Ocean City Archives - Sprinkles of Sand

Beach Week Day #4 – Sandcastles and Seashells

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As we wrap up Beach Week, which we hope you have enjoyed, we decided to end it with sandcastles and seashells. They are as much a part of the shore experience as the ocean and the seagulls. Both of them are so lovely and fanciful and tend to bring out our creative side.

Sandcastles

We don’t know about you, but neither of us has built a sandcastle since we were young girls. We decided to head off to the beach and build one. It was tons of fun! Sand castles are not only for fun. They are super relaxing to build and a huge outlet for all that stored up creativity. Seriously, it is just awesome to sit and play with the sand.

Keep this in mind when you see the pictures of our efforts (us laughing). We hope you will follow our advice and build yourself a sand castle. Let your imagination soar and then let the ocean take it out to sea for you.

Now if the beach is not an option, remember that all you need is sand and water to build a castle. Be creative and don’t let the lack of a beach stop you.

Below is a collage of our day at the beach building a castle.

Seashells

Every seashell is a beautiful and unique masterpiece. We like to think of collecting seashells as a treasure hunt for adults. A lovely day walking on the beach collecting shells is pretty high on our list of fun things to do.

Because we both enjoy this activity so much, we both have quite a few shells. So, what do you do with all those shells. Do you make them into ornaments for a tree, a wind chime, glue them onto a picture frame or just decorate your house with them? Shells are so nice to have around and a little goes a long way. They can really add a lot to a room.

Jen – I have an apothecary jar that I filled half way with sand and added a few shells and a small piece of driftwood. I also have a very large scalloped dish, that I made in a pottery class that I took, filled with shells, sea glass, stones and pieces of driftwood from my walks on the beach.

Theresa – Like Jen, over the years I have collected boxes full of shells. My collection consists of all kinds of shells from various Atlantic and Gulf coast beaches up and down the coast and Texas, as well as Puerto Rico. My most prominent display, at the present time, are two jars full of shells and I place some of the large shells on a ledge or shelf.

I have also used shells for crafting Christmas tree ornaments.

Don’t forget that although the beach is probably the best place for it, it is not the only way to go on a shell collecting treasure hunt. If you are not able to get to the beach, you can always use your imagination to find another way.

Again, we hope you have enjoyed Beach Week as much as we have and that you will let us know what you liked the best about it.

Jen and Theresa

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Beach Week Day #3 – A Day at the Beach

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Hi! This is Theresa and I want to welcome you to day three of Beach Week. As we noted earlier this week, an important part of finding balance is to celebrate the things that bring you pleasure. This is the whole purpose of Beach Week. So today’s post is what brings me pleasure!

My favorite thing to do is to go to the beach in the mid-to-late afternoon to sit on the beach and relax. I enjoy this time of the day when the crowds are less and when the intensity of the sun is not as strong (because I burn quite easily!).

I thought I would try to bring you along with me for my day at the beach by using pictures, descriptions and a video to give a little more visual and some sound. I hope that if you are not in a position to enjoy a little relaxation time at the beach, this will help you to take that time in your mind. So, gather a towel, chair and that book you have been meaning to site down and read and let’s head on out…….

Welcome to 59th & 60th Streets in Ocean City, NJ. This is my favorite beach. This is the southern most beach on the island.

The anticipation builds as we approach the path that will lead us to the vast beach and ocean. The smell of the salt air is refreshing and peaks the senses. The sense of calm washes over us as the warm sand starts to sink into our flip flops. We look to for a spot to rest our souls and find the perfect place near the water’s edge on the sandy beach.

We set up our chairs, towel, turn the cell to vibrate and rest our beach bag close by for easy access. While slipping off our flip flops we hear the seagulls bellowing as they fly overhead. Finally, we sit down in our chairs and sink our feet into the warm white sand while it runs between our toes.

With the sunlight glittering on every grain, we scoop a handful of sand to let it also run through our fingers.

We sink into our chairs while the breeze runs through our hair. The sun shines and the sky is blue. The ocean waves are crashing as seagulls joyfully fly in the air. There is a sense of calm and peacefulness that washes over us. The feeling of pure joy knowing we have finally arrived and can sit here for hours, staring at the ocean, as if nothing else matters but being present and enjoying the moment.

The water is mesmerizing as the waves crash and beat upon the sand. The waves rolling in and then out. Out of the corner of our eye, we see a person kayaking in the ocean. Further down the beach we hear the sounds of jet ski’s skimming and bobbing over the ocean waves. Waves that bring the water closer to us as the tides starts to roll in.

On the beach, shells have washed onto shore by the rippling of the water. We relish the beauty and wonderment of the various types of shells lining through the sand and wonder how far they have traveled before landing on our shore.

Having settled in and having had time for contemplation, we notice the occasional walker and runner enjoying the fresh air on their journey. Now we get out our the long awaited book or novel that we have been looking forward to. As we engross ourselves into the world presented page after page, the sounds of the sea lulls us into a state of relaxation that allows us to drift off for a period of time. We wake at the distant sound of a dog playing on the beach with his family, having the time of his life and a father teaching his anxious son how to fly a kite. We are amazed at how much time has flown by.

