Since our anniversary coincides with the almost-end of summer, we normally plan a little adventure so the silly season ends with a bang, not a whimper. And a plus is a few days away from the ever-worsening traffic (I know, it doesn't even compare with major cities, but that's one main reason we have no desire for the big time). In the depths of winter it's free fun to plan ambitious warm weather vacations; this one is like a little dessert.
For some reason we have only been to the Delaware beaches once; since they are excellent and not far away I don't know why it didn't become a regular destination. Most people head for the Jersey Shore or Ocean City, MD, but that lovely stretch of Diamond State coast has neither the frantic or the trashy aspects of those more popular spots. We picked Rehoboth based on what looked like a good hotel (on an internet search) and took off with Zach in tow (he really needed a vacation for the same work-related reasons Nancy did). And I had a mission.
Years ago we got a nasty sunburn constructing a sand castle complex at Topsail Island, North Carolina, but the burn healed and although the sand toys had been on a basement shelf for many years, I thought it was time to dust them off and play architect again. (Pictures of this year's production above). Being older and a little wiser, we rented an umbrella and saved some skin from poaching.
In the evenings, the brand new boardwalk was fine entertainment, and there was music on the bandstand as well as in many bistros and watering holes. I practiced my chords on the hotel room's balcony, but the noise on the street fortunately drowned out the sound, thus sparing strangers any unnecessary misery. There is fine dining to complement the usual beach fare; we enjoyed a chat with chef and owner Gretchen at her delightfully arty Hobo's, and on our last night went to Zoggo's Raw Bar to hear old Jim the tin pan drum player. Of course, "Margaritaville" was in his repretory. And a huge red snapper sandwich for $10, well, that just made the evening perfect.
We took a break from the sand, but not the water, at Jungle Jim's Water Park, where a waterfall on the Lazy River knocked my sunglasses off and then all of me off the float. Believe it or not, I found them on the bottom at the opposite side, so all that was lost was a little dignity.
So that closes the book on this year's travels, unless certain reprobates gather in Richmond again before winter. Might get the urge for goin' again.
For some reason we have only been to the Delaware beaches once; since they are excellent and not far away I don't know why it didn't become a regular destination. Most people head for the Jersey Shore or Ocean City, MD, but that lovely stretch of Diamond State coast has neither the frantic or the trashy aspects of those more popular spots. We picked Rehoboth based on what looked like a good hotel (on an internet search) and took off with Zach in tow (he really needed a vacation for the same work-related reasons Nancy did). And I had a mission.
Years ago we got a nasty sunburn constructing a sand castle complex at Topsail Island, North Carolina, but the burn healed and although the sand toys had been on a basement shelf for many years, I thought it was time to dust them off and play architect again. (Pictures of this year's production above). Being older and a little wiser, we rented an umbrella and saved some skin from poaching.
In the evenings, the brand new boardwalk was fine entertainment, and there was music on the bandstand as well as in many bistros and watering holes. I practiced my chords on the hotel room's balcony, but the noise on the street fortunately drowned out the sound, thus sparing strangers any unnecessary misery. There is fine dining to complement the usual beach fare; we enjoyed a chat with chef and owner Gretchen at her delightfully arty Hobo's, and on our last night went to Zoggo's Raw Bar to hear old Jim the tin pan drum player. Of course, "Margaritaville" was in his repretory. And a huge red snapper sandwich for $10, well, that just made the evening perfect.
We took a break from the sand, but not the water, at Jungle Jim's Water Park, where a waterfall on the Lazy River knocked my sunglasses off and then all of me off the float. Believe it or not, I found them on the bottom at the opposite side, so all that was lost was a little dignity.
So that closes the book on this year's travels, unless certain reprobates gather in Richmond again before winter. Might get the urge for goin' again.
Sounds like fun for the family and you beat out Earl. Maybe coming your way in October, so keep practicing. You'll have to wear your shades at night as we play "Louie Louie" until 3 AM.
ReplyDelete