Given the old choice of mountains or beach, I'll choose beach every time. The sun, proper surf for wave-jumping, bodyboarding or surfing, and sand in places my doctor's never seen. Bliss.
Every year we visit the same resort in Texas, Port Royal in Port Aransas. I hestitate to even mention it by name. As unlikely as it might seem that a bunch of Brits would turn up on this lightly developed section of Padre Island in the Gulf of Mexico (oil-free, I might add), it's such an idyllic, trapped-in-the-'70s vibe here we hold our breath on the ferry ride over every year, wondering if it will be "ruined".
Here we bounce between the beach and the biggest pool in the state. There is a swim-up bar and slides and little waterfalls that the lifeguards don't discourage you from jumping off. Yet a funny thing happens after a couple of days.
Suddenly you notice the unappealing slick of suntan oil on the surface of the pool. The fact that there's just a little too much rubbish sticking out of the sand here and there. The floating plaster as you get out when the sun is going down.
We're all a little bit sunburned and a little bit sore from jumping into waves and whizzing down the slides at funny angles. We've had another great visit. Now we're at the final stage of a good seaside hols. There's nothing quite so nice as that feeling that you're ready to go home.
Amen to that. Mind you – I have been away from home for nearly 2 months, so if I weren’t feeling it by now…
It’s the sand up yer bum all the time that starts to get on my nerves!!
Is it wrong, Expat Mum, if I say I kind of like that, at least one time of the year.
Sounds fabulous, but yes, there is no place like home. Safe return.
We’ve just returned from the Dordogne in France and nowhere near the coast but on our return journey we stayed in the Loire valley at a place with a lakeside beach. I had forgotten how much I love a sandy beach, the pleasure from just one day wiggling my toes in it was enormous. I just wish we’d spent more time there.
Trish, you’re painting such a lovely picture. Can I come on your next holiday?
I love being so holiday’d out that home is inviting and enticing. You know you are really well rested and ready to tackle life again!
Emily, you are so right! That wonderful feeling of walking back into the house and being glad you’re there.
I love the beach… haven’t had a beach holiday for years but planning one in September. Having said that I agree… i love coming home too!
Well, diving into a suntan slick at least means the job of putting lotion on is done for you… Welcome home, and hope you’re enjoying wrapping up in your winter woollies.
@angelsandurchins Love that you can look on the bright side of oil-slicked swimming pools!
@NVT we’ve come home to rainstorms. oh well…
Am so rested, though, I’m really psyched to be back, blogging again! Posting something soon.
Am sadly leaving the beach myself. Austerity measures mean it has to be a trip to the mountains
I find the beach very economical. You certainly don’t need many pieces of clothing for it!