On Labor Day, Steve and I decided that we would cease and desist from our labors and go visit that large-ish body of water that we live rather close to—ye olde Atlantic.
We decided that we would accomplish said visit in Steve’s Miata because what use is there in having this car . . .
if you don’t occasionally go cruisin’ with your sweetie?
We put the top down and whizzed over the Herbert Bonner bridge.
Here’s a more dramatic view of it. It amazes me every time I go over it.
photo from hamptonroads.com
We walked a short way over the dunes . . .
and made our arrival on the shores of the sea before taking what we always call, “Our prerequisite selfie.”
Even though we thought it might be crowded on Labor Day, this was our view to the right . . .
and this was our view to the left. Not too bad, huh?
After a few minutes had passed, this was my additional view to the right.
And this was my view behind me. One snoozing man.
After a while, the snoozing man roused himself and concocted a distinctly dastardly plan. . .
which was to completely bury my poor little ol’ feet in sand.
I added some sunglasses to the sand pile, just to complete the look.
It appears in this photo that I am giving Steve picture-taking instructions. And I probably was.
Push that button! Turn the camera! Move it to the left! Tote that barge!
Nothing like spending Labor Day with a bossy woman.
When we had finished bossing, burying, walking, and snoozing we made our way back over the aforementioned dunes . . .
to the waiting car.
It was parked in a spot where we could see the bridge in the distance, a view I always love.
Over the bridge . . .
and back to Roanoke Island we went. (And to any locals who are wondering why we came back onto the island from the north end, it’s because we took the long way around, just for some extra convertible time.)
And while we’re on the subject of convertibles, you know how you always see women in magazines who look dazzling after they are finished with their convertible ride?
Photo from blog.relationshipsurgery.com
Well. I am exceedingly happy to report to you that I, too, have found the hidden secret for remaining glamorous and well kept during a convertible ride.
As this photo will illustrate.
Try not to be too jealous
Frightful hair notwithstanding, it was a lovely day–spent with my sweetie, a beach and a convertible.
The best fishing days of my life have been just off the south side of that bridge on the inlet! Great memories!
Becky:
The many pictures you have taken over the years has made me fall in love with Manteo and the surrounding areas. Coming from the land- locked Midwest, I have always wanted to see what an ocean looked like. When I moved to New Jersey many years ago, the first thing I wanted to see was the Atlantic Ocean. I was in love! I never could afford moving to the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod or San Francisco. But housing prices for a modest condo in your area seem to be much more affordable. I’m seriously thinking of moving there when I retire so I can have my my dream of living near there ocean!
Debbie,
This is an amazing place to retire to; you would love it!
And I can only imagine your first glimpse of the ocean after being landlocked so long. There is nothing as memorable as that first look.
Looks like you kids had a wonderful fun-filled day! Your camera and your camera wielding skills were equal to the scenery. I enjoyed looking at all your photos–every inch of them.
I have disappointing news for you. I won’t be riding over that bridge with you any time soon. Or ever. No thanks. Just send pictures, please.
Jan,
So you’re not a bridge person, huh? Well, I’ve got you covered in the picture department–I’ll keep ’em coming!
Glad you enjoy my photos and extra glad you called us “kids.” That makes me feel sort of youthful-ish.
My favorite vacation spot! Can’t wait for next year! SO, I was cruising facebook a few days ago, and “liked” the page of a little girl in my area who was just diagnosed with leukemia. One of the comments had “Becky Smith” tagged, asking for prayers…I’m sure you know where it went from there. Small world!
Emily,
That’s so funny–it IS a small world! I know exactly who you were talking about. Amazing how paths intersect “out there,” isn’t it?
My first thought was, “Couldn’t be–there must be a million Becky Smiths out there”. I was a Smith before I was married (well, still am–never giving up the Smith!), which is actually why I started reading your blog. I found “Sarah Smith’s” caring bridge years (and years…) ago & got hooked! i would imagine that’s kind of weird for you, as i feel like I know you, but you have no idea who I am! Maybe I’ll run into you on vacation some day (I promise I’m totally normal!)
The ball cap was so stylish. That is a l-o-n-g bridge and I do not like riding over all that water. I would rather look at it.
Ann,
That is a long bridge, indeed! Riding over it never gets old.
