We borrowed a mini-van, filled it with gear, snacks, and baby distractions, and hit the road bright and early. I never thought I would covet a mini-van, but with two adults and three children under three, it was wonderful.The drive was filled with songs, treats, and beautiful country scenes. I didn't realize how much I missed a good road trip.
When we were most of the way there, we got a flat tire. My good friend, travel partner, and mama-extraordinaire kept her cool and set the kids up on the side of the road with a picnic and snacks. Let me tell you, the children did amazingly well. It was actually kind of beautiful out there, right on the edge of a forest with swaying long grasses. Three state troopers, one visit from AAA, and a trip to Walmart to get two new tires later we were back in business.
Oh, we were all so happy to get there... the smell of the ocean is intoxicating, and the beach was stunning.
There's our tent, with one little girl "grilling" and another making sand cupcakes. Delicious.
Our humble accommodations included a basic pump with cold water (the hit of the whole trip), two outhouses, a water fountain and a cold-water shower. Talk about minimal, but it gave us everything we needed.
After a night of sleeping between my favorite two girls in the whole world while listening to the waves hitting the sand, this is what I woke up to. It was beautiful, and so mystifying. It's been too long since I looked at the moon.
We spent the morning on the beach. No wild ponies this time, but that only means we have an excuse to go back.
We were so happy. Good friends, a beautiful beach, and a feeling of invincibility to boot. A camping trip just us girls.
My friend said, "The ocean is good for the soul." Yes, I couldn't agree more.
My friend stayed an extra night with her sweet family. I drove home with this (plus a sleeping baby) in my backseat. Three hours of silence and bucolic scenery. I looked a lot like Zosia a couple of hours after getting back. I'm not going to lie, I was dead tired. But I woke up this morning refreshed with a head full of fond memories and big dreams.The End. Or to be continued?
8 comments:
looks like it was a lovely trip- I love photos of little ones sleeping in cars!
what a magical place to camp!
how lovely! I've camped before, but never on the beach. I think I want to try after reading your post.
Brava to your friend for how she handled the flat-tire episode!
It was lovely. Margo, I know yours are a bit older, but I thought the beach was perfect for little ones because there's less trouble to get into... just lots of sand. :-) I guess less trouble for big kids too...
Adele those pictures are wonderful! I really want to go now and just have a magical experience out there on the beach. It is so different than the little beach we were at today.
Annie
Oh my goodness, what a wonderful adventure! Taking a trip with another mama can be a very special thing indeed. I haven't camped on the beach in years... brought back memories of my semester in Australia. Gorgeous photos!
What a beautiful post. Where did you camp? Asseteague?
Juice, yes, it's Assateague... I can't remember whether it was the national or the state campground, but whichever one has more primitive accommodations. It was SO beautiful. Have you been?
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