the vacation. it delighted my soul to think of it. i must admit i had high expectations…i’d dreamed secret, passionate, exquisite, out of this world dreams about what this vacation entailed for me. relaxing all day on one of the most beautiful beaches i’ve ever seen, humid nights spent chattering on the screened-in porch as the sun faded, endless hours lost in a favorite book, bike rides, beach bonfires, alone time with the love of my forever… this was not only to be an escape with my beloved family, but a whole new perspective on life’s possibilities. a positive, uplifting, invigorating, rewarding, enticing, exotic, euphoric, all-encompassing state of existence –a utopia if you will, all spent (literally) half the US away from all things mundane and typical.
as i suspected, it was all that and more. the roar of the ocean was intoxicating; the sunset –mesmerizing, the view -unlike any that has ever before graced my eyes. i l.o.v.e.d. every second spent huffing the salty air and basking in the perfectness of it all. the beach is my tonic. it’s that addictive for me. we do plan to retire on these very beaches one fine day and i’m already decorating our getaway in my mind. i am just so glad i married someone that shares my passion for the oceans edge.
as for time spent with the whole family…well that in and of itself was a treat. i'm telling ya, i always have a blast with these people. i believe the pictures will testify to the greatness of it all so on with the show right! some of you know my family and some do not. therefore i will explain some of the photos as i go. i’m only sad to report that tropical storm hannah booted us out on our butts before we got the chance to take our family portrait on the beach, but there will be next time, of that i am certain. the 28 hour drive was oh so worth it.
And so it begins…
day one...
ghost crab hunting...
different day, ferry ride to ocracoke...
a sunset night out with jared...
a few of the view from our porch...
more beaching...
fishin' off the back porch...cam and jake caught sting rays ha!
dinner out with the fam...blackened mauhi mauhi and snow crab ..mmm
followed by a beach fire and s'mores right on the ocean front, waves crashing...
and alas, more beaching...
colton kayaking the rapids lol...
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there were just way too many pictures to pick from guys. did i mention the sky was soaked in blue by day, and by night oh my word, all those stars and the perfect breeze...it was breathtaking.
anyway, it was a fantastic time and i can't wait until next year!!!
pretty cool eh? the boys and i thought so. this thing is 66 ft tall. when Mr. McClendon bought the the property around route 66 there was an old gas station there on the corner that had closed down. instead of demolishing the old station (75 plus years old) Mr. McClendon decided to keep a station there and just make it a national attraction. he went with a retro theme and kept the old soda pop 50's feel to some of the interior. so not only can you buy gas there but there is a cute little diner to eat at on one side, and over 500 different types of soda pop to pick from on the other. all in the old style glass bottles...cute huh! i just love this place and we have officially started another Hurst Family Tradition. at least once a month from now on (or at least until we move again) we are going make a trip to arcadia OK and pick five new types of soda to try. i'm excited (and i love a good soda pop every now and again if i'm being honest) so on with the tasty treats.
colton kayaking the rapids lol...
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