Phase three: At the Beach
How does one describe four days at the beach? Early on the beach, in the water, in the pool and hot tub, end the day with an excellent meal at one of many delightful restaurants, then a little family night fun. And by all means, don’t forget shopping.
That’s kinda the way it went with a little social distancing worked into the routine.
Saturday Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel was different to say the least. The large accordion doors which open to the serving area were only opened about three, maybe four feet. A counter displayed a few pastry items and condiments.
To get to that serving area, there was a waiting line properly spaced six feet apart. Once to the serving line, two decisions had to be made: the daily hot special (Saturday morning, western omelette and patty sausage) or cold bagel and strong or weak coffee. (Covid-19 protection, different but appreciated.)
Now back to the fun. All of the hotel benches and umbrellas were already rented for the week in advance. But to the rescue was Chris, he had brought two beach umbrellas and chairs and before Pop, Baba and Candy finished applying sunscreen and got to the beach, he already had everything set up, including sandwiches and drinks packed for lunch.
Lana was enjoying the sun and Baba quickly joined her. Logan and Chris were jumping small waves so Candy and I quickly joined them – the water was calm that morning, perfect conditions for family fun.
Jackson (JP) was walking the beach enjoying the sand between his toes and the view — he’s 14.
Soon after we joined them Chris got out his kites. The trick kite had somehow gotten broken, so he went to the High-flier. The wind was perfect, and before long the kite hung perfectly steady at 600 feet of cord, all he had with him.
It was about this time that Jackson decided he would like to build a sandcastle requiring a shovel and a bucket that we did not have.
With no time to think about it, he and Chris disappeared for about 20 minutes returning with bucket, shovel and another 500 feet (all the store had) of kite cord.
A quick knot and the kite began to get smaller as it soared even higher into the air, still holding steady and strong until all the cord was extended. He tied it off on one of our chairs and it held, majestic and steady, for the rest of the day.
Candy, Logan (the fish) and I continued to play in the waves until we were too tired for more and moved to the beach stretching out with Lana, Barbara and Candy, relaxing while watching Chris and Jackson work tirelessly on their sandcastle. (Or rather rendition of Jordan-Hare stadium, extra large scoreboard and all.)Talent with a purpose.
Amazingly most walking by recognized exactly what it was and with some “War Eagles” and a few of the other cheers, all with a good laugh, it was a hit.
By now we were all ready for a bite to eat and we joined in the packed lunch that Lana had prepared. A sandwich never tasted so good, even with extra emphasis on the word “sand.”
It was around this time Chris looked at Candy and asked, “It’s your birthday, so where would you like to go for supper tonight?”
As it turned out, we had passed a very upscale pizzeria called Sauced the night before and that was her choice. (She usually has pizza on Friday or Saturday, and that’s another story.)
So plans made, Candy and I headed for the pool and hot tub to relax. And that we did as the others began moving toward our rooms, somehow leaving Chris with everything to assemble and bring back off the beach.
Now after a day of fun at the beach, there is nothing more satisfying than a slow, warm shower! My turn over, quickly dressed, I sat on the balcony watching.
Mostly watching Chris as he began assembling everything for the return trip back to the room. The kite, still hanging majestically in the sky, he slowly and patiently began to reel-in, appearing to enjoy every moment of it just as he had sending it off to watch over us during the day.
Everything now assembled, I believe he called the boys; and they soon appeared to help him make one trip of the task.
Everyone ready, we headed to Sauced, where we enjoyed a really good meal together to celebrate Candy’s birthday.
Then all back in the car, where to go, what to do? Passing The Wharf, it appeared to be open, with a sign indicating dancing in the street and laser light show nightly. So why not?
As we began to walk around, “look Mom/Dad an arcade.” So in we went!
Not sure but I believe Baba gave each boy $10 worth of coins. Then we kinda split as we observed what was available in the arcade.
It didn’t take JP long to find the basketball machines. Two of them, side by side. He was home!
Shot after shot, the numbers went up, tickets poured onto the floor. First machine, new record high. Then the next, new record high. He had mastered the machines. Not satisfied yet, he wanted to break his own record, and so he continued playing.
Logan started slowly, trying a few things, then he found the motorcycle race game. Sitting on a cycle, swerving side to side watching a screen depicting an all-out race, he played as if he’d been riding all his life. And so he continued, not caring that there was no ticket outpay, just riding for the fun and reaching harder and harder for first place. And then he got it, jubilation! Not just him but for all of us.
Back to JP … still shooting basketball, he had broken his own record on the first machine, now was working on the second.
Then I spotted a machine similar to one Chris and I played back in 2011 in Panama City Beach. Double guns, one each and we were killing Aliens. The difference … this time we’re killing Zombies. Just had to try and recreate the picture of our side by side determination to wipe out the bad guys. Later, Lana posted a double picture of then (2012) and now (2020) with Chris and I saving the world, though each a little heavier now, we were in total concentration. The world is safe!
Now back to JP, running out of coins, one more try … and YES!!! He does it; he breaks his own record on the second machine! King of Arcade Basketball on The Wharf. We collect their prizes and move on.
After conquering the Arcade, we began to walk around a little more looking at different stores, listening to the music blasting over speakers distributed throughout the streets. Soon we came upon an ice cream and chocolate store. Resistance at a very low level, we ventured in.
After several selections of chocolate and ice-cream cones, we found a table outside, and relaxed. It was now dark and time for the show.
The music was good; the boys especially liked it. Logan showed his latest moves and JP requested a special song of the deejay.
Laser lights flashed around the area along the store fronts, quite a show. Soon there were impromptu, mostly teen+ girls dancing in the street. A really fun time and back to the hotel for some much-needed rest.
