Long time readers of this blog know that Chrysa and I hold the Lo Tide Run in Carolina Beach near and dear to our hearts. If you want to know just how much, click this link to see our post from a couple years ago. Sadly we were not able to make it to the run last year. We were mid-transition from California to Spokane and the timing and logistics were not on our side. Thankfully, we were able to lock in the date this year and make the trip to North Carolina for our favorite run.
We decided to hit the road late morning on Thursday. The race was on a Saturday, but we wanted to have a full day in between the car rides, to make the trip really worth our while. Thursday morning, Chrysa took the dog to the kennel, and I headed to work to knock out the breakfast rush. Thursdays are a tricky day at the café. We have a large group of seniors who come in, and they like everything, JUST SO. I’ve just got these guys under control so I told my boss that I would come in and do breakfast service. This crowd is influential around town so I know Lou was happy that I was able to come in.
Once we got on the road north we had nothing to do but relax and let the scenery pass. Not that there is much to see. I know we have mentioned it before, but the drive north is shockingly boring. I would have killed for a hill, maybe a gorge, even a roadside attraction like the largest ball of string. I know that mountain driving is tricky and kills gas mileage, but I will take the driving out west any day. At least your mind is engaged. Thankfully it wasn’t a long drive (by our standards anyway), we got into Carolina Beach just in time for dinner. We ended up eating at a seafood place that was right next to our hotel. We stuffed our faces with some delicious fried fish and called it an early night.
After being locked in the car on Thursday, we decided to make Friday a training and exploration day. We wanted to make sure our legs were ready so we ran a few miles around Carolina Beach. We didn’t really have a route in mind. We just sort of winged it. It was a great way to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and reacquaint ourselves with the town. Carolina Beach has changed a little in the last couple years. The last time we were there they were rebuilding the boardwalk. They are finished now, and I’m happy to report, they did a GREAT job. The boardwalk looks fresh and modern and is already attracting new business.
We decided to get dinner at the Lazy Pirate. The Pirate is the same bar that the race after party was being held. We grabbed a nice bite, while watching March Madness, and decided that we had waited long enough, it was time for Guinness. This was our first Guinness of the trip, but it damn sure wasn’t our last. We really got the feeling that the weekend was in full swing once we downed a pint of Irelands finest.
Saturday was race day and it was just how we remembered it. The runners and the spectators were all in green. They supported, cheered, and pumped each other up along the 10K route. As I have mentioned before, this is more than just a run. It’s a very worthwhile charity that keeps the money raised local. As a result the participants, and the spectators, have more invested in the run than most others we have done.
After the race we headed back over to The Lazy Pirate to enjoy a well-earned party. We ate burgers, drank more Guinness (this time with souvenir glasses), and listened to the really great band. As usual, the party didn’t disappoint, and how could it, we drank a rum drink served in a bucket!
Following the party we went out to a nice restaurant for our last real meal in Carolina Beach. We had been wearing workout clothes for most of the weekend, and it felt great to put on something that wasn’t moisture wicking.
You know…It’s remarkable how things change. I remember that just 3 years ago Chrysa and I were a newlywed couple, building a new townhouse, paying our mortgage, enjoying the American dream as we knew it. Look at us now. Chrysa is career focused and is successful in her travel assignments. I am exploring new and different jobs that a travel life provides. We have no permanent home and all of our stuff fits into some bins in a cargo trailer. It’s really an exciting way to lead your life. We are often told how lucky we are that we get to do this thing we do.
Believe me…we agree. It’s a thrill and a privilege to gallivant around the country checking out the sights, eating great food, running great races, and meeting new people. However, the travel life can take its toll. Sometimes Chrysa and I work some odd ball hours. Fitting in things like vehicle maintenance, laundry, grocery shopping, fitness, and visits can lead to scheduling headaches. As a result even we need a getaway now and then. Something familiar where we know the schedule of events, know the area, and can do our favorite things. Something like the Lo-Tide Run. As it happens The Lo Tide Run was coming up just as Chrysa and I were due for a break. It felt great to slide into the familiar. It felt just like old times.
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