It’s all about the views…and multiple layers for warmth!

From inside my house, I watch the vibrant colors light up the sky just before sunrise.  It’s the best motivation to bundle up and head down to the beach for a morning walk.

Recently, while walking through one of the Avalon beach paths, I spotted a side trail.

Instant flash back to my childhood…when the high dunes were our backyard play area.  Full disclosure: this was before it was considered trespassing!

My sisters and I had elaborate forts, and knew all of the hidden paths around the private homes.

When it snowed, we rode the hills on plastic sleds or rafts (sounds pathetic, but it was fun)- returning home covered in a gross mixture of sand and snow!

A happy, and unique memory from growing up on the island 🙂

The soft sand is now (frozen) hard sand.  Easier to walk closer to the dunes while searching for the snowy owl 😉

A bit chilly…

The cold north west wind changes my walking routine.  It’s a trade off: walking on the soft sand for the benefit of dunes blocking the wind.

Along the water’s edge for the turn around. Wind at my back, sun on my face, and an unexpected dolphin sighting!

Hat, gloves, and a fleece jacket for this morning’s chilly beach walk.

Rewarded with dolphins riding the waves (the dots on the blurry picture are dolphins), assorted shore birds, and hundreds of geese flying overhead  in a synchronized “V” formation- on their way to warmer climates.

The perks of living by the water…