Day 25: My beachy dream

02/01/2018

Task—Write about travel

When I was 21, I felt the ocean on my feet for the first time. It was Spring Break 2002, and I joined my college friends for a road trip from McPherson, Kansas to Memphis, Tennessee, to Virginia Beach, VA and back home again. We were young, low on cash, high on energy, and willing to stay in the dodgiest motels we could find if it meant we could save a buck. I was the only one in our group who hadn’t seen the ocean in person, and the anticipation of feeling it on my skin was pulsing in my feet from the moment we pulled into Virginia Beach. As soon as we arrived at the beach, I ditched my shoes and ran straight for the chilly water, pulling my baggy capri pants up to my knees and racing and splashing as if I were a small child. Since my first ocean experience, I have longed to be in the ocean again, but to experience a different view of it and a different view of myself from what I found that spring in Virginia Beach.

I have dreams of a beach vacation; dreams I carry with me in the back of my mind almost daily. My heart longs to slow down on a soft sandy beach, to feel the sun’s warmth on my skin, and to feel the ocean water warm between my toes. I dream of sitting on a beach blanket, reading books, and writing. I dream of finding green places to hike in the warm morning, and then dragging my tired bones to the water, where I can wade and swim lazily in the blue waves to cool off and recharge. And when the ocean has lapped against my legs and soothed my aches, I’ll make my way back to the smooth sandy beach and read and nap in a swaying hammock under a green tree while the sun peeks through the high leaves.

For years, I have carried this picture around with me and longed to make it a reality. One day, I found myself telling Wes about this beautiful beachy image and dropping major hints that we should start thinking seriously about making a big vacation happen. He gently reminded me that I didn’t have a passport, and he felt going to a place that matched the vision I had created would demand one. I decided he was right, and I made an appointment to get my passport in Fort Collins one afternoon. Even this small act brought my vivid beach vacation mental photograph more closely into my view. I was giddy after my meeting was over. I could practically smell coconut sunscreen and feel the sun gently kissing my skin. I went to Starbucks and ordered a coffee and sat alone at a table looking at images of sunset beaches and dreaming. It started to feel like maybe this wasn’t just a dream to carry but a dream I would be able to live.

There are many people in this world who are more adventurous than I. There is not much wanderlust pulsing through my veins. I’m quite happy exploring areas close to my home, going on day hikes, or taking a bike ride on a paved trail with friends and family. If we travel, we usually travel to see friends or family. However, while we are young and able-bodied, I want to promise myself that Wes and I will find our way to a silky-sanded beach with crystal blue water and stand in awe of the beauty of the world we’re newly seeing together.