Last throes of summer

Decided to get in one last beach weekend before the end of summer, and what a nice relaxing blessing it has been.

The weather has cooperated fully, and allowed for a lot of beach-combing and contemplation.

The one thing I couldn't get out of my mind this evening as I strolled along these sandy shores, just close enough to allow the occasional foamy edge of surf to tickly my toes, is what this place must have looked like to the first colonists.

They certainly had a lot more intestinal fortitude than me, at least at this stage of life.

I mean, minus all the condos and magnificent beach house compounds you see today, this place must have looked like another planet to them. And, this is just a barrier island. Imagine landing here, thinking you've discovered "the new world," only to realize you've still got to cross the intracoastal.

Of course, they probably had better navigational skills in addition to their guts, so they probably figured the whole island thing pretty quick.

Anyway, hats off to the pioneer explorers.

Oh, and pass the Margaritas so we can give them a toast!

Cheers!