Forget work, time to go to the beach!

This year, my summer included a road trip through Vermont and New Hampshire. It was nice to be wandering around New England again. It feels like it’s been a long time since my last visit, but it was just last spring that I was in Bennington for (another) funeral. As I drive around, I realize how much I’ve traveled these roads over the years. Vermont has always felt like home, even though I only lived here for a few years, and it is nice to be back again.

The trip is part work, part vacation. After days of driving and some productive meetings, I am in Stratham, NH. The person I would like to meet has not returned my emails or phone calls. I’m not sure whether I should just stop in. It’s late in the day, so I decide to head to the beach instead — it’s only 20 minutes away.

Once I arrive at Hampton Beach, I know that I have been here before. Some time during my university years, I was here with my mom but the purpose of our trip escapes me.

There is something magical about the ocean — the hypnotic sight and sound of waves rolling in one after another. Having lived most of my life hundreds or thousands of miles from the ocean, it never ceases to amaze me.

There is still some time before the sun sets so a walk on the beach seems appropriate. I grab my camera and head off for a short walk — I’ll at least dip my toes in the water. My shoes come off and I start walking south. The beach is not crowded but there are still a few people enjoying themselves. The light is beautiful with the sun low in the sky and I take a ton of pictures. I’m always sensitive to taking photos of peoples’ faces but there are many opportunities for silhouettes and back shots — great story shots of kids playing in waves, an older couple parked on lawn chairs near the breaking surf, young couples holding hands and families fishing together.

My walk to the south end of the beach and back takes almost 2 hours and the sun is setting as I return to my car. Having planned for a short walk, I hadn’t put much money in the parking meter. When I get to the car, there is a ticket on my windshield — arghh!

Despite the ticket, the visit to the beach was worth it – a refreshing break from green mountains and winding roads. The beauty of this area pulls at my heart strings and I vow to return here more often.