Today was a perfect example of why so many people vacation here on Florida’s Gulf coast and why scads of snowbirds flock to the region every winter in avoidance of Northern climes. The temperature was 85 degrees at two p.m., sunshiny with scattered cumulus clouds and a balmy breeze whispering through the palms and Spanish moss. The humidity was moderate, making it perfect for my afternoon power walk, a two-and-a-half mile loop that never fails to delight with new blooming surprises and unexpected critters sharing the route.

I prefer to walk at midday because it feels good to move after sitting at the computer all morning. As we swing into the summertime months I’ll have to shift to earlier hours. The temperature might still be 85, but come mid-July the humidity will be mighty. Not great for walking at high noon, but perfect for a beach day.

To be fair, I consider every day a perfect beach day. To wit, this past Sunday was spent at the beach with the family celebrating the hubster’s birthday. We were missing a few kids—two live out of state, one had to work—but had a great time in spite of missing those we wished could be there. The water was chilly but not cold and great for splashing in, and a hunt for sharks’ teeth was successful several times over. A short 10-15 minute walk up the shoreline brought us to the doggy beach where off-leash fur babies are free to run.

They play with their human companions and with each other, chasing, rolling in the sand, and retrieving balls and other toys from the surf. The saltwater doesn’t bother these guys; even small dogs are game to dive in. We saw a Husky, two Dobermans, a Golden Retriever, several Labs, a Great Dane, an Australian Shepherd, Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, an English Bulldog, and countless mixed breeds. There was no trouble among them. I asked the human belonging to the Golden Retriever if she was ever worried he’d run off and she said, “Why would he? This is his favorite place in the whole world. Just look at him!” She was right. He was one happy pooch. And he wasn’t the only one. All the canines were excited, happy, and as tickled to be spending a day at the beach as I was. After two years here I still pinch myself at the notion that I can come to the beach whenever I want. It never gets old.

We’ve brought our dogs to the doggy beach only a couple of times. I regret not living here when they were young enough to fully enjoy it. They’re almost thirteen now, and having so many younger dogs running and jumping makes them nervous. But we did bring them for the sunset once in the middle of the week when there were fewer dogs than on a weekend, and they had a great time. We’ll definitely do it again.

The beach is where I come to refresh my body, mind, and spirit. No matter my troubles or disposition, the moment my bare feet touch the sand and the scent of saltwater swirls through my senses I am renewed. This is my sacred soul spot. What’s yours?

Thanks for reading. I’ll see you next week!

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