Now that the sun is starting to fade into sunset, we start to gather our things. It was a perfect time. As we start heading inland, we see teens with their boards enjoying summers warm sea.

As we walk back up the path, with wind swept hair and sandy feet, we feel rested and refreshed. We savor these last few moments. There is a joy knowing that ocean breezes and the salt air that entranced our bodies today will ensure a great nights sleep as we dream of our return.

I hope you got a chance to take a little time for yourself and enjoyed our visit to the beach. I know I did! Join us tomorrow for Day #4 – Sandcastles and Seashells.

Enjoy!
Theresa

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Beach Week Day #2 – A Trip to the Boardwalk

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Welcome to the second day of Beach Week. Today we are going to take a trip to one of the treasures of the Jersey shore, the boardwalk.

One of the most popular things to do in the evening is to take a stroll down the boardwalk. For many who stay in vacation rentals, this is when friends and family can enjoy the cool evening breeze, food, and family fun and games.

So, we thought it would be fun to bring you along for our trip using pictures and descriptions. We hope that if you are not in a position to actually take a walk on a boardwalk or promenade, this will help you take that walk in your mind.

Welcome to the Boardwalk! We have just parked the car and walked half a block toward the ocean. We enter the boardwalk from the 12th street ramp. There is a souvenir shop on our right (facing south) and a popular pizza shop called Manco and Manco on our left (facing north). There is a light breeze and the refreshing smell of the salt air reaches us. It is a sunny day with a beautiful blue sky and seagulls flying overhead.

To get a look at the ocean, we cross to the far side of the boardwalk. There are new dunes with sea grass planted and walkways that have been put in place as a result of Hurricane Sandy. We can see seagulls perching on the railings and parents playing on the beach with their children.

There are bicycles leaning up against the railing.

We see people coming up from the beach with their belongings after a day at the beach. Since it is a bit early for the evening crowds, we can take our time to stroll along and “people watch”.

As we head north on the boardwalk, the street lights, benches, and the ocean are to our right, while shops and attractions are to our left.

As we stroll down the boards, there is the Boardwalk Mall, a Dog Shack and food vendors offering ice cream, waffles and the ever popular Crabfries. Two popular mini golf courses called Congo Falls and Pirates of the Golden Galleon are bustling with crowds.

We approach a one of a kind antique shop on the boardwalk called “Only Yesterday” and stop to look in the window.

As we are approaching 11th Street, we see a little kid drop some fries on the boards. The seagulls flying above are all too happy to swoop down and collect the discarded fries as they call to others about the find.

The evening crowds are starting to arrive. The smell of fries, pizza and popcorn compete with the salt air. Window shopping is always popular at Mia’s Christmas Gallery, a popular store that offers holiday ornaments and decorations. Ahead of us, a father and son have just finished playing some arcade games at Castaway Cove. The son is busy negotiating for some ice cream at the Dairy Queen right next door. The little boy wins!

Now that sunset is getting closer, the air has cooled slightly and there is a gentle breeze.

As we approach 9th Street, the Music Pier is on our right. There are two guitarists off to the side playing some music to a small crowd that has stopped to listen. They have a great sound and beat. In front of the pier are signs posted with the summer events and a photo stop for fun family memories. Across the way, there are two families looking at the list of movies playing at the Strand Movie Theatre deciding which movie they want to see.

The benches are starting to fill. Some waiting for friends and family, while others just relaxing and enjoy the people watching.

Now the scent of fudge and taffy is starting to lure us. As we get closer, Mr. Taffy greets us at the door to Shrivers. He is always ready to pose for a camera! We can’t resist and head on into Shrivers to see what they have to offer.

At the back of Shrivers store, there are windows that are open to the manufacturing facility. You can see some of the equipment and they have boards posted about how they make the salt water taffy.

Walking around in Shrivers is fascinating. Fudge, taffy of all flavors, souvenirs, and old fashion candy is everywhere. Lines move quickly as everyone stocks up on gifts and treats.

Continuing north, there is the Fudge Kitchen which is also a popular shop. It is one of our favorites because their fudge is made right on premises. Theresa is happy that it is naturally gluten-free. As we are walking by, we see one of the fudge makers making a batch of fudge in the window.

One of the arcades challenges the skills of guests of all ages.

We pass by the famous Johnson’s Popcorn. The line is forming to purchase their buckets. The smell of sweet Carmel popcorn is everywhere! This is another classic Jersey shore treat. And for those who prefer something with a tang, there is always the pork roll and curly fries.

Some other treats you will see up and down the boardwalk.

Now we are approaching the northern end of the boardwalk. The last big attraction is known as Gillian’s Wonderland. This is the epitome of fun for the kids and families. You can hear kids laughing, parents talking, music playing, crowds having a great time and the rides with their bells, sirens, chirps and rings.

Even though the boardwalk continues North, the attractions have come to an end, we turn around to head back in the direction from which we came. You can hear the crash of the waves from the ocean. Seagulls are crying overhead, the beaches have emptied and the crowds continue to build.

Heading southbound on the boards.

We walk out onto the beach and take a look at the boardwalk from there. The sun is going down and the horizon is starting to change colors. The neon lights start to become prominent. It has been a wonderful walk.