Tammi's World

The Long Good-Bye VI

Parts I, II, III, IV, V

Tomorrow I am going to the beach with my very good friend J. And we are going to my very favorite beach. As you will see if you follow the link - this is my favorite beach in Florida. And yes - I've been to more than you would ever believe. I. Love. This. One.

I still remember the first time I went there. It was via boat. We had been out hopping around sand bars and it was almost sunset. We were all starving, but still wanted to see the sunset at it's best. So we head through Sarasota Bay, down the inner-costal and out the channel. I see Cocina Beach on my right but wait....what's this? A beautiful stretch of white sand, calm waters and very few people!

It was Beer Can Island. We anchored off the sand bar just off the coast and slipped into the water. Warm, salty, smooth water. It felt like silk on my sun kissed skin. We wade up to the sand and settle down for the experience. It was amazing. As the sun drifted into the water we strolled down the beach and I learned the history of this piece of paradise. I swore I would return.

I did....but it took at least a month of driving up and down the coast to find it. It's semi private and off the main road. But I found it....I am nothing if not determined.

For 10 years this has been my get away. My haven. I watched my first tropical storm roll in, angry and violent, from those sandy beaches. I have spend days laying on that soft white sand, working through a broken heart, or figuring out a particular issue with work. Everything is clearer there. Everything is as it should be.

So....tomorrow I return. I haven't been there in over a year. It's been a long year. I'm not the same woman I was last time I visited there. I'm sadder, I'm stronger. But I know that a few hours of feeling that sand, hearing the birds, strolling out to the sand bar and good conversation will make it all right.

You see - I'm going home tomorrow. I'm going to Tammi's World.

Posted by Tammi at April 9, 2005 01:34 PM