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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.
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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.
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Oh, we were all so happy to get there... the smell of the ocean is intoxicating, and the beach was stunning.
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There's our tent, with one little girl "grilling" and another making sand cupcakes. Delicious.
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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.
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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.
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We spent the morning on the beach. No wild ponies this time, but that only means we have an excuse to go back.
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We were so happy. Good friends, a beautiful beach, and a feeling of invincibility to boot. A camping trip just us girls.
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My friend said, "The ocean is good for the soul." Yes, I couldn't agree more.
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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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