“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink wild air”.
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Took my Walk into the Future on another road trip to my favorite beach location, the Crowne Plaza in Melbourne, Florida. Yes, I make a point to visit this beach location multiple times throughout the year but there was added emphasis for this trip.
September 11th continues to be a day remembered in America due to the events that happened on 9/11/2001. I will not document the things from that day, but it provides an opportunity for remembrance in this country.
I was stationed at Kadena Air Base, on the island of Okinawa on 9/11/2001. I viewed the second plane hit the World Trade Center tower live on TV while on the phone with my mom. At the time we thought the first was an accident but fully understood the impact once the second plane crashed.
I was on the phone with my mom halfway around the world because September 11th is my birthday. She called to wish me a happy birthday and we witnessed the world change at the same time.
Fast forward to 2022 and I ventured up to Melbourne to celebrate my birthday in a favorite spot and get a beach day in at the same time.
Started my adventure by heading to Costco to do some bulk shopping and get a few samples. I love a good deal and always find things I need there. I stock up on vitamins, Bio Freeze and Salonpas patches which really come in handy with my marathon training program. Need these things to help with my recovery and get me back out running.
Next stop was the Patrick Space Force Base Exchange for some tax-free shopping. Decided it was time to invest in another pair of Brooks GTS Adrenaline 22 running shoes. I’m routinely clocking 90+ monthly miles now so like to have another pair of running shoes to rotate into my training program. These shoes come at a reduced price on the base and there is no tax for the purchase. 😊
Left the base and headed to one of my favorite spots, Squid Lips for lunch. It is a laid-back spot overlooking the Indian River with great food and daily live music. Great spot for seafood, cold beer, music, and people watching:
Made my way over to the Crowne Plaza next to relax on the beach and listen to the live band. Turns out Sunday is the day for reggae so this put a huge smile on my face since I love reggae. The band and DJ were good and put out an authentic Irie vibe. The folks under the tiki hut were vibing and enjoying the sounds.
A highlight of the day was the Sky Dive Melbourne Beach 9/11 tribute event: http://skydivemelbournebeach.com/?fbclid=IwAR06kj3ItJyenYYDitGXbM8zD-f-NxNUjNF7oiJMWUMs6-ae74B0Ri3OGdE
It was exciting to see the sky divers make their way down towards the beach. Had to relocate my beach towel to get out of their landing zone. 😊 It was an impressive display and the crowds on the beach enjoyed cheering the sky divers once they all were down safely.
Finished my beach day off with wings, fries, and beer under the tiki hut with reggae coming from the band. Sounds like a perfect day, huh? 😊
Great way to spend a birthday!
Irie!
Where will you spend your next birthday?
“To escape and sit quietly at the beach—that’s my idea of paradise”.
(Emilia Wickstead)
Walk Into the Future 