by Olivia Garrett, entertainment editor
Every year, my family, my mom’s siblings, and their families all rent a beach house for a week-long vacation on Pensacola Island in Florida. Though my family has only participated for the past 4 years, the beach trip has been a staple among my extended family for almost two decades.
Personally, I don’t regard the beach as a prime vacation destination. There is sand everywhere, salty water that could be infested with anything from jellyfish to seaweed, a blazing sun, scantily-clad strangers and waves that make simply relaxing in the water impossible. However, despite all of my complaints, I really do enjoy the beach trip. My family is closer ( and a bit larger) than most (this year only three of my mom’s seven siblings came and we still had 20 people), and I enjoy being around them.
This year, the beach has been better than I’ve ever experienced it- the heat is manageable and the water is amazingly clear, practically devoid of seaweed. Now, as I’m sure you’re wondering- what is there to do on the beach?
Answer: SANDCASTLE. (in this scenario “sandcastle” is a verb- as in “to make a sandcastle”). To make a sandcastle, you need sand. Obviously. But, contrary to popular belief, there is a lot more to making a sandcastle than simply filling a bucket with sand.
First, you have to dig. Dig in a large circle, leaving the excess dirt in the center. (When you’re done it will sort of look like a moat surrounding a large mound). While one person is digging, others should fill buckets with water and dump them onto the growing pile. Another person should stand on top of the pile and pack the dirt in by stomping. Continue until the mound is the desired height. Leave it alone for a while, let it set, perhaps overnight. Just make sure your pile isn’t too close to the water.
Next, begin to carve, starting at the top and making your way down. Use a small shovel. Make platforms to place smaller sandcastles on. Carve out tunnels and doors and staircases with the shovel. Dig out pools and carve designs into walls. Expect some designs to collapse. Make sure that your most impressive designs are facing the shore and have equally impressive designs facing inland. This way, strangers who are walking along the beach will see your sandcastle’s best side. And, photos you take with the waves in the background will also look impressive.
Come back the next day. Sharpen up salvageable designs or pack in new dirt and start over. Take photos. The thing about sandcastles is that they never last. (Obviously- they’re made of sand). Sometimes a stray volleyball hits the castle and COMPLETELY RUINS the COOLEST part. But, sometimes inspirations strikes and a catastrophe lends itself to the creation of a rad new castle. Which is sort of like life, I guess. Where one door closes, another one opens.
Of course, if you aren’t interested in sandcastles there are other options. (However these options have much less potential for life-lessons…) You could boogie board, skim board, paddle board, kayak, surf, snorkel, or simply hang out in the water. You could also play Frisbee, Bocce ball, or beach volleyball. Go on a walk, look for sea shells. Read a book. On jellyfish or bad weather days, stay inside. Play cards or dominoes or monopoly. Spend quality time with the family.
Believe it or not, spending time with family can be quite rewarding. (Even though they sometimes, unfairly, beat you at board games). You’d be hard pressed to find anyone more tolerant of your quirks or willing to invest quite as much time into your well-being.
