Sad day yesterday- attended a family funeral.
The one positive outcome was visiting with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It makes me appreciate the life long connections throughout our large group.
My mother is one of 6 sisters.  In keeping with the Irish tradition, one became a nun, and the other five collectively added 17 children to the clan (mostly girls).
My sisters and I were known as the “shore cousins”. And to us, everyone else lived “in the city” (Philadelphia suburbs). Â
The city cousins belonged to their local Y or swim clubs…while we crashed the pool at the Concord! They had parks/playgrounds…we made forts in the dunes.
They still ask “What parish are you from?” and talk about going “down the shore”. Â
Now there are 2nd and 3rd cousins in the mix- too many to count.  Basically, we all look alike, and sound alike (those hardy Irish genes).  And thankfully, most of us inherited the same awful sense of humor!
Success
From the picture, you can see that my preference is low tide and a VERY calm ocean.
It seemed ideal as I started out over the small waves. Yet I was surprised by the breaking waves much father out. Fortunately, I was able to turn the kayak into one of the especially large waves in time to avoid a wipe out.
My main goal is to mingle with the dolphins. Saw several beyond my comfort distance (the REALLY deep end of the pool). I paddle parallel to the shore; within a reasonable swim if I run into trouble (like that earlier rogue wave!)
The other challenge is the return to the beach.  Today, I was able to control my ride in and willingly dismount 😉
Hey, this may not compare with the Olympic trials…but I left the beach proud of my kayaking success.