We spent the August Bank Holiday weekend on the beach down in Cornwall. The weather was fabulous and I got to thinking about how we are really at our happiest when we're near the sea. This picture was taken in Gorran Haven, near where we were staying.It may be just that we are away from home, and that's always liberating. But I don't think so: other trips never seem to have the same cachet or memories that visits to the sea always leave with us.
I suppose not everyone is the same. For our family, though, a sojourn at the beach rejuvenates us, lifts our spirits, and leaves us calm and happy for days or even weeks after returning home.
Does it matter what beach? It doesn't seem so: here are some pictures of some of our other favourite beaches. I can't say we are happier at one or the other, although I guess it's pretty obvious that the Pacific is our "home" beach.
Gearhart was our favourite beach while we were in Oregon. Only 45 minutes from our home in Forest Grove, it was an easy and comfortable place to spend the day, whether it was winter or summer.
No trip to the beach was complete without a stop at Camp 18, the logging museum cum cafe cum gift shop that was 18 miles from the end of Highway 26.
But we also went to Sayulita Mexico in 2006 and loved walking along the beach there.
Our first trip to Hawaii in 2005 took us to Oahu, and we loved the beach right in front of our hotel. Alex ran down the hall in the lobby towards the beach, yelling "Why-kee-keeee!" on our second day there.
Our return to Hawaii in 2008 took us to Maui, with the same result: we all fell in love with the beach all over again.
We got married on the beach in Tofino BC in 2001, and in 2009, we returned to the same beach on a motorcycle trip for our anniversary.
Almost everyone will have a picture of themselves on some beach in their album of favourite places, or will tell a travel story involving a beach when asked about their favourite trip. Why? Is it just because beaches are among the most beautiful places on earth? Is it because the ocean calls out to our spirit? All I know is, there is definitely a beach in my future, and if I play my cards right, I will be able to see it from the windows of my house.
