Surfer Dude

Saturday Sara, Joe and I took Rosievan to New Smyrna Beach for dinner. The choice of NSB was clear because it is one of the only beaches in Florida where you can actually drive on the beach, and who wouldn’t want to drive on a beach?!? They put out lane markers so you can cruise along next to the waves until sunset, ideally avoiding sunbathers and seagulls.

It was perfect weather for a day out. Warm with a light cloud cover, a deliciously cool breeze and very few people - everybody else was at the town's Christmas parade instead of the beach. We had the whole shore to ourselves. After walking for a while, we attempted to fly a kite with not much success.

As cars passed by the van, they would slow and ask questions. How many does it sleep? where's the bed? is there a bathroom in that? what's on the roof? where you going to take it next?

A black pickup truck approached very slowly, there were 3 surfers in the cab, you could tell they were serious surfers... lots of boards, sand, salt, hair and weed in the truck. We could see them looking Rosievan up and down. I was standing in back getting out some lawn chairs to hangout on the sand. The truck slowed to a crawl and all 3 surfers were craning their necks to see inside the van (perhaps in admiration? perhaps they were casing the joint?). As they passed, I expected questions, instead the driver conveyed his approval with the simple statement "sweet ride, sister". I was practically giddy as they drove on. A genuine surfer dude had 1) spoken to me for the first time ever! and 2) acknowledged that Rosievan was a sweet ride. With compliments like that how could I not brag to y'all?

We eventually reluctantly left the beach to find dinner at our favorite NSB restaurant and then head home. Another happy adventure with family and Rosievan. Sweet ride sister, indeed.