Beach Day

The Beach at John K. Rees Memorial Beach & Park Clouds & rain dominated the mid-afternoon. late after noon the sun returned Pina Colada's, Steaks, Etc. More to come... Monday at the Beach – Robert K Rees Memorial Beach I woke around 7:30am and just like the day before I did my 55 sit-ups and 50 push-ups before running or even having coffee. There are no free weights (barbells) available so I didn’t lift. After a couple of cups of coffee I readied for my run and headed out once gain a different direction from that which I was familiar. Iran along Little Rd or along the golf course that winds around the housing development we’re staying in. Upon my return Jeff’s father, (Mindy’s brother-in-law’s father) was at the house on his bicycle. He stopped to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. He pointed out a couple of cool beaches. So far it was sunny and hot. But let’s not be mistaken. The morning’s biggest story was the repressive humidity that I so love. And running in it only accentuates my love for it. John gave us directions to John K Rees Beach which is only ten/fifteen minutes from the house – or about 5 miles. We both understood that there were much prettier beaches all within an hours drive but we also knew that a three and six year old can change their plans on a dime. We wisely decided on John K Rees Beach. So, after packing a simple cooler, some towels, and other gear, we were off to the beach. We followed the directions loosely and got a little turned around but never too far from our ultimate destination. We were at the beach in about twenty minutes. The beach was kind of, well, perfect… for kids. It had swings, a playground, shelter house, and a bathroom. The beach itself, however, left us longing for something better. The water was a murky and shallow with water only half way to our knees for as far as one could walk out. Certainly nothing like the beaches of Clearwater and other local hot spots. Still, the idea of getting the kids exposure to the beach was what was more important. The beach was at low tide so there were many sand crabs left scurrying about looking for solace in their sandy confines. While Mindy and the kids walked the surf searching for shells and sea life, I napped on a bed sheet with my book all while soaking up some fading sunshine. Unfortunately, the sun spent more time behind clouds than it did in full view. To the west it was all but certain to storm. We didn’t stay all too long. By 2PM we were headed home. Glad we didn’t drive an hour or more. Back at the house we jumped in the pool, but almost as soon as we did a storm moved in. It rained for about half an hour. There was thunder and lightning too so we vacated the pool. Mindy took a nap. I entertained the kids. As we played the pool guy showed up and did his thing. When he finished the sun reappeared and subsequently the kids reentered the pool. Mindy got up too. We made an early dinner for the kids so that Mindy and I could cook steaks later. The kids were in bed by 8pm – just like home. Mindy and I made lots of pina coladas and began cooking steaks. Sadly the steaks purchased at Wal-Mart didn’t taste or smell that good. Bottom line, we fed $14 worth of steak to the turtles. Neither of us wanted to flirt with food poisoning. We ended up eating salads, fresh green beans, and hot dogs. And after a few more pina coladas we went to bed.