Orange Beach, Alabama felt like a good place to hang out. The summer heat had been beating down on us and we needed a place to have our summer break. We had been there before and we remember the pristine beach with its clean water. The problem was, just like before, the road trip was going to be twelve hours long. Destin, Florida was similar but Orange Beach was closer to drive. The hour was dark thirty and well before the break of dawn when we hit the road.

It wasn’t all blinding, blazing heat all the way to Orange Beach. We were drenched in rain part of the way and we knew that we were nearing the coast. Before we knew it, we were looking out of the balcony and enjoying the skyline and water scene.

Sunrise the next morning was especially appealing. The clouds were abundant and was partially obscuring the rising sun. Yet, the sun still glowed and cast its golden light on the water.

Orange Beach shoreline was approximately a half-mile walk away. I arrived early enough to find only a handful other people present as I combed the beach. The sand was powdery white and was almost unmarked with footsteps after the night rain. The beach umbrellas and chairs were already set up close to the shoreline.

An enclosed area kept migratory birds to themselves as they nested on the beach. They were not so happy as I walked closer to them. Several tried to attack the top of my head.

There wasn’t enough time for me to spend alone at the beach. There were a million things to look at, a million other things to photograph, and a million minutes needed just to do nothing.

One of the things that we did as a group was, well, do nothing at the beach. Just sit and enjoy. There was also the option to join in group activities and wade the waves with the group. Whatever way, it was all too fun and relaxing.

Going home was one thing that had to be done. One can only wish that the fun and excitement lasts forever but reality bites back. The long trip back home though felt more relaxed knowing that it will soon be back to the comfort of home.