I forgot how loud the ocean is. Its constant roar soothes and relaxes me. This beach is long and flat with an east-west view of other towns and state on a clear day.

Today is not calm but there are no white caps. The pale turquoise has been muddled up to a nondescript taupe, steel color.

I forgot how the Pelicans like to fly in lined order near the high rises. Their prehistoric shadows follow them down the beach. Today it’s nice and breezy and they glide extending their wing span.

I forgot how many people enjoy a morning walk. This time of year they dress in shorts and tee shirts. I remember which building to walk up to and turn around to equal a measured distance. We enjoy a short walk to a local haunt for burgers and drinks. Sometimes we meet friends there. This place feels like home.

Our ocean front view gives us enough of a vantage point to see dolphins playfully cruise by. We still feel part of the beach life without having to get our feet dirty. It’s fun to sit on the beach into the sunset hour though and feel the coolness overtake a hot day. We almost have the whole beach to ourselves.

On a clear night we watch the stars go by. Sometimes on the horizon an electrical storm lights up the sky. It’s both awesome and mysterious.

It’s springtime. The sea gulls complain about something. The water sports are gearing up for a busy season. Advertising planes have yet to make their costal flight. This and fall are my favorite times to be here. High season is more crowded and rowdy with loud families and younger people. During high season drunken beach goers prefer the wee hours of the morning to yell and cavort on the sand and then sleep most of the day. They are easily heard even above the ocean’s voice.

There are times for motorcycles and holidays with fireworks, although they’ve outlawed this practice. Also outlawed the canopy tents. Like cruise ships or resorts, they would pop up and stake their claim on the beach. I’m glad they’re gone and umbrellas have taken their place.

So many things, little things I have forgotten. Luckily I’m back and reminded of beach life on the Grand Strand