to the ocean in May
A couple weeks ago the sun was shining and we didn't have anything on the schedule, so we decided to head for the ocean. Our exact plans were uncertain, but I figured I'd point us towards Gloucester and see where we ended up. So with picnic lunches and swimsuits packed, we headed north! The ride itself was fun as soon as we got north of the Rt 93 split; the boys felt like they were entering unexplored territory. The deadly on-ramps on Rt 128 through Peabody and Danvers were of particular interest. Of course, when the ocean came into view that was even better! Driving somewhat at random through Gloucester we came to a beach, off Eastern Point Road. So naturally we stopped for a while.
the first one we found
Unfortunately the parking lot was marked "residents only", so while it was pretty much empty we were nervous about getting too far from the car. And it was too cold to swim anyway. So after a little exploration and jumping we moved on. Our next stop was Good Harbor beach, which we know well from the old days. Well, I know it well; Harvey didn't remember it. At first glance I thought parking there would be safe, but then I realized that all the other cars stopped along the street had people waiting in them. The signs threatened towing, so while the boys got to roam I sat with the car.
independant exploration
It was still coldish, and when the boys came back they said the water was too far away. Low tide will do that. So we moved on once more. Tired of Gloucester's restrictive parking regulations, we headed for Rockport where I knew I could find a place to put the car on a side street within striking distance of all sorts of attractions. That means it was Rockport that got our tourist dollars.
sheep shopping
Actually, we didn't buy anything at that toy store, because we don't have that many dollars. But you can bet that, after a picnic lunch on the breakwater, there was one place where we were happy to part with a couple bucks.
the sign says all it needs to say
Or actually two, because Lijah wasn't feeling the ice cream love; only fudge would satisfy his seaside cravings.
concentrated chocolate power
Well fed, we wandered through town looking at the ocean down each alleyway we passed. Before long we came to one wide enough to walk through, and at the end of it we found a beach!
can we get down this way?
By now it had finally warmed up a bit, so the boys changed into swimsuits and we spent half an hour splashing, jumping from rock to rock, and making a sand castle in a vain attempt to hold back the rising tide (as pictured here). We couldn't stop it though, and eventually it rose so high our piece of beach was in danger of disappearing, so we moved on. At the other end of the beach we found a stream emerging from a tunnel under the road (which Harvey and Zion had to explore, of course). Then we climbed some rocks and found a big square tide-pool filled with warm water, right next to a tiny sandy beach about five feet long. It felt like a private oasis! By the time we were done playing there it was past time to go home. It was a good trip!
our private pool