Salty air, sandy beach...What more do you need?

Yesterday was a bit of a last-minute trip to the beach to take my aunt and uncle while they're visiting.  Normally, we like to leave first thing in the morning, but my mom worked and didn't get off until later, so we waited. 

Our first stop was Pismo Beach. We parked and walked quite a distance and took in the salty air as we dug our toes into the sand. I feel so alive when I stand next to the ocean. My mind is free and I'm not worried about what comes next, what I'm doing tomorrow or what's going to happen five years from now. I feel closer to God in those moments. I like feeling small when I stand next to the ocean. Or when I look up at the sky and remember I'm only a tiny part of the grander plan. It's not all on me and it's okay to not know the next step. There's beauty in that. I would've stayed there forever if I could. The air was breezy and the perfect sweatshirt weather. 

As we walked closer back to the shore, we decided to do a little swinging. Nothing will make you feel like a kid again quite like kicking your feet in the air, flying high, seeing the ocean for miles around and all of the action on the beach. 

After our beach adventure and a stop at the candy store, we had dinner at McClintock's, a nicer saloon style restaurant with a view of the ocean. My mom and I shared a sirloin. There were potatoes, beans, bread, and onion rings, which were family style. You also get your choice of ice cream at the end. I decided on the sherbet...So refreshing. We were incredibly full after that, as you'd imagine. 

I do love this part of the beach, because they're into country music and somewhat country lifestyle with the agriculture all around. 

When we finished dinner, we drove into Morro Bay. The sun was getting ready to set. We drove through the quiet town, which had already closed up for the day, and around to the famous rock. We got out and walked around the rock and it was COLD. I instantly regretted not wearing tennis shoes.  

My aunt and I walked the smaller beach for a few minutes, fascinated by these holes in the sand which had tiny little creatures coming out of them. I think they were some sort of crab or crustacean. Then we climbed back up to the top of the rocks and watched the sunset. 

My phone died just before the sun actually set, but I'm glad for it. So often I miss the moments right in front of me because I'm so concerned with getting that photo or posting a boomerang on Instagram, that I don't just let it play out in front of me for my own sake of remembering or let myself be in that moment. 

We stopped at a gas station just before we left to get some snacks. I got a coffee, which was very strong and had me wired and ready to go for the next few hours. We played 20 Questions on the way home, which always seems to go a little wonky with descriptions like "It's kind of a thing in a place" or a "place in a place" and the questions get so technical from there. But, it brought out the laughs and wackiness, which I'm here for. I love road trips and usually the drive home from anywhere is the best. It was late when we got home, so we turned in pretty quickly so we could start all over again in the morning. 

I've loved all of this family time. It's going to take some time to adjust to the quiet house after this week. 

That's all for now, 

Shelby