Grandma Henke

Friday afternoon we sat on a sandy knoll among scattered two foot high tufts of sea coast grass.   For the 4th day in a row the sky was a beautiful blue, dotted with dollops of fluffy cloud meringue.    The angle and brightness of the sun gave the appearance of diamonds sparkling from here as far as we could see behind the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean.     The sun was  warming us up and I was wondering if we’d have to move from where we were sitting and find some shade.   But we had such a perfect spot!

The Washington State International 2009 Kite Festival in Long Beach has drawn visitors from across the states and throughout the world and It is a challenge to find words to describe the thrill and excitement of the seven day event.     

We’d hauled our lawn chairs, bottles of water, cameras, and dog from our car, through the sidewalk shops, down the boardwalk and up to the top of the little knoll that looked out across the sandy beach to the ocean.   This portion of the beach was leveled and corded off into four sections where group and individual competitions were taking place.    We were there for the Sport Kite Events … Open Pairs Ballet and the Mystery Ballet.     Speakers were carefully spaced across the beach and the music was louder than the breaking waves and the throngs of spectators.     It was inspiring and motivating to watch the performers who have obviously spent years in practice and preparation.    

I have to tell you, Lynn and I are hooked.  We have quickly become kiting enthusiasts and have already added two new sport kites to our baby collection of kites but our list of “wants” has expanded to five more.    It is far more than just having fun flying them around on the constant wind currents  that dance in from the ocean; it is absolutely invigorating.      This new outdoor hobby of ours is going to be good for the two of us.  From the looks of it we are joining the ranks of many other retired enthusiasts.   

Okay … back to the festival.  I got a bit sidetracked.     The ballets were scheduled to last from  2:30 until 6:00.    Around 5:00 I realized the sky was no longer a brilliant blue and the sea breeze coming up our little hill had picked up speed and was  uncomfortably cold!    Yes, I said COLD!   We were forced to go get our coats!  (Actually Lynn was forced to go get our coats for us.)

There were lighted kite flying events and fireworks planned for after the sun set  and you can see that we got even colder.     The little shops were selling a variety of hot foods and drinks so I picked us up a little something … three kinds of home made fudge.    It wasn’t hot but it but it sure tasted good!

It was another fun day on the beach.   We went from getting sunburns to shivering uncontrollably within an hour.   We rubbed shoulders with many happy tourists … and felt the thrill of being alive during the brilliant fireworks over the ocean.    So glad we’re here!