Family Fun at the Beach and Boardwalk
We went on a short family vacation last week to Ocean City for four days. The kids had a blast playing on the beach, even though the water felt like we had a swim call on an Alaskan cruise liner. I don’t understand the science behind ocean water temperature, but it didn’t make a lot of sense to me that it was over 90 degrees outside yet less than 60 degrees in the water!?!
Personally, I don’t like to swim in the Ocean. When I was a teenager, my cousin and I were body surfing in Myrtle Beach. A storm was about to roll in and the red flags were up. This meant that there were no life guards on duty and you were not supposed to go swimming. The waves were huge and the water was brown and murky from all of the sand being stirred up. In other words, it was perfect conditions for two stupid teenagers to go for a swim.
The waves pounded the crap out of us, but we kept on going out for more. After about an hour, there was a lull in the action, apparently the calm before the big storm hit. My cousin and I were standing about ten feet apart from each other when it happened. Bam! My cousin got knocked off balance.
Then I saw it.
A six foot shark was in the water between us, and it was heading straight for me. How did I know it was six feet? Because it was about the same size as us. Bam! The shark hit my leg with it’s fin too, knocking me back a few feet in the water. Panic set-in like I’ve never experienced before, and we walked on water out of there. Fortunately, we weren’t that far from shore, and the water was only about four feet deep.
We probably should have known better to be out there alone, especially since we were swimming right next to the pier where a world record for the largest tiger shark ever caught on rod-and-reel happened (Cherry Grove).
Anyway, that’s why I don’t like to swim in the ocean, unless I can see everything around me. Or, like when I was in the Coast Guard and sailed across the Atlantic and we stopped in the dead center for a swim call, only crew members were posted along the bow and stern with rifles just in case. Even then, I jumped in and got out quickly. The only times I have really enjoyed swimming in the ocean are when we’ve gone snorkeling or diving in the Caribbean, but that’s another story altogether.
Back to Ocean City and the family vacation.
I played with Ty a lot on this trip. We built sand castles; we went for walks; we swam in the outdoor pool; we swam in the indoor pool; we walked for several miles each morning (he rode – I pushed the stroller); and, we got to explore the parking lot of every restaurant we went to while everyone else ate. As long as we were doing an activity, Ty was awesome! As soon as we stopped to do something else, he pitched a fit. Typical 2-year-old stuff.
In addition to the beach, we also went down to the boardwalk two of the nights. If you’ve never been to the boardwalk in Ocean City, it’s like going to a carnival only you’re at the beach. There are tons of rides and games, as well as shops and food stands. It is a decades old remnant of the past, but it’s nostalgic in a fun way.
Ty and his little cousin got a chance to go on some rides by themselves for the first time ever, since both of them had finally exceeded the 36 inch tall requirement. It was fun seeing them experience both fear and exhilaration, and it really made me think how the last two years have flown by for us. Ty is getting to be a big boy now.
In between the sand castles, carnival rides and meltdowns, the best thing about this short vacation was that we added dozens of new and exciting family memories to call upon and remember when we get older. I’m not sure if Ty will recall the fun we had, but we did take a bunch of pictures to remind him – here’s a few of them:
Daddy and Ty building sand castles
Daddy and Ty say Hello from Ocean City
Mama and Caitlin lounging
We squeezed into the caboose at the boardwalk carnival
Ty (right) and his little cousin on the teacup ride
Ty (right) and his cousin on the roller coaster
Ty on the red shark airplane
Ty four wheelin, bouncy fun
Daddy and Ty on the caterpillar coaster
Fun times at the beach and boardwalk!
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Comment by Lori on 29 July 2008:
Thanks honey (NOT) for posting like what has got to be one of the worst pictures of me, ever.
At least you and the kids look good (*sigh*)
Loris latest discovery was..Laws of Parenting – Part 1
Comment by John on 29 July 2008:
Looks like everyone had a great time! I can’t wait until my son is old enough to do those fun things (a year to go). Your shark encounter was scary, that is one of the reasons I hate swimming in the ocean!
