the tricks of the ocean

     after driving since 5:30 am 'til 4:00 in the afternoon, the Pacific Ocean was a glorious sight. The Oregon sunlight beat down upon the lush country and the day was calm. The travellers anticipation level grew higher as they neared Lincoln City. When they arrived, the city captured and enraptured them with its charm. As they approached their beach front rental house, the smiles on their faces grew broader.
     seagulls squawked above; I changed out of blue jeans into something more suitable for swimming. Then laughed out loud as I took the 52 steps down to the beach with speed! (iGot faster on those stairs as the days progressed) The hot sand nestled itself around my feet and between my toes. Ahhh! The salty ocean water swished over my ankles and I was taken aback by the icy coldness of it. I had never experienced such cold water near the end of June.
     Then, taking a deep breath, I dashed into the crashing waves for 28 seconds. Gasping for breath I splashed back to shore, collapsed on the warm sand, and let the heat soak into my body. once invigorated; I rose to the challenge and waded into the Pacific once more. I summoned up my strength to leap over an incoming wave. As the wave passed I landed with a thud on a barnacle-encrusted boulder. I screamed in pain as the saltwater scourged my bleading hands and knees. I stumbled back, lay upon the comforting sand, and dropped my head in defeat. The ocean had won this game. It had too many tricks to play on me. But that does NOT keep me from fighting this monstrous beast and playingin its ever-changing currents and tides! (but iDo wear a wet suit, mind you)