The Northumberland Strait is reportedly the warmest ocean water north of the Carolinas. When I was very little, my parents purchased land directly on the Strait with the dream of building a summer home one day. As the years went by however, life got busy; three more children came into the world and priorities shifted. We visited our land every summer, enjoying the lovely waters of the Atlantic while basking on a magnificent beach. Our beach. My siblings learned to swim in that ocean. We played games. Watched sunsets. Picnicked. We had water fights. Saw shooting stars. Played until our feet ached. It was perfect. There's something so therapeutic and tranquil about being near the water and I imagine being immersed in that setting on a daily basis would foster endless feelings of serenity.
Last week, our wonderful family friends invited us to spend three days with them at their magnificent beach house on the North Shore. With promises of relaxing summer days on the Northumberland Strait and warm nights filled with good conversation and excellent food, it was the most amazing retreat. S and T and baby H were the most graceful hosts. Hospitable, accommodating and simply incredible. Every morning we woke up to a breathtaking view of the ocean and the rest of the day followed with walks along the shore with our children. While they scoured the beach for hermit crabs, snails and seashells, played in the sandbox and napped, we had the opportunity to talk and cook.
We poured over home décor magazines, enjoyed a bonfire on the beach, toasted marshmallows, savored delicious cherries and red currants from Anita’s garden, dined in the most relaxed manner over simple, fresh food and just enjoyed being together. It was exactly what we needed. The view of the vast sea, smell of the salt air and sound of the waves crashing on the shore felt absolutely amazing. None of us wanted to leave. Even the rain felt warm and tranquil. Good friends, family and delicious food. Nothing beats it.
