Rainy Day at the Beach

So the kids have been out of school and are getting bored and you’re ready to take a break from the office, pack everyone into the car and head for the beach.

Today the hotel’s conveniences can provide diversions from inclement weather, but back in the day?

Before the sunscreen, Wi-Fi, cell phones, DVDs, streaming music; the beach was the place to escape the heat of the summer in the city. The cool winds and the refreshing waves were the only relief without air conditioning.

Rooms were large and sparse. Windows were floor to ceiling and wide open. Beds had few layers of linen and rockers had no cushions.

Even with sketchy phone and television (and electricity) reception; books were available.

The whole idea was to be in the breezes and watch the waves to get that summer restful karma.

Usually a granny would gather ladies to the kitchen to prepare piles of grub for everyone to nibble on throughout the day.

After the kids run around screaming frustrated of not being to play outside, the games come out. Board games with pieces missing but gives a focus on competition for some time. Adults will unfold folding tables and play cards while opening adult beverages but it is more about the conversation than the game. The elderly will retire to the porch to gently rock to the rhythm of the waves with some sort of wisdom that doesn’t need explanation.

Rain at the beach can disillusion those who want to drag out umbrellas, chairs, coolers, giant towels to sit in the sand with quick dips in the water and more interest in splattering cream all over their body and checking their email.

You are at the beach.

You are wearing a bathing suit.

Rain is just more water.

A shoeless walk down the sand in the rain is just as good as a walk down the beach blasted by the sun.

The ocean changes personality during rain and should be experienced. The waves get choppy and the currents shift, but the surf rides.

Waiting for the right wave might take a few tries, but no one worried about Jaws.

A squall may appear and everyone will run and hide but the sun will come out.