I enjoyed your photos of the jetties (which I've always called piers here).
Always an affectionate feeling when seeing a sand castle of any kind.
The photo after the sand castle one is most amazing.
There IS always something amazing about being by the sea. I don't know if there are exact words to describe it, but it seems nearly everyone feels it when there. When I was growing up, my parents took us to the beach for a week of vacation nearly every year. When it came time to leave, after the car was packed, we'd all go down to the sand and stand there for a few minutes, taking one last look before saying goodbye. Then we'd go back, get in the car and head home, usually about a 4 hour trip. Can you imaging that, a 4 hour trip with 5 children of various ages ?? OMGoodness ! ha ha
As an adult, I have not gotten to go back every year, but the times I was able, I always did that very thing, go down to the beach, soak in the view as deeply as I could while saying a silent goodbye.... and hoping to see it again sometime.
One time my brother and I were discussing the beach, which he LOVED and our feelings about it and I told him that every time before I left, I stood there on the sand looking out over the water and tried to take it all in, in case I never got to see it again. Interestingly, he said that was exactly what he had done through the years, the very same thing of looking long and hard, just in case somehow, it could be the last time.
I don't know what causes that type of thought, but I was very surprised that it was not just me.
I really don't know what it is about the beach and ocean that attracts people and makes us feel good, but it's certainly there for sure. The feeling.
I can hardly imagine what it must be like not living close to the beach. Actually, 95% of all Australian people live within a one hour drive if the coast, and it plays a huge part in our lives. Driving five hours with a car load of kids? Hmm, your parents must have been very patient. Although, it speaks well if them that they did it and here you are still holding the memories dear.
Thanks for the comments on my shots, I was at the beach last night and took 80 more, different light conditions, and I'll post a few soon.
You know, back then was a totally different day with children in families such as ours. We were taught right and wrong as best as they knew it and we were also taught respect for them and others. People complimented them many times on how well behaved their children were and that meant a lot to my Mother. We knew there was no such thing as pitching a tantrum at home and certainly NOT in public from the time were were old enough to understand. They made the effort and took the time and in some ways, it eventually made it easier for them.
Although I didn't learn it enough to tell it exactly right, I read in the past that the combination of water, air and light created negative ions that are somehow good for our health and and something to do with releasing more serotonins and increasing oxygen flow to our brains that can actually make us feel physically better. They are supposed to be more concentrated near bodies of water, so their "may" be even more than a mental attachment to such places.
I look forward to seeing more photos.
Your first paragraph, I could have written it myself, meaning it was exactly the same with me.
Your second paragraph, I've heard similar before though can't remember. It's all too complicated for a simple bloke like me; I feel good and feeling good is good enough right?