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When we travel to the beach, we always take a few days to get there with either the first stop being a secondary destination or a number of small stops along the way to see things. It's a good way to ease into vacation. 

We did a little of both this last time. Two stops on our way to our first destination. One family business, the other just a sightseeing adventure. 

Once at the beach, sometimes we just never leave. We only got in the car once after arriving. Either we stayed in and made our meals or walked to the places to which we ate out. The rest of the time was reading, relaxing and swimming.  And running - for me.

Grandiose plans of going to movies and the like all fell away. A few dinners where we were going to go out just ended up simple meals sitting outside on the deck watching the ocean. 

Coming back is quite different. 

We start early and drive straight through - save gas, food and pee stops. About 11 hours. And we're beating a two hour window when we can pick up Shep from boarding. 

Knowing I'd be in a car that long, my day started earlier: a four mile run starting shortly after 04:00. 

I wanted some movement time knowing I'd have close to none until we picked up the dog and took him for walk. 

Oddly - or not? - there was one other person running at that time. Not so oddly, the two times we passed each other, there was zero interaction. No "'sup", no wave, no nothing. I put my hand up the first time to no response. I didn't bother the second. 

All said though - the stars and planet were amazing to view at that time. 

The drive, while not grueling during a holiday weekend, did provide bleacher butt that required stops to stretch............and buy a Powerball ticket worth $1 billion dollars (say like Dr. Evil). 

We are happy to be home, as a pack. Shep is beside himself. It might take him a few days to get back to normal. 

Song by: Graham Nash