beachy goodness

So we did, in fact, make it to the beach this morning, despite the brief intense rain shower at departure time.  Luckily it was on its way seaward so we could watch it all from shore confident we wouldn't get wet. 

Arlo was so excited when we got there.  It is a matter of great disappointment to both Mark and I that although we live only 15 mins from one of the msot amazing beaches on the east coast, which we are both intimately acquainted with due to spending many (in my case, most) years of our lives living nearby, we rarely visit it any more.  Which is criminal, considering we have a child who loves the outdoors.

As a consequence, the beach is somewhat unfamiliar territory for Arlo.  Especially a big noisy surf beach with lots of crashing waves so you can't hear your own voice.  Following the storms we've had in the last week there were lots of interesting shells washed up, and also plenty of little beach tumbleweeds which Arlo loved to watch rolling into the waves.

He was very wary of the waves: during our initial approach to the water's edge, he clung to my hand and then begged to be carried, so Mark hoisted him onto his shoulders.  After a while Arlo grew more accustomed to the ocean – the waves don't keep coming – and he then begged to be let down.  He and Mark then galloped happily along the beach, dodging giant oyster shells.

Arlo finally became game enough to hold Mark's hand and approach the waves, and then of course he didn't want to stop, and got soaked from the waist down (and here's us with no change of clothes for him).  Despite the rain it was reasonably warm and Arlo tucked into our 'picnic' (coffee, juice and mixed nuts) wearing a shirt and nappy, once we were back at the surf club.

We've resolved to make it part of our weekend routine.  I really must remember to go more often.  Hells, I grew up at the beach.  Until I was 20, all my spare time was spent at the beach, either lying around, swimming, or beachcombing (or getting 2nd degree sunburn, but that's another story), and it's an activity that I really want to become a more frequent part of Arlo's life.