A Beach of a Memory

The good angel finally won. So, thank you very much, I feel worlds better today. This morning though, I realized what brought on my angel struggle.

It was the longing for a beach. Being unemployed, there will be no beach trip this year. Just hearing about that fellow Earl brought back a beach trip memory I thought I might share. Hope you don’t mind.

For years we did a pilgrimage in early October to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I love the place. It is unlike any other coastal community I have visited in the US. However getting to these barrier islands can be somewhat daunting to say the least.

You must first cross numerous bridges high enough to allow for aircraft carrier passage, and then enter a tunnel; which runs under the bay, pop out and then cross more bridges. Only, then do you reach land.

Now I must tell you I do not like bridges, nor do I like tunnels. Getting there and back has always been a character building exercise for me. Earl reminded me of a return trip I once endure.

After spending a gorgeous week in the sun and sand, enjoying our lovely rental house it was time to leave. Why is it you never watch the weather channel on vacation?

Car packed, good-byes said, we started on our return trip home. It was about 20 miles from the dreaded crossing back that we wished we had watched the weather channel. We being, Ms. Twister and I.

The wind kicked up, rain fell in sheets, drivers were slowing; it was a mess. Then right before we reached the first bridge we hit a stand still traffic jam. Slowly we inched toward the bridge and wondered if it was a wreck? Then, as the bridge came into view I panicked!

”What does that mean? I shouted pointing to the sign reading, high wind warning no high profile vehicles allowed. “It’s okay, just keep driving.” Ms Twister is the calmest soul. “Well, is your Camry a high profile vehicle?” “It does not matter, you cannot turn around now,” like that was even an option. I was on the bridge and now could see the bay.

The bay had risen to engulf the bottom of the bridge. There was no space between water and bridge; the bridge appeared to be floating. It seemed as if one more wave and there would be no bridge.

I felt sick, Ms Twister enthralled; like a kid in a candy shop. She was hanging out the window taking pictures and yelling how cool it was. Suddenly a gust of wind caught the car and about blew us into the other lane.

“Cool my butt, I have chest pains,” I thought. “Get in the car.” She must have sensed my fear; turned to say something calming but instead, just laughed.  To what I’m sure was a funny sight. Sitting as close as I could get to the steering wheel, gripping it with death white fingers, and my face red as a beet; from, well her next words say it all.

”If you don’t breath, I’m going to drive.” I had forgotten to breath! We laughed about that all the way to West Virginia.

We made it through the tunnel, across the last bridge, and apparently was one of the last vehicles allowed to cross. The bridges and tunnel shut down right behind us, whew!

That Nor` Easter flooded Richmond, Virginia for days. I vowed right then and there not to return without a weather radio. Now I don’t go anywhere without it.

I hope you don’t mind my memory recall; it was an experience I will never forget. How about you, got any good beach stories? Since I can’t go I’d love to hear some beach stories.

Technorati Tags: Earl,Beach,Memories,Adventures,OBX,Jules