Beaching it

Growing up minutes from the beach has some serious benefits. I used to love digging in the sand and boogie boarding in the waves. I was always, and still am, more partial to the pool, but I have fond memories of summer days spent in the surf and the sand.  So of course a stop at the beach was in order on our trip home.

This time we went to the beach in Ventnor, a family friend gave us a key to a pier that goes pretty far out into the ocean. So we hit the boards and headed that way. 

 I love how the beaches in South Jersey have sand dunes between the boardwalks and the beach. They are mainly there for hurricane protection but they are so pretty. I just love watching the dune grass waft in the breeze, it's so peaceful.

 We walked out to the end of the pier. It was just us and a bunch of guys fishing. We spotted some dolphins out in the distance playing in the water, but never got a good look at them. They were having too much fun playing in the water, rather that out it I suppose.  One of the guys fishing near us offered to take our picture, and it turned out so great!

 In all my years of growing up in the area, I'd never been out on the pier. The view was spectacular.  On one side you could see Atlantic City and the casinos. And the other direction towards Margate and the south. I really love being surrounded by water and it felt so good to be out there on the pier staring at the horizon.

 Then it was time to walk the beach! The water was actually pretty balmy, but it really never gets too warm up here in the summer. You just get used to it! I of course took Flat Judah into the water with me, he of course stayed high and dry.

Then we continued to walk down the beach. The waves coming in and out, the smell of salt in the air. There is something so peaceful to the ocean, it's so strong and so peaceful all at the same time.