Believe that the call of the sea or ocean has to be heard by the thousands! As I opened my eyes, I could see the sun beginning to rise, and I thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful to witness this beach with the sun rising above the ocean, devoid of people? No way! Even as the sun made its appearance, the beach was already teeming with people. Umbrellas and pop-up shades stretched as far as the eye could see. Bicycles, tricycles, Vespas, covered pedicab cars, balance scooters, scooters, and skid loaders. Wow, the dedication to the sea!

Heather glanced out the balcony window and noticed the activity outside. Skid loaders were diligently setting up access points for the upcoming crowds on the beach. This week marks the 64th East Coast Surfing Championship, which explains the early arrivals. We’ve been captivated by the surfing spectacle today. While some surfers displayed remarkable skills, others seemed to be at the mercy of the waves. It’s been an exhilarating experience to witness this from our balcony.

Brunch was just a few blocks away at The Sunshine Cafe. We both thoroughly enjoyed the food and the excellent coffee. My omelette was cooked to perfection, and Heather savored the French toast. However, we’ve noticed that greeting people as we pass can sometimes elicit a disapproving look. Despite my unwavering belief in humanity, my collection of the dreaded stink eye is steadily growing.

Our plan on visiting Norfolk has changed. For reasons unknown, but suspicious that there are no tours available and scheduled until Tuesday. We made a decision to enjoy a laid back day and organize our travel plans for a clearer picture from here to Boston. We are trying to avoid tolls. We’re booking hotels and breaking up the drive miles. As I am writing this I got a notice from My Life 360 that I have Beep! Beep! Driven 936 miles this week.

I added a bucket list stop along our way. We are traveling to Punxsutawni, Pennsylvania where I am going to check out my shadow and see if there’s more crab legs in my future!

I mentioned to Cousin Corina when we were in San Francisco that I was crabbed out. However, I had crab legs at the Slobster in Amarillo (sorry again, Misty) and then the all-you-can-eat crab legs at The Seven Ponies. I think I’m back peeps! Please bring on the crab legs! I think there’s some just around the corner.

Well we walked a half mile or 12. They feel the same after a while as we made it to Big Sam’s Inlet Cafe and Raw Bar. We walked by a trash can and it turned our stomachs as it reeked of fish. There was a long wait time in a sardine packed space. We left and headed to our designated back up. Another half mile or 12 walked the Two Texans. We arrived at the Waterman’s Seaside Grille. We still had a 30 minute wait. The food was just okay. I couldn’t bring myself to order seafood because the smell from the trash can was stuck up my nose. Heather said she thought I was having the crab. I think the crab would have had me.

After dinner, we decided to touch the sand. This gesture thus documented our trip as bonafide and confirmed that we had officially visited Virginia Beach.

We watched several surfers catching the waves. It was enjoyable to see multiple surfers riding the same waves. Our hotel neighbors, a father and son, loaded an elevator with several surfboards. The son held the elevator door with one hand and called for his dad to hurry. The dad made it just in time. Unfortunately, there was no room for Heather and me, so we waited for the next elevator. Just as we were leaving the hotel, we met the son again. He grinned on his way past us “My dad forgot the one thing he went back to grab!” “Go figure!”

I hope you all had an amazing weekend. We’re off for a long drive tomorrow. We’ll be going up the coast to Bethany Beach, Delaware, and then on to Georgetown, Delaware. We are taking a long toll bridge and will have to shell out a few clams. (Note the seafood reference!)

Leaving you tonight with this supporting statement: I don’t think I need a spine. It’s just holding me back!