A Day at the Beach

Although we’ve had an unseasonably warm September and October, the signs that summer is turning into autumn can’t be ignored. I’m generally an optimist and I don’t mind the changing of the seasons. It gives me an opportunity to experience something different and the changing landscape keeps things interesting. Green grass and heatwaves are giving way to cool mornings and rustling leaves.

As much as I am interested to see the trees change colour and I’m looking forward to going hiking in the woods and stomping through piles of dry leaves, there are things about summer that I will certainly miss. Those hot days were the perfect excuse to venture to the water park and pool days in the backyard aren’t very likely to happen now.

What helps leave summer fun behind is the fact that I really did make the most of the summer months. Mommy, daddy, and I had plenty of summer activities on our calendar and we squeezed as much fun as we could out of the warm weather. One of my favourite days was my first ever outing to the beach.

It happened in August during our summer holidays. Mommy and daddy had been planning our beach adventure since the beginning of summer. On a beautiful summer day we packed up the car and hit the highway in search of adventure. The drive was over an hour long and I was very thankful to have my tablet in the car so that I could watch my favourite shows.

Thanks to the on-board entertainment, the drive didn’t seem all that long and before I knew it the car pulled into a parking lot and mommy and daddy began unpacking the car. We parked right next to the beach and soon I had my toes in the sand for the very first time. It was a bit difficult to walk on at first but I quickly learned how to compensate for the sand shifting under my feet.

A short walk later and I was on the beach with the water stretching out before me and glistening in the summer sun. The water that I could see is part of Georgian Bay. The name of the beach is Wasaga and it is located in Simcoe County. Stretching for 14 kilometres Wasaga Beach it is the longest freshwater beach in the world. It was beautiful!

We found a good spot on the sand and set up our little camp with a blanket, a small tent in case I wanted shade, my stroller, and all of our beach gear within easy reach. Mommy got me changed into my bathing suit and as soon as she released me I jumped up and ran down the beach to explore with mommy in pursuit behind me.

I ran up and down the beach for a while before heading for the water. I dove right in with no hesitation and splashed in the shallows. Then I took off to where the water was deeper but mommy stopped me insisting that I don’t know how to swim. How do we know that I can’t swim if I’ve never tried? Maybe I’m an excellent swimmer. Mommy was insistent that I stay in the shallows and I eventually agreed.

After a good deal of splashing about mommy and I played with a ball for a bit. After more running around and visiting our beach neighbours I sat down to play with my bucket and shovel. I have a good assortment of buckets, rakes, and shovels so mommy, daddy, and I were able to build some sand castles together.

Then more running around and back in the water. This time daddy came with me and I brought my surfboard. It was impossible to stay on it and the surfboard seemed determined to escape. I spent a fair bit of time chasing after it. It’s a very good thing that it floats and is bright coloured for easy retrieval. Next came more running around and then mommy said I had enough sun for a while and that it was time for some food.

I sat in my stroller to eat and mommy put the top down so that I was in the shade. I had a grilled cheese sandwich with potato wedges and a refreshing drink from the cooler. I’ve had this meal before but somehow it tasted better than ever and I ate a lot. After a good meal it was time for a little break and I leaned back in my stroller and watched the people walk by on the boardwalk.

After letting my tummy settle I was ready for more running around. Mommy said I could have a bit more fun in the sun but that I had to make the most of it because it would soon be time to head home. I didn’t waste a moment and packed in as much running around, splashing about, and playing in the sand as I could.

Then daddy took me down to the water and gave me a good rinse. He carried me back to the blanket where mommy was waiting with a towel, a clean diaper, and a fresh change of clothes. Soon I was clean, dry, and ready to go. We headed back to the car to prepare for our departure.

I got comfortable in my car seat and watched while mommy and daddy loaded our stuff back into the car. Mommy said that she would get my tablet out so that I could watch my shows on the way home. I never did see that tablet. I was asleep before the car started moving and the next thing I remember daddy was carrying me into the house.

I loved my beach day! Sand is fun to play with, water has always been one of my favourites, and the beach has ample space for running around. I can’t wait for my next beach adventure.