(Note: Part of the following was supposed to have been posted last Thursday, but instead of hitting publish I hit save.)
Every year we are fortunate enough as a family to take what we have come to call our “Pilgrimage to the Ocean.” This takes place at Puerto Penasco, Mexico. A place we love, a people we love, and town we respect.
We rent a house on the beach (literally the ocean is our backyard) for a week (sometimes longer) and we spend our time playing in the ocean, collecting sea shells and star fish in tide pools during low tide, and in the evening, sitting near the ocean listening to high tide roar in.
I can’t explain it. It may not be the same for you, but somehow being that close to Mother Nature’s most beautiful and powerful creation simplifies the world. It places everything in context.
It is also a cleansing experience. It is hypnotizing and memorizing. The rhythms and beats of the ocean can wash away all stress and pain. It cleanses your soul and re-energizes the spirit.
Well, as I noted above, the above post did not make it until now.
Anyway, I have a quick update and some photos to share. First, I want to thank Drew for his kind review of my book, The 11th Wisconsin in the Civil War: A Regimental History, what a way to return home! I am truly humbled by his comments.
After the weekend I should be back and running at full speed. We had a great time and truly relaxed and replenished our souls, I’ll post more later, but for now a few photos:
My kids, Danny and Tori, have some fun playing a make-shift game of volleyball. This is the backyard of our house. (click picture to enlarge)
Me on the back deck trying to enjoy an excellent book. I do not bring what I would call a “heavy” read to Mexico. Often, I never get through what I bring. Too many distractions: beach, ocean, wave runner, cerveza, ect. But this time I selected a great book: A Voyage Long and Strange, by Tony Horwitz. I looked through it some time back, but will discuss it in more detail soon. (click picture to enlarge)
Another view from our back porch looking out towards the backyard during low-tide. You can never get tired of such a view! (click to enlarge)
More to come….
