Suntan lotion…check.
Hat…check.
Beach chairs…check.
Water…check.
We headed to Belmont Park on the western shore of Malpeque Bay on Prince Edward Island. It was a gorgeous, blistering hot-under-the-direct-sun day with an island breeze which made the heat bearable. However, the breeze was too much for umbrellas, our preferred way out of the direct sun.
It is a small park and is rarely crowded, an excellent place for a picnic, just above the beach on the lawn or among the trees. We’ve picnicked in both locations sometimes with our daughter and grandchildren. This time, we were alone.
We walked along the beach, found some interesting shorebirds and took photos to share another time. Today is about the view, straight ahead.
It was easy to be distracted by the activity behind us on the green or the other beach enthusiasts nearby. We settled in and chatted as we usually do, a level of comfort between us which is unique in our lives. I focused on the scene ahead, the gull, the red sand and the shades of blue.
The tide was rising and an hour made a huge difference on the flat beach. Over that time, the scene before us changed. The gull floated and the grass swayed with the gentle action of the waves.
It is quite a change though all the elements are there still. It reminds me of aging as it is for us now anyway. Who knows what storms are on the horizon?
Most importantly, enjoy here and now!