Just really nice days! Day 187

Myrtle Beach, SC

Friday - was mostly work, with a brief run to the store for last minute Shabbat groceries.  Stopped work at 3:00 and then rushed to get everything prepared in time for 5:00 candle lighting.  Weather-wise, it was a glorious, sunny day in the mid 60s.  After we lit candles (18 mins before sundown--we still had about an hour before it got dark), we went for a walk along the beach and watched a beautiful, pastel colored sunset.  The water was a cerulean blue, reminding me of the Carribean.  Or maybe it was just a reflection of the sky.  Either way, it was just so awe-inspiring to look at.  It was very low tide, so the sand was hard and compact - easy for me to walk on. 

The campground got fairly crowded as well.  I guess since kids are still on winter break and folks take a long weekend after a Thursday Christmas, it's as good as any opportunity for the locals to get in their campers for the weekend.  With the weather so nice, many people were out walking.  During our walk on the beach Friday night, there were even horseback riders!  About 8 horses, with about 5 kids riding them.  Not sure if it was from a riding school or (more likely) a local amusement.  I would enjoy doing that if I were able to get up on a horse!

Today was another glorious day (December 27th and I was wearing a short sleeved shirt!).  We did not go to services but rather prayed at the lake, then took a little nap, had lunch and then went out for a really LONG walk on the beach (in total, we probably walked about 3-4 miles today).  So many more people were out today and almost everyone who was at their campsite that we passed, enthusiastically greeted us - allowing us to stop and chat with them all.  I love meeting new people!  The ocean was again cerulean and there were many people there - one group playing frisbee, another group throwing a football, lots of people walking hand in hand, a man and his son using a metal detector, and even one older couple sitting on their beach chairs (to which we greeted them with "this is the life, right?")

When we returned to the campsite, we took our our magazines and relaxed in our chairs in the warm sun.  This truly was a very blessed day of enjoying great weather, meeting friendly folks, admiring nature, and generally just being grateful for life.