Ispent the majority of last week at the beach, a trip that was good for my spirit and soul. I wish I could bottle up whatever it is about sitting and staring at water that helps me feel better about the world.

Late one afternoon, my husband and I watched the sun set and then lingered to watch people drag their weary, sunburned and beach-ridden selves back toward civilization. With their chairs and coolers dragging, they left waddle-like lines that reminded me of the ones sea turtles who have just laid eggs make when they are headed in the opposite direction.

As we watched a group of 11 women pack up, my husband said, "People have gone on Himalayan expeditions with less gear."

Within minutes of the sun going beyond the horizon, the beach had cleared out, leaving just us, one other couple

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