Sunday on the Shore

We had a fun-filled first full day down here in Corolla. We started off by going out to the beach in the morning. Kristie and I were very excited to get out into the ocean. We took two Boogie boards out into the surf, which was very a little rougher than normal. Waves were breaking a few hundred yards out due to Tropical storm Bertha wreaking havoc a few hundred miles away out in the Atlantic. At first, we saw the waves and were very excited. It appeared it would be good conditions to ride waves a good distance.

We were wrong.

After about 20 minutes of trying to get out far enough to catch some good waves, we realized the current was just too strong. Waves were breaking further out, but some were coming in and breaking right on top of us. We both managed to "wave jump" most of them, but every now and then, one of the waves would be too powerful and take us under. I managed to ride a few waves in. I looked over at Kristie to see how she was doing. Earlier when I looked at her, she had a confident and determined look on her face as she paddled out to the waves. Then, a short while later, that look on her face turned to frustration as she battled the waves and struggled to inch out towards the waves. The last time I looked over at her, the look on her face had changed to desperation. I was not sure if she was going to be able to get back in. She had just been toppled by a giant wave and she was recovering when another one got her. I started swimming her way as she got up, I signaled to her that another was on its way right behind her. She managed to duck under, but I knew when she surfaced, I was going to have to help push her towards the shore.

We both decided that we should save Boogie boarding for another day and went up to our towels and relaxed for a while. Later we went on a walk up and down the beach. There were TONS of people out enjoying the nice, sunny day.

We saw a Chinook helicopter go by, following the shore, most likely from the Norfolk base. We also saw a few engine-powered hang-gliders take off and circle around. After a few hours, we made our way back to the house to swim. I checked out the rec center weight room while Kristie studied Economics while sitting poolside.




Closer to dinner, Stephanie and Jon arrived. I drove over to the beach with them for about an hour and when we came back, we all sat down for a nice dinner. We had London broil, boiled shrimp, salads, potatoes, and corn on the cob. After dinner, we headed over to the natural grass Miniature golf course which is just a short walk up the road. All 8 of us made the trip, dodging the swarms of bugs on the street which sent many of us running. Right when we started golfing, someone saw a fox about 50 feet away. Jon crept up and got a few photos.





Par for this miniature golf course (which had 20 holes) was 80. I had a 60 and Kristie had a 72. We are usually very competitive, so I will definitely hold this over her head for a while!

Tomorrow we are expecting some thunderstorms because of the tropical storm off the coast. Will check in later in the week!