Sometimes I miss being able to head to the beach on a whim. Don't get me wrong, I love my mountains, but I do love playing in the sand and salt water, too. Scouring the shore for shells with my nephew is something I miss even more. To reach the coast from here in the High Country it would take at least a 5-hour drive. It's not something we get to do often because of the time it takes to get there. Usually, I'm okay with that, but I've found myself longing for another day by the sea.
Summer feels like it's coming to an end here in Boone, NC, which is probably why the beach is on my mind. This week we've experienced colder temperatures, especially at night. I've been wearing my knee-high Winnie the Pooh socks it's been so chilly! You won't hear me complain, though, because FALL is one of my favorite seasons. Honestly, I can't wait for it to arrive!
In the meantime, I'm going to attempt to soak up every last bit of summer I possibly can before the weather here in Boone completely changes course. So, until the next time I have the opportunity to head to the coast, I'll just enjoy the memories made this past summer at Jacksonville Beach with my family.
This time last week we found our fill of sun and sand. While the beach was an absolute blast, it's not something I can do back-to-back. We spent one glorious day alongside the ocean and that was all we needed. After taking pictures and playing in the waves we were ready to go back and explore the downtown area.
Lately, I've noticed an urgent buzz to soak up every last bit of summer possible. I'm very fortunate that a quick trip to Charleston was something that we could do before finding our way to the next temperature bracket. It might not be in your neck of the woods, but fall is fast approaching in the High Country. This is not me complaining, by the way, because I love fall!
This year, an attempt to camp as often as we were motivated added up to at least once a month (if not slightly more). However, there are still some things aside from camping that I must do before summer comes to a close. Well, not just one, but two things. The first is to take a lazy float along the river in an inner tube, and the other would be to go blueberry picking.
I hope to remedy both of these "dilemmas" before the week is out. The idea of having those "I wish I woulda" summer moments isn't something I want to be revisiting later on in the season. As long as lightning isn't a part of the equation, I can see myself doing both in the rain if need be. I am that determined to make it happen! haha
So, let me ask....Did you end summer with a bang? Or, is there still something left to do?
Birthdays celebrations, for me, typically include travel, but not solo expeditions. Cody was unable to join me in my most recent crusades, so I went to Oahu, Hawaii sans my 'partner in crime'. The experience was liberating! I can't say that I want to spend future birthdays without being able to share them with Cody, but doing this trip on my own changed from something I wanted to do into something I needed to do.
And I definitely don't feel the same as a result of doing so. My bloggie friend Gillian, who has been to Hawaii said, "That Hawaii NEVER leaves you." I hope that's true! For days I've been stuck daydreaming about that place. Not like it's a bad thing. I hope she's right, I hope it NEVER leaves me :D
Where do you start when you have so many different things you want to share? I was thinking, why not begin with one of the most memorable moments of my most recent trip to O'ahu, Hawaii! Not that everything about this trip wasn't memorable, but some things definitely stand out more than others.
While on the island, I did the majority of my sightseeing during the day. At night, I took refuge in a friend's home far beyond the busy cities of Honolulu & Waikiki. As a matter of fact, I didn't really spend too much time in either of those places anyway. She was a gracious hostess by the way. Thank you again for such a wonderful gift :) Amongst other things, she also helped to make my birthday a pretty magical one by accompanying me to the most bodacious party I've ever been to!
I celebrated my 29th at an authentic Hawaiian-style luau this year! Germaine's Luau had the most beautiful backdrop, as well as the best show on the island from what I've heard. The picturesque setting was exactly how I envisioned a Hawaiian-style luau to be, a less than calm breeze blowing through the palm trees, a site situated right next to the ocean which happened to dawn the most breathtaking sunset, and SAND...lots of sand! I ditched my flip flops almost immediately because it was much more fun to walk around barefooted!
After drooling over the sunset, and debating about a table in which to sit, my friend and I made our way over to watch the traditional Imu Ceremony take place with the rest of the spectators. This long-established custom involves the removal of a pig that has been marinating in a roasting pit for the last 12 hours. You can't begin to imagine how amazing it smelled! The finished product is known as Kalua pig, and it is the tastiest boar I've ever eaten! Actually, it's probably the only boar I've ever eaten :D
photo by Tawny
After the opening introductions and initial performances, tables were called one by one to help themselves to a truly remarkable luau feast! When dining buffet style, I have a tendency to over do it. This time was worse than normal! I had NO room on my plate because I had to try a little bit of everything. Do you see any white space there? Okay, maybe around the edges, but that's it! I even used the silverware sidebar for desserts! Excuse that rough photo, I was standing under a light pole trying to balance this weighty plate :D
Once our bellies were full is when the real fun began! To name a few highlights, they kept us very entertained with the hip shaking hula dancers, funny but slightly humiliating audience participation sequences, and best of all, the "Samoan Fireknife Dance!" Talk about mesmerizing! Holy mama was that a thrilling performance! I had a tough time taking photos of it, so here's a video instead.
The 4 hour long feast for the senses most definitely had all the makings for a delightfully enchanting evening! I would say that anyone going to Hawaii MUST do an old-fashioned luau. Must! The only way my birthday could have been any better was if my main man could have been there to enjoy it with me.
And just so you know that I am not beneath making a fool of myself. Here is a short short clip of me shaking my bon-bon on the main stage!! I have no rhythm, seriously.
At the very tip of Hatteras Island you have the opportunity to take a ferry ride to the neighboring island. I've been on one before but this was my first time driving a vehicle onto a ferry. It was an interesting experience. The free ride took approximately 45 minutes. Meanwhile, I walked around....
Once across, we made our way to the next camping destination. This one was also oceanside and we chose a site with direct access this time. After settling into our new campsite, we had to go explore.
Ocracoke NPS Campground was much more open than Frisco and because of that it lacked the same privacy that we relished at our last overnight spot, but being a stones throw from the beach just can't be beat, so I didn't complain!
It was so tranquil....waves crashing.....salty sea air....blowing breeze
See you on Monday when I will share more of Ocracoke Island. Until then, have a great weekend!
I'm not the planner I used to be, and that's a good thing. A mini-vacation that felt like one was exactly what the doctor ordered. It's amazing how much your outlook can change over the course of four days. Come back on Friday to find out more about our visit to the barrier islands off the coast of NC.
My Dad left for the Philippines a couple weeks ago. Spending time with his Mom, as well as, brothers & sisters. My Dad has about 7 brothers and sisters! All of which I have never met before, my grandmother included.
My middle name was chosen with my grandmother in mind, Elena. Sometimes, I wish that were my first name.....it's such a pretty name. I sincerely hope that one day in the very near future I will be able to venture to the Philippines to meet my extended family. My Dad is staying for a little over a month, I'm jealous. Isn't that place beautiful!!
He says that one day he plans to retire there.....when that day comes, maybe I'll go live with him for a while and discover my roots?! I'm not really a lay-out-at-the-beach kind of girl, but there is a lot more to the beautiful islands than the sandy beaches.
This postcard makes my heart ache, and ignites a wildly untamed wanderlust that won't be satisfied any time soon.
