Our Day At The Beach, on the Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk. Since I had been craving a day at the beach since February. With the local weather expected to reach 106 degrees. I grabbed my dog (Cassie) and headed to Santa Cruz. While the trip down to the beach had some unexpected drama. Once we arrived my soul soared. There must be something in my DNA; that responds to the salty air and the roar of the ocean. Of course, this would be the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing glass of “Fine Wine From My Wine of the Month Club“. Therefore Cassie was also experiencing my “JOY” at walking in the sand. Over the next day; we met so many wonderful people.
Frequently we are stopped and children ask to pet her. Which allowed me to use my walking “User’s Manual”. So taking every opportunity I can; I try to teach them how to approach dogs they do not know.
Day At The Beach: Any Chance To Teach Children
With all of the media exposure regarding dog attacks on young children. I decided fairly quickly after receiving Cassie, that children need to be educated on approaching dogs of all sizes. Usually, it is the large dogs that people worry about. But a bite from a small dog hurts and makes a child fearful. With Cassie as a magnet for children. I have found that they listen better after they pet her. So once I have their attention; that is when I go into teaching mode. Now we all know that prevention is the key. And we are more than happy to do our part in keeping children safe. Certainly, their attention and retention are better with a live animal.
On The Sand
Now where we live; there are a lot of lakes. So the first time I took Cassie to the beach; was in Florida during a conference I attended. Of course, losing so much more weight since our trip to Florida in February; I felt comfortable in a bathing suit for the first time in a very long time. There are many lakes near where we live now. So the first time I took Cassie to the beach, I was in Florida for a conference. Hearing the waves, the first thing I noticed was that she was nervous. I realized I needed to take it slowly so she could enjoy the sand and surf. “Getting My Feet Wet” was calling my name. Cassie has evolved into a great Landseer Newfoundland Dog. And having one who is afraid of the sea is unacceptable. Please watch the video below!
Day At The Beach: On The Boardwalk
While I adore the sand and the water. One of the main reasons I chose Santa Cruz; was to play on the boardwalk. Since I do not remember my very first time in Santa Cruz; one of the things that I do remember. Is that I use to take my kids here on the last weekend before school started for many years. We always had a great time; we always to rode the rollercoaster. Now one of my main goals was to take Cassie on the rollercoaster. Alas, I was not allowed to have her ride with me. However, I did ride the rollercoaster. Named the Big Dipper. Which has also been featured in several Hollywood movies. Built, in 1927, there have been many celebrities taking this ride.
So I decided that I would video my experience. During the first two turns, I had forgotten to use my legs for stability. But I quickly remember my days of horseback riding. Please watch the video below!
While we all have stresses in our lives. Each of us has a different way to relieve those stresses. For me, that is laughter and the beach. I seem to recharge my psyche and energies near or on the beach. Is it the sand? Or the saltwater? That connects so well with my ability to let go of my stressors. I am not sure which it is. But having been there; after a nearly 35-year absence. I will not allow so much time between visits again.
Response Magic