Beach trip

Today's Friday Five over at an open table set for a diverse group of people -- women pursuing or discerning a Christian vocation -- and their friends -- is posed by Mother Laura who writes:

The Grimes-Honkanen bunch is settling in after a challenging move, and bubbling with gratitude for our new "cozy cottage by the beach": a tiny rented condo on Pacific Coast Highway.

We're five minutes on foot from Sunset Beach for my daily choppy-but-gorgeous swim or prayer walk, often with dolphin sightings. Ten minutes south by car is downtown Huntington with its pier and window shopping, and the same distance north is Seal Beach, much calmer for family swimming.

Nicholas is equipped with shorty wetsuit and boogie board, and game to learn mastering the local waves from Mom--though I need to get a big softy and learn to surf before he does to maintain my cool cred. But Katie is still learning to swim confidently in the pool, and Midwestern-raised Matt prefers something more like his beloved Great Lakes. "No waves, no salt?" "Yes, darling, and no worrisome wildlife." "Except for the water moccasins, dude." You get the idea...it's all a matter of taste.

So in honor of summer, please share your own beachy memories, plans, and dreams with a "Beach Trip" Friday Five.

1. Ocean rocks, lake limps? Vice versa? Or "it's all beautiful in its own way"?

The latter I think. I do adore the sea. The salt I think because I'm very happy in ocean or harbour. Last year I had only the statutory 10 days break over Christmas and New Year (I was planning a summer hol later in January) and on New Years Day it really felt too soon to be returning to work the next day. But an afternoon drive to Cronulla Beach and a dip in the surf dispelled that gloom and set me up with renewed energy for the return to the workplace. (The major return to work was the following week when I led this prayer in a central city congregation.) But I also love the lakes and rivers abundant with water yet so sadly dying in our troubled world. It seems hard to believe that water security is a major public health issue in our rich country.
2. Year round beach living: Heaven...or the Other Place?
Heaven no question. I just couldn't think of a better lifestyle although I must admit I have not managed it to date. This abode is the closest - 5 mins walk from the river which is tidal almost its entire length. Have just worked out (after 18 months) the ferry route to town which takes longer and costs more but links me directly to the harbour. A good way to nurture my spirit.

3. Any beach plans for this summer?
Need to get through winter first! But this is a good prompt to make the summer bookings. I would like to explore the South Coast.

4. Best beach memory ever?
There are so many. Childhood boat trips with Grandfather in his dinghy with an outboard, tramping (hiking) around Lake Waikareiti with friends and spending a week in a hut right on the beach at the far edge, the Abel Tasman walk with spectacular sea views every step of the way it seemed, building sandcastles with children, and a few years later swallowing my feminist sentiments and beaming as they paraded in the Little Miss Beach Girl competition. BUT you asked for the BEST MEMORY EVER. That would have to be buying fish and chips at Kawhia, driving down to the water, digging a large hole in the black iron sand until we reached the thermal springs - then sitting in our own heated pool eating fast food as the sun set over the horizon and the tide came in.

5. Fantasy beach trip?
See above but with addition of a chilled bottle of champagne to accompany.

Bonus: Share a piece of music/poetry/film/book that expresses something about what the beach means to you.
Well this is the one that came to mind. An oldie (although the hymn writer and composer were both born in the 20th century). And I loved hearing Eternal Father in The Perfect Storm. Funny that these are more sombre - not in a way what I would have expected to come to mind when considering the beach. My mind works in mysterious ways... and recognises that threat and opportunity co-exist maybe???