Who has childhood memories of first time they saw ocean
"BEACH TO US MEANS A GREAT VACATION"
Who has childhood memories of the first time they saw the Atlantic Ocean???
Who has childhood memories of the first time they went to either the "Jersey Shore" or "New York's beaches"........or any others for that matter? Cape Cod, etc.?
Obviously, midwesterners would not have the same memories as those in the Northeast......or any from the Mid Atlantic states, etc.
Going "down the shore" is a New Jersey phrase we've all known since childhood.
Unfortunately devasted during Hurricane Sandy, it's rebounded via a wonderful effort of all those who love the place.
However, my first memory is of the New York City "beaches" such as Coney Island and Far Rockaway......as those were my own father's childhood memories.
Once we were teenagers with "wheels of our own" to do the one hour drive to the "Jersey shore" that was our Saturday and / or Sunday destination.......as well as that of all of our friends.
So many beaches, too numerous to mention.......but we went to them all. Of course for the "boardwalk" Seaside Heights was the place to go. Too loud now. But, as a teen, it was great.
Once married, we even would rent a home for two weeks each summer, first two weeks in July........and after a few years, would bring our baby daughter, plus invite for the second week some other relatives (parents, siblings) to share the beach house with us. Great memories. My mom and his mom wouldn't have had a vacation otherwise. They shared a bedroom and always complained about each other's snoring.
Once we moved up to Vermont, we had a three hour ride east to Hampton Beach, New Hampshire or Rye Beach, N.H...........and then up the seacoast to all of the MAINE beaches.
Just as we've explored all the Florida beaches..........we've done all of the Maine seacoast from bottom to top.......and then on to the Canadian Maritimes.
The interesting thing about the Maine beaches......it can be 90 degrees on the coast and just drive out to one of the scenic "points" and it's a refreshing 60 degrees, like stepping into a refrigerator........so many memories of all the artists with their easels and paint supplies trying to duplicate the heavenly scenery..........Maine is for artists for sure.
Getting off the Maine Pike ; exploring each and every peninsula which takes forever......is the only way to see the Maine seacoast.
New Brunswick Canada has some great pristine empty beaches as does Prince Edward Island, Canada. Very very pretty.
Massachusetts' Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island were also close to us for autumn vacation weeks............with the kids in tow. Again, wonderful memories along with the ferry rides over......best seafood is found in Maine and Mass.....
So, "beach" to us means a great vacation.
If one looks, they can find the hidden gems..........one just has to get off the "beaten path" and go in search of the true beauty in each state........not artificial beauty, but "nature".
When we began our road trips driving "west" we discovered that the GREAT LAKES BEACHES looked, to us anyway, like the ocean.........Presque Isle State Park is great. Lighthouse and all.
Growing up in New Jersey.........not only the "shore" but the lakes were our weekend destinations..........I guess only natural to gravitate to WATER.
Where we are now.........within 3 to 4 hours we can be to any New England beach, and a few more hours to the "Jersey Shore"..........
Great memories, for sure.
Last year we did our first two week family reunion at the Maine Seacoast with our five grandchildren and their parents/friends who joined them, etc...........what fun in a big modern rental home. Cousins bonded, etc.
This year,2014, there will be six grandchildren. All wonderful kids who add joy to our lives. With everyone's busy schedules at school, work, extra curricular.....it stands to reason that seeing these "kids" is a rare event.......that's what makes the two week family reunion.........plus other holiday times of the year so special.
Old people aren't meant to be totally alone in their old age..........our kids were raised knowing their grandparents as they all moved UP HERE TO VERMONT. But as the old saying goes......you enjoy the grandbabies and then they "go back home".
|