The Trip

We have made this trip many times.  Many, many times since the first time over 15 years ago.  So many times that the parts of it are now predictable.

Preparation…starting weeks and days in advance, culminating in a crazy morning of packing and loading and car treats and who’s riding where.

Driving.  We all know the way.  Know that the first stop is in Warsaw at the rest area, along with lunch at Wendy’s if necessary. 

  

After Warsaw (two exits after, to be exact), we turn off the freeway.

We know what towns we will pass along our way.  Beulaville, Jacksonville, Swansboro, Cape Carteret.  Each one brings us closer.  And then we turn off of the highway and we see it…in the distance, the bridge. 

The Bridge.

We marvel at how many other cars there are, how many other people are also anxious to arrive at our favorite destination.  But we are really not paying much attention to the other cars because there is too much to see.

We turn one more time and our destination is before us.  Like Lewis & Clark, we cry,

“Ocean in view…Oh the joy!”

We shift our eyes to the right and we see it, Big Bertha, our home away from home.  Can our neighbors have known, fifteen years ago when they suggested we celebrate our 10th anniversary at their newly rebuilt beach house, how much would come to love it?

We unload the cars as quickly as possible, running suitcases and boxes and coolers and bags up into the waiting rooms, and then we throw ourselves into our bathing suits and run outside.

Let the happiness begin.