A day at the beach.

Just reading or hearing those words conjures up immediate multi-sensory responses.

Notice the first things that come to your mind when you hear “beach.” Maybe sand, the sound of the surf, the white or clear water as it turns over on itself near the shore, the scent of tropical suntan oil, flight of seagulls, people fishing and swimming and riding the waves and playing volleyball . . . on and on the imagination and/or memories keep entertaining us. Even if you’ve never actually been to a beach, the photographs, movies, TV shows and discussions about such a place are typically both descriptive and appealing.

But some visits to the beach also bring big surprises. For example, a recent outing to the coastline at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Gulf Shores, Alabama brought a piece of the deep-water world a bit closer to shore than it normally would be. Sometime between last fall and this summer – probably during some strong spring storms – a large buoy broke loose and washed up to the NWR beach.

Even if you walk the same beach every day, you’ll never experience the same beach twice. One day might be crowded with seagulls, another day numerous sand crabs entertain with their hole-digging and stop-and-start bursts of travel. One morning boasts a pod of dolphin showing off their graceful movements, the next presents you with wonderful shells that washed up overnight. Different people, different wave action, different creatures sharing the day with you. Beautifully different every day.

Whether it’s your first trip here or a multi-generation annual tradition, cherish the new experiences of each day. It’s good for the brain and good for the soul.