My husband and I, along with our dog Dixie, recently took a much needed and deserved beach vacation. We escaped to Garden City for an entire week. The weather was perfect, although we did have a couple of small rain showers. All in all we truly enjoyed visiting this tranquil, beautiful city.
Ironically a few days before we left, a close friend in California called us to let us know he and his step daughter would be at the beach for about 8 days. What beach you might ask? Myrtle beach, of course, .... and his residence during this trip was just 4 miles from the condo we were renting. How cool was that? We had planned our trip back in January, so the timing was unbelievable.
We enjoyed the pier at Garden city, which was just a stones throw from our condo. They offer an array of karaoke during the week, along with a nice menu. No big crowds, just a perfect time and place to seek sun, sand, and shelter. One of the karaoke singers was quite entertaining. His name was Frazier. He performed like a pro, and his song selections brought back memories from days gone by..a favorite era of mine..the 70’s.
The beach is a medicine bottle all it’s own. One can certainly unwind, even though it is a temporary getaway, the after effects can be rewarding for much longer. Bare footing in the sand, breathing in salt air, exercise (walking), swimming in mineral rich water, and rest & relaxation are all definitely healing therapies. No doctor visit needed.
While there, we enjoyed seeing other friends as well. They live in North Myrtle beach. Both are previous Belmont residents, and they are continuing to enjoy this new chapter in their lives. Something I could get use to.
Lest we not forget about *food* .... whatever your favorite is...pizza or seafood, everything tastes better at the beach. We relished on both of these, along with a stop at Dairy Queen toward the end of our week. There was also a few trips to the grocery store. Some of which we brought back home.
This was the first time Dixie had visited the beach. She was a little reluctant to the sound and swirl of the ocean, but nevertheless, she thoroughly enjoyed the getaway as well. The fireworks, although short lived each night, did put a damper on her nerves. But now that she is a little older, this is one item we can mark off her bucket list.
The beach is, for me and many others, the best form of therapy. Just being in nature, enjoying the sun and sand- it’s what takes away our anxiety or responsibility for the day. Not having to worry for a day is one of the best feelings in the world. Who would not agree with that?
Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone.
Lisa
