Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sunset Beach

This past weekend, we headed out to the beach for a sunset stroll. We've been going about once a week since spring and it is a highlight of the week. As soon as we step out on to the sand, I can feel my blood pressure going down a few notches. Taking a deep breath of the salty brine, we walk along the shore, seeming to keep pace with all manner of boats skimming across the bay. There are sailboats, yachts, Coast Guard cutters, barges, speedboats, Sunset Cruise boats, and many more.
My honey holds my hand, making sure I don't trip on driftwood, leaving me free to gaze clear to the horizon. Mullet jump while seagulls, herons, and other sea birds wheel and dive, their raucous cries filling the air. Often the tide is low, leaving tide pools to explore, full of baby horseshoe crabs, starfish and living shells. Often we will spot a dolphin swimming parallel to the shore fishing for dinner.
Lots of people come to fish for dinner as well, some with poles and some with nets. Others paddle kayaks and canoes, swim, look for shells, fly kites, sail, walk, and picnic. Sometimes the sky is clear and blue, with blazing sun; other days storms blow in, stirring up the waves in to froth and making interesting patterns with the clouds.
When the sun gets low enough, all eyes turn to see what colors it will bring this time. Sometimes it is delicate, pale pastels, edging the clouds and turning the sand pink where the tide has filled little pools on the shore. Other nights it is a bold orange and melts like butter down in to the sea. We watch in awe until the last bit of color is gone, then turn toward the magnificent moonrise to head home, sleepy and content with the beauty God has provided.

9 comments:

ToyLady said...

Gorgeous.

Though I'm more a sunrise gal, myself!

nikkipolani said...

Aaaaaah. So lovely. I know just what you mean when you can feel that blood pressure drifting down. Like a weight lifted from your lungs and you can breathe deeply again. God's colors are the best, aren't they?

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Very glorious indeed. And I love that long necked bird wading in the water in the next to last shot.

I just realized (silly me!) that in Florida you can see the sun rise over the ocean and drive across the state to see it set over the ocean! Here in SoCal, we also have a Sunset Beach...but there is nowhere to see the sunrise over the ocean.

Zuzana said...

Ah, beautiful pictures; very tropical and tranquil... I love the beach, there is nothing more soothing than walking along the sea shore...

Your description of the atmosphere is brilliant; thank you for bringing a bit of sunshine into my autumn days.;))

xoxo

Kathleen said...

Nature never ceases to serve up wonder and awe.

Beautiful!

Kathleen

rhymeswithplague said...

Some beautiful photographs there. We always thought we would retire back to Florida (we married in Orlando, lived for several years in Boca Raton), but instead we are in the foothills of the mountains of North Georgia, which are beautiful, too! This happens to be near four of our six grandchildren. The other two are in the Tampa Bay area, so we still have an excuse to go to Florida when we get the itch....

Merle said...

Dear Tracie ~~ I love the photos of the beach and sunsets - they are so
beautiful and relaxing walking on the sand with the lovely views and
with a loved one. That is important.
Thank you for your comments and I liked your memories of your Mom
working at the Pentagon (with you)
and playing the accordian.
Take great care, my friend.
Love, Merle.

Connie said...

the photos are so gorgeous. I could almost smell the sea air :)

CB said...

Those are super beautiful pictures.
Something about the ocean, the beach and a beautiful sky calms the soul.

Have A Great Day!

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