As you probably know, Labor Day weekend just happened. People with kids generally consider this their final weekend of the summer. I’m not on that kind of schedule so to me it was just a weekend with amazing weather–perfect for the beach. As you also might know, I like to roll into Good Harbor in Gloucester after 5 to take advantage of free parking and to avoid the sun’s most damaging mid-day rays.

On Sunday, Misha and I got to Stoneham early to play a round of mini golf at Hago Harrington’s. It was a family favorite spot when we lived in Reading, and I probably first played there when I was 10. I love going back and enjoying the same holes all over again. We timed it perfectly so that we rolled by Good Harbor’s parking fee booth just before five, and just as the old-timers were packing things up for the day. The waves were small to medium sized, and Misha and I did some boogie boarding. I also bodysurfed and skimboarded. We talked to John, Amy, and their dog Smokey. Then we played some frisbee and a guy our age asked to join us. He was a great thrower and catcher. Then a little boy (turns out he was 11) joined us. When we were leaving, I talked to his parents for a little while. They were really glad he and his little female friend had a chance to play with us, and they asked if we’d be there the next day. I told them Misha wouldn’t, but I just might come solo. We ended the evening with a stop at the Salem Willows Arcade and some pinball playing and a pizza at Papa Gino’s. What a depressing restaurant.

Yesterday, I did the solo beach trip and it turned out to be a great move. I stayed in the water most of the time, as the waves were a bit better. It was actually less crowded. Surprising to me, since it was Labor Day. I guess the after 5 beach evening isn’t as popular with families since the dads work the next day. I also did plenty of skimboarding and my leg and foot muscles are feeling it today. The 11 year old boy, Lucas, and his friend were there again, and we did indeed throw the frisbee. I let them use it while I enjoyed the water as much as possible. The water temperature was mild and I wanted to play in the waves since it wasn’t the end of my summer, but it’s still traditionally the end and I might not have many more great weather days to enjoy the beach. I left at 7:45 and had a nice drive home, listening to Leo Leporte’s The Tech Guy podcasts.

On Sunday, I was feeling a little lonely and bored, so at 4 PM, I made a last-minute decision to go to the beach on my own. I took the 495 to the Mass Pike to 128. When I reached 128, it started to rain, and rained all the way up until I got past Beverly. Then the rain stopped. I rolled into the Good Harbor lot at about 5:30. Of course it was after 5 so I didn’t have to pay the $25 parking fee. There were ominous clouds behind the beach but still no rain. I walked in with all my stuff (blanket, skimboard, boogie board) and then I noticed my beach friends John, Amy, and their dog Smokey setting down their stuff. I run into these folks a lot. We both follow the wise pattern of visiting Good Harbor after 5. So it was good to be able to talk to them, play with Smokey and Smokey’s friend (a black Lab), and bodysurf with John. The water temperature was great. I didn’t even think about it, it was that good. The waves were choppy because of wind, but there were some great waves to ride. After all my skimboarding, body surfing and boogie boarding, we ended up back at the blankets and enjoyed some good conversation. I was really happy they were there, otherwise I might have continued to be lonely that night. My main goal was to get to a beautiful location and get in some good exercise. That was achieved and the companionship was a bonus. Those ominous clouds stuck around all night but never directly over the beach so we never got rain. After 8, the wind died down and the flies came out, so we made an exit. There was lightning in the distance and I got to enjoy it in front of me on my drive home.

Here’s a blurry cell phone pic.

After the Hot Air Balloon Festival, I walked down to the Harvest Cafe and saw my friend Terry Kitchen perform. Alongside him was his vocalist, Dede. After their set, I enjoyed a performance from Chris Elliott and Lisa Austin.

Yes, in town and right over my parking lot! It’s amazing how quiet these balloons are. I could hear the men in the basket talking.