All I really have to say about it can be summed up in monster-speak: Beach Good!

To be a bit more verbose, however, I can relate that the combination of exquisite weather, rolling surf, strolling sand, low-key conversation, copious tasty food, and absolutely NOTHING I had to do produced a state of relaxation unmatched in the last, oh, ten years.

This state of satori was enhanced by the fact that I received zero mixed messages from B-, hallelujah! (In fact, my latest theory is that he's carrying an unreciprocated torch for J-, but it really is irrelevant at this point.) We had many fine pleasant times ~ an exchange of backrubs, a midnight stroll under a barely less than full moon, serious conversations about stuff that matters ~ and absolutely no confusion about the state of affairs.

Also adding to my overall enjoyment was meeting someone who I think holds great prospects as a new friend. I don't make new friends terribly often (I think it gets harder as one gets older), so any such opportunity is a ray of golden sunlight. This one, a lovely, soft-spoken lawyer for the Justice Department, M-Y-, is a terrific conversationalist and one of the most mellow persons I've ever met without being in the slightest bit wet. He's married, and I will be most curious to meet his wife, in hopes that I'll like her as much as I do him.

I never used to consider myself a beach bunny. Memories of the beach from my childhood are mostly a composite of getting sweaty and overheated in the sun, plunging into an arctic, genital-numbing ocean for 5 minutes maximum, and driving home for hours feeling sandy and itchy. I think my family missed out on at least one key concept: the beach umbrella. What a great invention! Portable shade! Yes!

Also, the beach experience is greatly improved by proximity to food, porcelain fixtures, and an ample supply of non-sandy garments into which one can change. Having one's lodging 25 yards from the waterline is an additional bonus.

Since our weekend accommodation was shared by 10 people, the cost was low, which is also excellent considering that I'm floating myself on credit at the moment. All told, gas from DC to the Outer Banks, lodging and food ~ less than $200 for a 3.5 day break. Not too shaby.

As I said: Beach Good!

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