Musings on the Ocean

I've been retreating to the beach quite often. For birthday parties, for swimming, for breakfast. There is something so calming about being at the beach. What is it? I have been pondering this often, because I find a peace at the beach I don't find many other places. I want to be able to find this peace even when I'm not at the beach because my mind clears, and for a short period of time the worries and stresses of life seem to melt away. So what is it about the beach?

I think it's the steadfastness of it all, the steadfastness of the ocean. The waves always come in and go out. The sand always is warm further away from the ocean and cooler close to the ocean. The tides come in and the tides go out. The seagulls come searching for food, the sea weed tickles my feet as I swim, the salt always stings. These things are so constant with the ocean. Even when I was immersed in the Indian Ocean on the Eastern coast of South Africa, even when I was surfing in the Atlantic on the Western coast of South Africa, these things seem to remain. It makes the complexity and diversity of the world seem less so. 

The ocean will always call me back. To run along the shore, to swim through the waves, to sit on the beach eating sandwiches with friends. These are some of the simple things I find joy in. I want to get a group together and play beach volley ball one day or have a soccer game at the field near the beach in Balboa. Here are some of my favorite beaches and favorite activities at each: 

Newport Beach | Peninsula Park is a great place to hang out, bring a soccer ball or volleyball and some friends. You can walk the pier, go get a Balboa Bar, or walk to the ferry for a nice ride. There is a family friendly "Fun Zone" and plenty of beach to plant yourself for the day.  

Manhattan Beach | My favorite breakfast place Uncle Bill's Pancake House is here in Manhattan Beach. Manhattan Beach Blvd has many cute shops and eateries like Lemonade, Noah's Bagels and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I enjoy going to this beach in the morning to swim, and if there's good surf, watching the surfers from the pier. 

Laguna Beach | Laguna Beach is a wonderful artsy town. The Sawdust Festival in the summer attracts local artist and there are many galleries throughout Laguna. Main Beach is very nice and clean. I enjoy running along the ocean side path from Laguna Ave to Cliff Drive. It is paved and passes many pieces of public art. The Orange Inn and Banzai Bowls are some of my favorite eateries in this quaint coastal town. 

What's your favorite beach?