Parking at the Beach...the True Test of Faith

We went to the beach today. La Jolla Shores, it was a Saturday and we didn't get there early, we got there around noon.Everyone here knows that's not a good plan. It is busy and there was no parking.

It is so funny to think about looking for a space to park in when there aren't any. In fact, you and many other people are circling around hoping you'll come up lucky and get a spot.

As you are moving slowly up and down the parking isles,you're watching for people that look like they have been to the beach and are finished. It can be tricky though, sometimes you come up on people when it's hard to tell if they have just got their beach stuff out or if they are putting it in.

Then there are the people who go to their car like they are finished with the beach,but aren't leaving. That's awkward. Especially when you follow them with your car as they walk to their car, put your blinker on to signal the other cars searching that "you claim this space", only to have the people give you a funny look, wave you off and finally tell you they're not leaving. Wow. Why don't they tell you that when you are following them with your car?

So you continue to circle and search, circle and search, never giving up that faith that you too will find a space. I hate it when you don't see a person getting into their car to leave and you pass them just missing the parking space by a car length. The guy behind you couldn't be happier.

It is amazing how long you will wait for a parking space with your blinker on while the people go through there rituals to prepare to leave the beach. Today we waited while a guy, took off all his wet stuff, put them away, took a modified shower, dried off, put on dry clothes, washed and dried his board, and put it in it's little case and strapped it to his car. The funny thing was we weren't even waiting to get the spot, we were in the line of cars behind the car, that was getting the spot. Well at least we were entertained.

All this, strangely enough, isn't really annoying you know, like Caitlin said today, "Mom it is just a part of the experience of going to the beach" No one really gets mad about the process either, it's like everyone understands this is just something that's expected. I also think it's because you're going to the beach. You know, going to the beach is always worth it.

Oddly enough, if you're patient enough, you will get a parking space. And when you do it is the greatest feeling of excitement. WhooHoo! I've got a parking space! Yes! It's always worth the circling and searching because now you get to stay at the beach for as long as you want!

And think when your finished, think how happy you're going to make someone when they spot you heading for your car.

Oh the beach, we love it.