I received a sampling of the ocean's fury yesterday as the stormy weather being kicked up by "BILL," our latest tropical storm, reminded me to respect Mother Ocean.
What started off to be a refreshing dip in the ocean, turned out to be a major rumble. '
BILL" is such a 'bully.'
Yea, really!
As I was enjoying a day at the beach with my visiting grandson, I would venture to the shoreline to cool off and watch him swim and surf. The waves were coming in regularly, but manageable. Hardly enough for the surfers to enjoy.
Then, as I was bobbing along, I turned to look behind me when I saw that the waves had increased in size and speed. Before I could scramble to my feet, the current pulled me out and the wave crushed in -- all at the same time. It was fierce -- off went my visor, off went my sunglasses, scratch went the sand over my skin as I tumbled within the breaking wave.
Fearful and panicked, I recovered from the tumble, but I didn't need another lesson!
Able to grab my glasses and leaving my visor to avoid returning to the deeper water, I ran to shore...... shamed.
BILL is on his way, folks. Get Ready. He is Pushing and Knocking and assures his reputation precedes his arrival.
No doubt about it, the rest of the afternoon, I stayed hidden under the umbrella - hot, but safe, stretched out on the chaise lounge with little interest in returning to the water.
My grandson was none-the-wiser. His able body allowed the turbulence and he enjoyed the increasing surf and then the relaxing in the warm sun afterwards.
The age difference is apparent not only in physical appearance, but in physical durability too. Ok, I get it! Grandma's need to stay on the shore and watch out over the children!!!!!! I realized very quickly that I don't have the balance and fortitude required to spar with Mother Ocean!
Tomorrow should prove even more interesting. I will be way back on the sand taking pictures for you. I will have 'O' reports on the actually pull of the ocean. :)
Look out for "BILL." - Surf's UP!
And to our surprise.............not 10 tiny reindeer, but 1 buoy washed ashore.
From a distance we couldn't quite tell what it was aloft on the shore in Ponte Vedra Beach. The closer we got, we couldn't believe that a buoy this size had washed up on the beach. It was fresh with barnacles and salt water still dripping from the bottom.
Quite a sight!
My grandson was none-the-wiser. His able body allowed the turbulence and he enjoyed the increasing surf and then the relaxing in the warm sun afterwards..jpg)
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Today, with my convertible top down and my sun visor shading my face, I took off north on A1A from Ponte Vedra Beach until it deadended in Atlantic Beach. Just a meer 20 minute journey and here I was ocean-central. An immediate 'beach right' and a parking place up front delivered me across the street from our majestic ocean and right in front of Shelby's Coffee House. The decision to either shop or dine was clear -- I stopped to munch. It couldn't get much better than Shelby's Grecian Salad with that wonderful flavored tea, an umbrella table outside, the beaches newspaper, the soft-blowing breeze, and me. No need to travel far -- no need for reservations -- no need to plan ahead. Right here in our own little beach community -- friends and businesses await!
As I enjoyed the view from my table, I couldn't help but peer into the window of the little shop across the courtyard from my table -- Boutique Unique! Adorable name and charming shop. Perfect place to stroll after such a delightful lunch. Kae and her daughter Julie we
re busy stocking the racks with all the new summer outfits. (I have one on right now as I couldn't resist the Blow-Out Sale!) The boutique, in addition to their regular resort/beachy clothes, now carries the Jams label and loads of Fresh Produce (not the fruit), along with the most original hand-painted jackets and sweaters, the perfect weight for our cooler nights and breezy days. 
