Vacation

The original girls of rock, The Go-Go's provide the classic title to this post.

Last week, the Tennessee sect of the Rogerson Family made their annual pilgrimage to the land of my fathers, Virginia. We decided to drive through North Carolina in order to stop in Kill Devil Hills to first visit my sister in her new home.

North Carolina treated us quite well- the days were long, hot and enjoyable. The ocean was not so accommodating. I had been waiting since I was pulled out to the water to go to the hospital regarding Jennifer's abdominal pains to make a return to the ocean to surf. For the last 12 months, I had been waiting for the moment I could take a longboard into the ocean and ride the waves. As I gazed upon the coast, there was something lacking- waves. It was as flat as the Florida Gulf Coast. My heart was completely ripped out of my chest and rested alongside the locker of Davy Jones. Every day was more of the same. I would have no surfing this trip either.

The best source of fun in North Carolina came by way of my sister's boyfriend, David. We decided to spend the evening on the beach hunting ghost crabs. I was the spotter, Michelle held the bucket, David was the catcher and Gabriel was leading the charge to get that next crab. Once I spotted the crab with the flashlight, David would take off like Michelle's border collie in a crab frenzy. He would pounce on the crab like a cat, locate and close the claws, and toss them into the bucket.

We caught several little crabs early as the daylight waned. As the night progressed we were catching numerous crabs with ease. David had continued to try to get Gabriel to pick up the crab himself, telling him that they wouldn't hurt him. After several attempts, he simply could not bring himself to do it. Just as Gabe backed down, the crab clamped down on David's thumb and he wimpered like a school girl. It was the funniest moment of the trip by far. David didn't think it was as funny, but he was able to laugh about it after a few moments.


Once we made it to Virginia, we were able to visit with cousins and newphews, enjoy the waterpark nearby, and eat at some of my favorite locations. The best moment came when Gabriel, Dad & I went to a Norfolk Tides game- one of Gabriel's vacation priorities. It was 50 cent hotdogs, drinks, and popcorn at the ball park. Our seats were about 8 rows behind home plate- behind the protective screen. We ordered a ridiculous amount of food and drink on the cheap and watched the Tides boat race the Iron Pigs. During the top of the 9th inning, a foul ball went staight back behind us and hit the luxury suite wall. As it returned to earth, I noticed the ball was coming right toward me. I didn't even have to move my feet: It was on a collision course with my head. I raised my hands in the air and caught the ball as if I was an outfielder catching the final out of a game. I looked toward Dad and Gabriel to celebrate and hand the ball to my son, in a moment of pride. Gabe was not there. As I look down, I noticed Gabriel in a ball under the our seats! Dad and I finally coax him out and as I place the ball in his hands, the fans cheer as he lifts it triumphantly in the air. Best moment of the vacation, no question.

We had a great time and both North Carolina and Virginia treated us well. Can't wait to get back soon. Hopefully, next year the ocean will be more forthcoming of its bounty. We may not plan a vacation next year. We'll just come with the waves are 4-5 feet. Mayble we should plan using a Farmers' Almanac...