The first thing that entered my mind when you wrote about you and Steve and your adventure – wow, the empty nesters having a date – no one to hurry home to – well, maybe Summer. Sarah was probably not too far away from your thoughts, but it’s so nice when you can spend time together – in the fancy schmancy car.
Sharyn,
The one thing about a Miata is that you have no choice except to go with two people–that’s what makes it a great date car! Sarah was waiting for us at home and the three of us had a nice meal together and watched a DVD to close out the day.
Nice time for you two…even with “hair behavior” problems… though Steve most likely did not give two hoots to the antics of the hairs on his head all day. What a pair, you are.
Anonymous,
You’re right–Steve didn’t give one, two OR three hoots! 🙂
Inquiring minds want to know, did you put your feet IN the water? Because i can’t imagine going all that way and not immersing them in the surf, lol. And did you bring snacks? These are the things I ponder….love the car, the bridge and your post-event hairdo 🙂
Lesley,
Yes, actually we did wade up to our knees. There was a couple near us that were actually out IN the waves but that was a little too much for me.
No, no snacks. We were only there about an hour and it wasn’t near a meal time. I love the fact that you think about all these questions! 🙂
Love the pics. We had a Miata about 20 years ago, I think (I’d have to ask my Dad), & I loved when it was my turn to drive it. We had some fun times in that car (me & the one friend I could take @ a time)! It sure looks like you and your Man had a delightful day.
I have to ask……..is the only way to experience the beauty of where you live that bridge? Or is it that bridge that takes your from your home to……..I don’t know, anywhere? Because if so, I’d have to close my eyes the whole way from one end to the other (which means I guess I’d never drive)!
How are the Florida Smiths? And Sarah? How’s her semester going? What classes is she taking?
Have a great weekend Smith Family!
Jodi,
I’m sorry to have to tell you that you would have to hit a long bridge, no matter which way you came to Manteo. (Unless you flew into our small airport.) We are definitely on an island!
Nathan and Meagan are doing well; Nathan just got a big certification at work that he tested for in June and has been waiting and waiting on results. Proud of him!
Sarah is about to pick up a badminton class in a couple of weeks. She’s taking history, English and biology–and another one I’m forgetting. She loves her (little) school!
What a perfect way to spend the day! It looks like you had so much fun and the messy hair is proof that I’m not the only one who looks that good after time spent in a Jeep or on the windy golf course! 😉 Thanks for taking us along…..loved it!
LeeAnne,
Yes, there’s no hairspray on the planet that will stand up to the wind of a convertible! And it sounds like you and I are proof positive!
Now you know why those women wore those all covering scarves when riding in a convertible. A hijab on your Christmas list for more convertible rides with your sweetie.
Cath,
I am so impressed that you actually know how to use (and spell) the word hijab. It’s a new word for me!
Sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day! I love your natural beauty shining through, by the way!
Liz,
I don’t know if there was much beauty shining through but it WAS (mostly) natural!
What fun!! I feel like I went with you… had a nap, laughed, and a little windswept even!!
Melanie,
So glad you were able to join the adventure! It was a good one, wasn’t it? 🙂
Haha!! The pic of the lady in the red convertible, then you was a total LOL moment for me!!! What a beautiful area!!! When I’m around water, I just soak it all in, and never tire of it. I currently live within frequent view of the thee small-ish Chesapeake Bay. I love seeing a body of water on a regular basis, but the inland part of the bay is nothing like the Ye Grande Atlantic Ocean, with the size, sounds, and, oh my – the power!
Love your posts. Love the ones that stop-and-take-time-to-look-and-and-soak-in all the joys and beauty that surrounds us – whether in people, dog, comfortable living room or ocean forms!
Ann,
Getting to see a body of water–big or small–on a regular basis is truly a magnificent treat! Thanks for your encouragement about my posts and for appreciating he results of my stopping and looking around forays.
I like your ruffled hair style picture – shows you guys are real and cherish your time together- however, where was Sarah?
Becky,
Steve and I always say we are a couple before we are parents so sometimes our outings are just the two of us on a date. We were saying though, that we needed to get Sarah out on a beach outing soon!
Good times.
Steve,
It was great fun!
fun!
My first car was a second hand 1957 Buick convertible… think I probably resembled your stylish look, and that’s for sure!
Mrs. Pam,
We are the Stylin’ Sisters! a 1957 Buick sounds marvelous!