Last week we wrapped up summer break with a family beach trip. Many afternoons the temperature climbed to near 100 degrees in coastal South Carolina, but the heat was a small price to pay for the change of pace and scenery. Growing up, we went to Hilton Head Island more than any other destination. Some of my best childhood memories are tied to that place. My dad couldn’t wait to spend a week there each summer and even talked of retiring there some day. He loved the ocean, the beach walks, the bike trails, the tennis, the putt-putt, the seafood, and the key lime pie. I’m not sure he was ever more relaxed or happier than when he was there. When he passed away a part of me had no desire to go back or create new family memories there. In a way, it seemed self-indulgent to be there without him. Since we’ve had the girls we’ve hopped around to a few other beaches with different scenery, whiter sand, and bluer water. But, I’m realizing none will ever be as nostalgic as Hilton Head. It’s almost like Dad is still around when we’re there. We can’t see him or hear him, of course, but I can imagine him enjoying every minute of the week there. I guarantee he wouldn’t be as relaxed as he once was if he was vacationing with our crew these days… but I think he’d love it no less.
Every year when I’m packing for our trip I have this vision of sitting on the beach in a chair, sipping a cool drink, and reading a book. This year I even packed three whole books in my beach bag. It was as if I had never vacationed with my own children before because I forgot: they don’t do down time.
Just getting to the actual beach is a major event. We may start prepping to get there while it is still morning, but our feet rarely hit sand before noon. The sunscreen application process is one thing. Then, there are the chairs, tents, towels, sand buckets, coolers, snacks, and the people.
One would think kids who are 4, 7, and 9 would be a big help getting themselves to the beach. But, when asked to carry one plastic sand bucket they will say things like, “Can you please carry this cause my arms are all tired out?!” with no regard for the fact that the load you’re rolling/carrying looks like you’re moving into a college dorm.
Sometimes our attitudes {with the exception of the 3rd Grader who was in good spirits} are less than stellar and we have to “rest” from the overwhelming weight of our {plastic} loads en route to the shore.
Once we get there, set up camp, and get over the fact that the sand is hot, things improve. There is no reading or resting, but we all eat snacks {which I have concluded is the primary hobby of our girls} while enjoying an ocean view. And, there is wave riding. It’s convenient to have your youthful aunt and uncle along for these outings because they still get good sleep and have energy for these sorts of activities.
After burning his eyes in the pool back at home, the Spouse requested I pick him up some new goggles at Target before we left town. I did the best I could, but the adult goggle selection was slim in late July. As we tell the girls, “You get what you get, and you don’t pitch a fit.” He didn’t. But, he needed an Alleve after wearing these for a few minutes.
I also needed some medicinal relief after the first day. I am a sunscreen nazi. I research sunscreen brands and types and religiously apply it on the girls. I wear a hat three times the size of my head. I wear sun shorts and sun shirts {with sleeves!} with SPF 50. Basically, I wear more clothes to the beach than most people wear on a hayride in the fall. Ironically, somewhere between applying it on the kids and getting to the actual beach, I neglected to apply it on my own legs and burnt them to a crisp.
It’s things like sunburns that remind me how we are not coastal people. We love to visit the beach, but it’s probably best we don’t live there year round. Our attempts at beach pictures are always further evidence of this revelation.
The trendy saying, “Beach hair, don’t care” is a lie. First of all, I don’t have beach hair. For me, beach hair would be a buzz cut. I have a frizzy, tangled mess in a matter of seconds on the beach. And, I do care. Because it looks like I have no hair. But, beach sunsets are still the best backdrops regardless of what’s going on with the hair in front of them.
We don’t deserve you, Hilton Head, but you were good to us last week. You’re as sultry and scenic as ever. And, every time I visit you I’m grateful for the new memories you afford us and thankful for the memories you hold from years ago ~ some with our own family and some with friends who are like family. You have a special place in our hearts no matter how hot you may get in July. Until next time…
Leave a Reply