If you’ve been reading from the beginning, you’ll know that my in-laws, Jim & June celebrate their anniversary in August.  Last year we had a big party for their 55th at Kim & Steve’s house with lots of friends and family, and then a trip to York beach and Nubble light. Fifty-Six isn’t quite the same milestone as 55 so Janet and I volunteered to take them to  Hampton Beach for the day, and then have dinner at Brown’s Lobster Pound.  I took the day off work, Friday, and I was so glad. I think tourists understand Hampton Beach better than locals. All the locals come on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Tourists are at the beach on the weekdays. Regardless of the day, Janet and I try to get to the beach before 9:00. Usually we can get a decent parking space that doesn’t require us walking half a mile with all our gear. This summer we’ve equipped ourselves with the basics; folding beach chairs, umbrella, blanket, insulated tote bag, and water bottles. We know how to set up our space that says “this is ours, don’t mess with us.”  Jim and June are up at the crack of dawn, so it was not an inconvenience for them to show up by 7:30 to get to the beach.

Living this close to the beach makes every summer weekend feel like you’re on vacation.  The cool thing is that we don’t have to pay airfare or hotels. It’s simply a 45 minute drive from home. The weather was gorgeous!! It was a beautiful day to be at the beach.  Jim and June aren’t social media people so we posted pictures on Facebook for them and tagged our family members so that friends of theirs could congratulate them. Within three hours, they had over 100 likes and many comments. We shared these comments on a regular basis and it really made their day.

We were ready to be done with the beach around 1:00 and packed up the van. Brown’s Lobster Pound is legendary in these parts.  Across the street is Markey’s Lobster Pool, and quite a rivalry exists between the two. Since the Sheppards have a long standing tradition at Browns, that’s where we ended up. Browns is cash only and you order outside, but can sit inside. The line to order wasn’t terrible, but the wait for the food reflected the number of people crowded around. Jim had his predictable favorite dish of scallops.  None of us opted for the lobster, but our food was good nonetheless. Seating at Browns is on long picnic style tables. You bump elbows with those around you and everyone appears to be having a good time as you here the kitchen calling for orders of lobstahs and steamahs.

Partway through our dinner, an announcement came over the intercom that people parked in the lot may want to move their vehicles as the tide was coming in. Maybe because of the number of people talking over the announcement, or maybe because I didn’t think it applied to me, I just ignored the warning.  Lesson learned, listen to the lady when she warns of the tide coming in. We finished our dinner and proceeded to the parking lot, only to find the van sitting in 3-4 inches of water. Fortunately the van started up and I was able to pick up the family on dry land, but it sure did make a great story to tell.

 

 

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller