Perfect days are hard to come by. Today came close. Hubby is not usually very spontaneous, so when he suggests something out of our usual routine I'm quick to fan the flame of that inspiration. Even though it's not that far away (only 90 miles) we've never been to Ogunquit.
We were today!
There's not a lot to see, the usual tourist traps, kitsch shops and overpriced eateries; yet on a mild summer day, what better place to be? We walked Marginal Way, a mile long path along the ocean, took lots of pictures. Halfway along at one of the little bends was a tree whose many narrow trunks fanned out in such a way that it made a perfect bench for a family of four. Or, rather, four of a family. Two of the relatives were on the opposite side of the path trying to get everyone squeezed into the frame. Pedestrians headed in either direction had stopped so as not to upset the composition.
I couldn't help myself. "Gives new meaning to the phrase 'family tree,' doesn't it!" Everyone chuckles. Secretly I bet that's the caption they put on that photo when they get it home.
The coast is vertically jagged, a few small pockets of sand and rock allow a handful of sun bathers a place to photosynthesize. Atlantic water at this latitude is cold, so only the brave and cold-blooded venture in. Some find their own rock-island refuge from the shivery swells.
At the end of the path is the crowded beach - a spit of sand with open ocean on one side and estuaries on the other. Not surprisingly, the center of town is a block away. We walk past a store whose window display is filled with tiny rubber duckies. I have to photograph them. George leaves little rubber duckies in weird places for me to find at home. They mean "I love you," words he doesn't say too often. Bless him, he's an old sentimental softie who would rather die than let anyone see that side of him (even me). So I find duckies on the eggs in the refrigerator, sitting on the computer, on the closed toilet lid, on top of the TV...
We DON'T walk past the Ben & Jerry's. Mango Lime is calling him, I am seduced by Chocolate Therapy. It is most decidedly and miraculously VERY chocolate. Sigh. Just the memory...
After quite a bit of walking we end up at the far end of town and take the trolley back to Perkin's Cove. Pick-up trucks parked at the pier advertise the various cruises available. One line offers a cocktail cruise and is not yet sold out. I have to greet the ocean whenever I see it, meaning I must either touch it or be out on it. We get our tickets and enjoy an hour of salt breezes and tour-guide patter.
By now the sun is nearly set and it is time to head home. We stop for a clam roll and hot dog, slurp down some coffee and drive off into the sunset.
Kinda nice, being able to spend time in one another's company, enjoying new scenery, savoring these moments of summer.
Peace.
We were today!
There's not a lot to see, the usual tourist traps, kitsch shops and overpriced eateries; yet on a mild summer day, what better place to be? We walked Marginal Way, a mile long path along the ocean, took lots of pictures. Halfway along at one of the little bends was a tree whose many narrow trunks fanned out in such a way that it made a perfect bench for a family of four. Or, rather, four of a family. Two of the relatives were on the opposite side of the path trying to get everyone squeezed into the frame. Pedestrians headed in either direction had stopped so as not to upset the composition.
I couldn't help myself. "Gives new meaning to the phrase 'family tree,' doesn't it!" Everyone chuckles. Secretly I bet that's the caption they put on that photo when they get it home.
The coast is vertically jagged, a few small pockets of sand and rock allow a handful of sun bathers a place to photosynthesize. Atlantic water at this latitude is cold, so only the brave and cold-blooded venture in. Some find their own rock-island refuge from the shivery swells.
At the end of the path is the crowded beach - a spit of sand with open ocean on one side and estuaries on the other. Not surprisingly, the center of town is a block away. We walk past a store whose window display is filled with tiny rubber duckies. I have to photograph them. George leaves little rubber duckies in weird places for me to find at home. They mean "I love you," words he doesn't say too often. Bless him, he's an old sentimental softie who would rather die than let anyone see that side of him (even me). So I find duckies on the eggs in the refrigerator, sitting on the computer, on the closed toilet lid, on top of the TV...
We DON'T walk past the Ben & Jerry's. Mango Lime is calling him, I am seduced by Chocolate Therapy. It is most decidedly and miraculously VERY chocolate. Sigh. Just the memory...
After quite a bit of walking we end up at the far end of town and take the trolley back to Perkin's Cove. Pick-up trucks parked at the pier advertise the various cruises available. One line offers a cocktail cruise and is not yet sold out. I have to greet the ocean whenever I see it, meaning I must either touch it or be out on it. We get our tickets and enjoy an hour of salt breezes and tour-guide patter.
By now the sun is nearly set and it is time to head home. We stop for a clam roll and hot dog, slurp down some coffee and drive off into the sunset.
Kinda nice, being able to spend time in one another's company, enjoying new scenery, savoring these moments of summer.
Peace.
Replies
Beautiful photographs that did a perfect job illustrating the wonderful day you had. I know what you mean about lack of spontaneity these past days/weeks/months - as Joe and I have done nothing but work on the river house on our down time. We have been invited to his brother\'s house in CA anytime we want to go, and Joe has nixed that idea (*sigh*) and states we have no time for fun only work. His heart is in the right place, but he fails to recognize that going to CA on an extended weekend will not exactly be a deterrent and that it may do us more good than harm. I am still gently working on pursuading him to reconsider his work ethic for one weekend, and hoping on that plane to CA.
I have a very soft spot for Ben n Jerry\'s Chocolate Mint Cookie ice cream - which I never have in the house, as it can only lead me down that path of indulgence. So, much as yourself, I tend to avoid that temptation.
Thank you for sharing (in words and in pictures) the day that you and your husband experienced. It was like a mini vacation for me - going to one of those smallish coastal towns (that are full of touristy things to do, see and buy). It took me back to when I used to go to the Oregon Coast almost every weekend - nice memories washed over me.
Love and Hugs to a great person - thank you for sharing!
Peace and happines to you (and may you continue to find many rubber ducks): Julie
Great story and pitcutes. Sounds like a wonderful place and to be able to share that with your hubby makes it all the more special. I\'ve never been to a coastal town. We have towns along the lake which I assume are similar, but there is just something magical about the ocean.
Thanks
What a wonderful day indeed...and so well described! :) Once again, I\'m a bit out of touch, but your journal inspires me to share some of my recent events too. Guess I\'ll do that next. :) Happy to see you Brian!