Sunday Morning:
Before anything else, “Happy Father’s Day.” First from Candy, then from the boys as they entered. And the blessing of it all was that we were all together. Happy Father’s Day indeed.
As with most Christians, Sunday means church, rather “Worship Service.” With most churches now live-streaming, it’s easy to worship with your home congregation.
Chris brought his computer over to our room, connected it to our TV and we worshipped with Peachtree City Church of Christ, where he is one of the ministers. The singing was good as we joined in together and we heard an excellent lesson from James by the pulpit minister, Stan Butt. Service over; now we prepare for the beach! Once again, Chris had everything setup by the time we got down there. And amazingly, Chris and JP were all the way out to the second sandbar. That’s “I really don’t care to get in the water” Jackson — he’s 14 remember.
Candy and I quickly joined Logan (the fish) and we noticed the waves were a little higher and giving more of a ride today. Soon Chris joined us, and wave hopping was a lot of fun that day though we did notice we were drifting down the beach a little more due to the current.
At one point, I noticed the water began to be cooler around our feet as the waves drifted in. I mentioned this to Chris and we discussed it very intelligently. Based on a little science, a little experience and a whole lot of guesswork, I predicted a storm coming even though the sky was still a brilliant blue with soft clouds drifting by. The wind soon began to increase, not much but a little.
Tiring a little quicker today, it wasn’t long before we headed for the pool and hot tub.
Showers again completed, supper tonight would be at the Shrimp Basket, with plans to meet Lana’s Aunt Teresa (now a local) for dinner.
We chose to sit outside as the weather was pleasant and had a great time. The special that night was all the popcorn shrimp you could eat. And Chris and I took the challenge. Far too many shrimp later, we both had had enough; boy, was it good.
After the meal, we sat in the parking lot for quite some time just enjoying Teresa and Wayne’s company. Before leaving, she invited us all to her house for a cookout the next night.
Departing, we remembered that Logan had ask to play putt-putt. So Chris looked for a good course and found a new one complete with a fire-breathing volcano. Feet swelling Candy, chose to set the match out and watch from a cool table complete with Diet Dr. Pepper.
The match was fun with no particular advantage to anyone. Just fun! The results, Lana, Barbara, JP and Logan getting holes in one. And the winners were Logan and Lana tied for first (win to Logan as he got a hole in one on No. 18). JP and Chris tied for middle and Baba and I tied for the also-played spot.
As we were heading to the car we passed a hurricane machine, one where you could stand inside and feel the force of hurricane winds. Of course, JP and Logan wanted to try. So we watched as the wind indicator reached and exceeded 75 mph. They loved it.
Day over, back to the hotel for another good night’s rest.
Monday Morning:
Monday morning was a rainy Monday morning (our earlier prognostication proving correct).
Breakfast over, we met in the lobby, grabbed a table and started playing cards — with a new deck — one of JP’s prizes from the Arcade.
Some time later, as the rain seemed to ease off, the ladies wanted to walk across the street to a shopping area.
Of course this, being part of the “beach” experience, we were suddenly dodging rain drops as off we went. Clothes, shoes, beach stuff, trinkets and other such items all available.
In the second store, no idea of the name, it was just the second store, Barbara pointed out a pair of shoes for me. They resemble a pair that Chris had, except JP had claimed them from him. Both of them joined in, and I was cornered.
So I tried them on – Big mistake! Next thing, I was paying for them. (Note: Dude’s, I haven’t worn any other shoes since.) I think Chris got a pair with a slightly difference look, as JP had his. Other items purchased, we headed across the area to a Subway for lunch.
With the rain picking up again, we dashed back to the hotel. Quickly ready, some of us headed to the pool and hot tub. The waves were higher with the wind pushing them further up the beach, a beautiful sight to see, but let the surfers have them.
Soon, it was time to head down the beach a mile or three to Teresa’s place. Wayne was already preparing the grill when we arrived, the ladies headed to the pool area to do what ladies do after preparing the “fixings.”
I think mostly they were sitting around the pool while Logan (the fish) played in the water.
While Wayne and Chris compared skills cooking the burgers and dogs, JP and I played rummy. I think I taught him too well as he was winning too many games.
Cooking finished, we began a very good meal sitting, talking and listening around the pool.
Good family gossip and a lot of fun. We eventually had to say our goodbyes and head back to the hotel, this time to pack and get ready for our trip home.
Tuesday Morning:
Apparently, Chris and Lana wanted a romantic early morning sunrise walk down the beach to a distant pier enjoying a little alone time as the now very large waves were slapping the shore. (Lana’s pictures later revealed this.)
Barbara and I with our coffee, just sat on the balcony taking it all in for a last time. Candy soon joined us. The red flag was flying.
Luggage all packed, a luggage cart suddenly appeared at the door — thank you boys!
That loaded, a quick check of the room and then to the cars to pack them.
Our last beach experience item was to have a good breakfast before hitting the road.
We almost immediately saw what looked like a good spot, AnotherCracked Egg. A quick call for reservations and we were in. (Here, I will add that the service and the food were excellent).
Now on the road, needing gas I mentioned it to Chris and he suggested we stop at Buc-ee’s, a new place just off I-10.
That’s a supersized gas station with very nice restrooms, and all the shopping you could ask for or even imagine. They had items from food, to clothes, to trinkets to whatever.
Finally, back outside to the cars, a few more pictures made and homeward bound. We did leave them still getting pictures as we drove off. A wave and thrown kisses, then hit the road. I believe we beat them home by about 45 minutes.
Happy Birthday Dolly!
Just Pondering…