotte Beach. The parking lot was so jammed that it took us a half hour to find a space to park, and it was far from the beach. No matter. We head for the park area only to discover that there is a cover charge to get in to the event, and the space is fenced off.

We walk toward the carousel and discover that we can indeed get to the beach without having to pay to attend the event, so we skirt the hubbub and make our way through the masses of people to the boardwalk. The pier looms off to the right far into the foggy bay. I sure hope no one suggests we walk out there. I have visions of Ramseyes running under the rails and jumping into the briny deep.

The beach is peppered with sun bathers of all ages. Groups of adults are playing volleyball on the several courts set up in the sand. A father is burying his son in the sand. Two toddlers are squealing with delight every time the water washes up over their feet. A colorful beach ball is bounced from kid to kid on beyond the volleyball courts. Further down the beach several kites dance gracefully in the gentle breeze.

We claim a square of sand and plunk down, spreading out the towels. Drew sprays the kids with sun screen, then himself. Baby Shiloh stares about from the safety of her car seat. Fortunately, we are under the shade of a tree back away from the traffic. The noise is a background rumble punctuated by a shout here and there, or a parent yelling some child's name.

I sit next to Shiloh while Drew takes Ramseyes to the water. He is more interested in just running about on the sand, and Drew shadows him, helping avoid bumping into people or tripping over stuff. Mark and Faith lie down in the sun mid beach and promptly fall asleep. Hours pass. I feed the baby and change her (sand is everywhere!). I find the constant stream of people passing by interesting. A study in humanity at play. Some don't play too well. Others take to it like fish to water.

The boats out on the blue beyond the pier float lazily, sails fluttering. Occasionally a loud motor boat zooms past disturbing the tranquility. Smoky barbecue scents tantalize my taste buds, begging investigation, but I resist. Besides, Mark and Faith have taken a walk down the beach and I sure can't lug the baby with me into that teeming mass of people.

Drew comes by to beg me to change jobs with him. He needs a reprieve. I can't chase the typhoon for long. More hours pass in a blink. Drew and I are ready to call it quits and head home, but Mark and Faith are nowhere in sight. When they finally put in an appearance, they are loathe to leave. At last, they admit that the hour is late and the air chill. We pack our stuff and force our way through the thickening crowds. Now that it is evening, the event is in full swing and people are arriving by the droves. The thumping bass of the loud music blaring accompanies us all the way to the car. I am happy to be leaving.

Ah me. A day at the beach is not what it used to be. Still, Ramseyes had a blast though he shows no signs of tiring. And Mark and Faith are somewhat rested. Good. It has been a nice day. Now if we can just get all the sand out of our stuff, all will be well.