A Different Kind Of Weekend Trip

Like many people in the Philadelphia area, I grew up going to the Jersey shore during the summer. Over the years, especially in recent years, I have strayed away from those annual journeys to the coast. In fact, I have successfully avoided New Jersey as a whole with only two other exceptions in the last two years. This weekend my wife and I returned to one of those coastal islands albeit a different location than what I am used to.

The plans were made weeks ago right after we announced our pending arrival so that we could spend some time away from home with my wife’s father, sister, and sister-in-law. So, after work on Friday (thankfully I was able to leave a little earlier than usual), I got in the car and make the trek across the foreign land of New Jersey to join my wife on Long Beach Island. Having arrived at a surprisingly reasonable time, I was able to relax before we all sat down for dinner amidst the soft splashing of the bay water against the dock.   

With a full night of sleep behind us, we got up on Saturday morning for a hearty breakfast before heading out on the boat for a mid-day ride across the bay…
 

Of course, with only a few clouds scattered throughout the sky…

…we were not the only ones on the water enjoying the calm water.

After about an hour and a half on the water (and no one getting sick) we slowly returned to the house to spend the rest of the day on land relaxing in the sun and the cool breeze blowing through the minimalistic rooms carrying the light scents of freshly cut flowers.

The day lazily passed with short trips into town, naps on the coach, and lounging on the deck. With everyone back in the house we came together, reminiscent of the innocent (yet competitive) days from our past, to play rummy in the slowly dimming day. Having played a few hands it was time to prep for another family dinner. Having assisted where I was able, it was time for me to get out of the way and enjoy the setting sun.

Slowly the orange in the sky intensified…

…and the last vestiges of light flickered on the surface.

The seagulls made their final stops on the posts…

…before flying away to nest for the night.

Leaving only the slowly descending sun, the water, and those of us enjoying the conclusion of another day.

 

Just family, water, and another day to spend together. A rarity at this point in our lives but one that isn’t taken for granted like it may have been in the past. Just the warmth of the sunset glowing throughout the bay and a shared moment before departing this morning.