Boards on Cars

Boards on cars? Did you do a double-take? I’m not referring to construction materials from the local home improvement store for building or landscaping. The boards I’m talking about are “surfboards”. Another hurricane has visited the eastern section of the country. The usual changing predictions had been televised for weeks. Professional weather personnel traveled every day to the shore to report any change in waves and shoreline. As the hurricane moved closer, I noticed more boards on cars.

Preparations began as the latest hurricane approached the eastern side of the country. The Lowcountry has seen devastating hurricanes in the past. Whether someone was born in this area or moved to the Lowcountry like my husband and I, everyone learns to be alert and take precautions. As we joined the crowd preparing for the storm, our own checklist awaited.

Alan and I went to the grocery store to stock up on needed supplies. Batteries, flashlights, and yes, chocolate candy and bottled water. On our way to the store, I noticed many vehicles with surfboards secured to the top of cars. While I waited in the car while Alan went into the store, I glanced around the parking lot. There were several surfboards on cars. I hoped to see who was driving the vehicles. The curiosity drew my attention as the parking lot began to fill.

Finally, several men and women exited the store and went to their cars. Their attire gave a clue to their destination. Surf shorts, t-shirts, sunglasses, and flip-flops. They had purchased supplies and were en route to the ocean.

After Alan returned to the car, he suggested we ride to an inlet and look for dolphins. Yes, we’ve become those folks. “Let’s go look at the waves.”, my dear husband said. I recalled how my parents loved to take a ride in the afternoons, just to be outside and enjoy the sights.

When we reached the bridge that crosses over the inlet, we saw people walking on the beach. The inlet area has “No swimming” signs posted at all times due to rip currents. However, we rode a little further and saw surfers enjoying the big waves. Happy surfers who came to the beach with boards on their cars.

I wondered what it’s like to be a surfer. I enjoy walking on the beach, collecting shells, and gazing at sunrises and sunsets. One of my favorite parts of the ocean in this area is the dolphins. Beautiful creatures that amaze me every time one jumps out of the water and splashes back down. But I will stay out of the water.

One of our nephews, Daniel Harris, is a talented and strong surfer. Daniel is in the photo above. He and his friends love the waves, the feel of the ocean water, and riding the surfboards. Daniel has created awesome surfboards. His talent is endless.

When I see Daniel headed to the ocean, there is usually a big smile on his face. He knows the importance of safety in the water. He also knows the joy of riding the big waves. Daniel has shared his love of the ocean with our family.

Daniel and our niece Ashley, along with their three kids, Peyton, Paige, and Ryder, have moved to an area near the ocean. They love “beach life”.

They can walk to the beach and carry their surfboards. If they want to travel to another area of waves and sand, they can secure the boards on top of their vehicles.

I’m reminded that God gives us glorious creations to enjoy such as the beach, the ocean, the inlet, the shells, the salty breeze, and much more. I’m also reminded that when I see “boards on cars”, someone is heading to the ocean or has already enjoyed riding the waves.

Either way, life is good.

Praise God for His blessings. Praise Him for fun times. Praise Him for surfers and their love for the ocean.

Are you a surfer? Have you seen the awesome ways surfers ride the waves? Have you seen “boards on cars”?

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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