Johns latest discovery was..Summer Fun: Splish Splash He’s Not Taking a Bath
Comment by VegasDad on 29 July 2008:
Sounds and looks like a great vacation, except for the shark thing. I’ve had a scary run in with a shark before, so I completely understand the fear. Also, despite her comment, Lori looks good in the pic.
VegasDads latest discovery was..z-dub can read
Comment by Matt on 29 July 2008:
Dang, Jeremy…check out those guns!
The ocean freaks me out a little too. I enjoy swimming in it, but when you put on a mask and actually see whats underneath, it can give you the willies. Looks like a good time!
Matts latest discovery was..My Daughter’s Drawing Is Cooler Than Yours
Comment by blog dad on 29 July 2008:
My wife and I crossed crossed The US by driving US 50 in May/June and finished at Ocean City. Never knew about the sharks!
blog dads latest discovery was..Life begins at 40
Comment by Jeremy on 29 July 2008:
Lori – everyone is looking at the baby and the cleavage – both look great! Stop worrying – you’re gorgeous!
John and Vegas – I’m glad you can relate.
Matt – I used to have guns – I don’t really know what to call them now. But, thanks – you brought back good memories of when I was buff!
Blog Dad – cool trip idea. Did you go to the boardwalk in OC?
Comment by Phil on 30 July 2008:
Hey, if that’s the worst picture of you ever, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.
As for swimming in the ocean, I’m still haunted by a vicious bloody shark attack that I witnessed when I was ten years old. Several people were horribly killed by a great white, RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!
Yeah, it was on the big-screen. Jaws, 1975. What were my parents thinking letting me see that movie?
I even get paranoid swimming in the lake!
Sooooo, what did I let my 10-year-old son watch the other night? Jaws. It wasn’t so bad. He has a keen understanding of movie effects and such. But we’ll see if he gets in the water next time we go to the lake.
Phils latest discovery was..Guest Post: Discovering Dad
Pingback by Daily Links: Birthday Edition : Parenting Advice and Tips: Modern Parent on 30 July 2008:
[...] Dad has a nice article about his family trip to Ocean City, MD! Family fun and a harrowing encounter with a shark are featured in his [...]
Comment by blog dad on 30 July 2008:
Hi Jeremy,
We cycled the boardwalk on the last day of our trip (we were lucky enough to be staying right on the beach front). Really good fun and from an English point of view – something which seemed quintessentially American. Wish we’d had more time there.
blog dads latest discovery was..Life begins at 40
Comment by Kevin (ReturnToManliness) on 31 July 2008:
That shark story is RIDICULOUS. I love the ocean, but sharks are one of my greatest fears. Thanks for no sleep again tonight!!!
Kevin (ReturnToManliness)s latest discovery was..Manliness Trait: Never Use Eight Words When Four Will Do
Comment by Hygiene Dad on 31 July 2008:
I’m not a huge fan of oceans either. Sharks, jellyfish and anything else that lives there just creeps me out. I can handle the Caribbean because I see through the water, but I don’t like swimming if I can see what’s in the water with me.
2 years old is a great time for the beach. Ocean City is ideal for kids that age. It’s small enough to enjoy for adults and yet looks massive to little kids.
Hygiene Dads latest discovery was..Doors only close if you let them
Comment by Derek on 6 August 2008:
Hey,
I can see you enjoy the outdoors with your family. I’m sure a Dad like yourself will get some good use out of a website such as this one:
http://www.andycamper.com
It’s brand new and was just released today. Let me know your thoughts.
-Derek
Comment by Myrtle Beach Insider on 22 March 2010:
Whoa! I had never personally seen a shark in Myrtle Beach, but have heard of rare sightings of them. I know what you mean about only staying in waters where you can see what’s around you…even then, though, I know I couldn’t outswim the sharks…but I’d at least see them to poke ‘em in the eye! haha
.-= Myrtle Beach Insider´s last blog ..Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC =-.