Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Monday, February 3, 2014

The Beach in Winter--December, 2013

Sunrise at Ocean Isle Beach -12/4
We love going to the beach in December.  We go to Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina (north of Myrtle Beach).  We love it there when we go each year in May---but we almost love it as much in winter...

I have two posts sharing photos from this wonderful beach,  and this is the first one.  Hope you enjoy seeing these pictures --especially in winter when so many of us 'dream' about going somewhere like the beach!

Be sure to click on the photos for enlargements.  Above is a sunrise we saw from our room on December 4.  There were clouds down low that morning --but the sky above was pretty.  We cannot see the sunrise in May---so seeing this (and seeing the sunsets) in December is VERY special...  I certainly don't mind getting up early to see the sunrise here.



Islander Inn
Once we were able to walk on the beach on December 4,  we took a photo of our  'home' that week.  Our room is the 2nd building from the right (above the gazebo),  the top one on the left...  We ask for this room each time we go there..

The Islander Inn's rooms have everything we need (ocean-front room, king bed, sofa/chairs, desk, coffee pot, big TV, internet, microwave, small refrigerator, porch, full bath, etc.).  They also provide a great breakfast each morning .  AND--for those interested, there is an indoor pool and  outdoor pool (closed in winter).  We highly recommend it --and the price is definitely right especially in the off-season!


George on the beach
George and I LOVE walking on the beach --both in May and December.  Since we choose the off-seasons,  the beach is almost always OURS --with few others around. 



Sun-Dog
On the afternoon of December 3,  we were waiting to see the sunset --when we noticed a 'sun dog'.... Wikipedia says that this is an atmospheric phenomenon that creates bright spots of light in the sky, often on a luminous ring or halo on either side of the sun.  Neat, huh????



Birds on the beach
We didn't see many birds on the beach this year (like we did last December when it was MUCH colder there).  But---I did manage to see a few and get some photos!



Betsy on the beach
Here is a photo George took of me when we were taking one of our MANY walks on the beach.  The weather warmed up nicely and we didn't have to wear our sweatshirts all week.  (Some of you may remember last year's trip here when it was SO cold.... Click HERE for that post.  This year we came more prepared for cold weather --and it was not cold at all.  Go Figure!!!! ha)



Sunset- 12/3
This was the prettiest sunset we saw all week.  It was on Dec. 3.  It was just fantastic--one of those sunsets that takes your breath away!



George near the Fishing Pier
Here's George as we took another of our long walks on the beach... We took long walks twice every day... Great Exercise!!!  I love this photo of the Fishing Pier --showing its reflections.



The Gazebo at the Islander Inn
From our porch,  we could look down on the Gazebo below us... We did sit on this Gazebo a few times this week, and even took some photos from there.



Sunset,  12/5
Here's another sunset photo.  I love the way the sun's colors can light up the entire sky...



Betsy on the Gazebo.
I was fascinated with the dunes at Ocean Isle Beach... These sea oats are SO pretty.




Us at Ocean Isle Beach
Here is a photo of us taken on 12/4.  This was taken at the Calabash Creamery --where we had some ICE CREAM... Yum!!!!

As I said,  I have one more post from the beach to share.  Hope you are enjoying seeing our photos from this fun trip!!!!

Be sure to check out my sidebar.   I did my 'monthly' change of quotes... Hopefully,  one of those quotes will speak to you--or to someone you know!

Hugs,

57 comments:

Betty Manousos said...

oh, that looks like a lovely beach even in the winter, really beautiful shots there. i love the beach no matter the season, there's always lots to explore and do.

ooh, betsy, you two look so darn cute!

great collection of quotes, too-thanks for sharing.

have a wonderful ahead,
big hugs!

babYpose said...

Wow it is really very relaxing, looking and reading your post, nice that you get to experience both temperature in one season. Great photo of you at the Gazebo.

Betty Manousos said...

oops, i meant to say "have a wonderful week ahead!"

eileeninmd said...

Betsy, lovely photos from your beach trip! I love going to the beach! Have a happy day!

Hootin Anni said...

Beautiful!!! I love 'em all Betsy, but that sundog is phenomenal!! What a moment in time!!

From the Kitchen said...

Winter is when I actually enjoy the beach the most. No crowds, no humidity! Great photos of you and George. Love the one of you behind the seagrass.

Best,
Bonnie

Unknown said...

Hi Betsy,

Stunning beach views, it sure looks beautiful even in the winter time. Love the sunset pictures.

Have a great week.

Hugs,
Eva

Latane Barton said...

there is something special about the beach in the wintertime - quiet, pristine, soothing. I love it and I know you and George had a fabulous time as the two of you always do.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Dear Betsy ~ What lovely photos, the sunset pictures, especially that one on the 3rd was FANTASTIC! From the pics we can see that you and George had a wonderful time.

Thanks for sharing ~ FlowerLady

linda m said...

What a lovely place to visit. Thank you for "warming" me up with some ocean pictures. I love the ocean and really miss not loving closer to it.

linda m said...

Forgot to tell you. Your side bar is great. Love all the great quotes.

The Furry Gnome said...

A quiet stroll on a beautiful b each, one of our favourite memories! Lovely new header photo too!

Brenda S said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy. I am not a "go to the beach" person but I do love off season beach going. Lake Michigan is beautiful in the winter, as are all the Great Lakes, just not walking around friendly. I've just added this area to my bucket list. At -13 degrees this morning, these pics are especially appreciated.

Thanks for sharing.

MadSnapper said...

i love the beach year round and sea oats are one of my favorite things.. great shot of you in the sea oats

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Betsy, Such super wonderful photos of the beach. Oh, how I love the sea and the beach.. DID you find any treasures???? What a perfect room you had with the most gorgeous view.. The Beach grass is so very pretty too. Hugs Judy

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Great photos, Betsy. Favorites are the 12/3 sunset (a stunner) and the seascape with the birds in the foreground and the waves in the background.

Shug said...

Absolutely fantastic! Beautiful views every where you look. (love the photo of you peeking through the plumes on the gazebo) That is one gorgeous sunset!! One outstanding sunset!!
Always enjoy the amazing scenes that you and George capture.

Enjoy this Monday...
hugs
shug

Cheqna said...

Hi Betsy,

The inn certainly have great views and enough facilities that appeal to me for a weekend getaway.

:-)

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely place that holds such special memories for you two. Beautiful photos!

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy!
Beautiful photo's! the beach always looks a great place in any season, I think the sea is good for the soul!the gazebo looks so pretty and romantic! the new quotes are great too 'music is what feelings sound like' is utter perfection x x x have a great week Betsy x x x

Jim and Sandie said...

When I had to work and took vacations, I always took them in the off season. Even when my child was in school. We took a lot of long weekends. I love the desert so much but looking at your pictures of the ocean does make me long for some beach time.

Out on the prairie said...

MMMM some nice seafood sounds good.All frozen around here mostly.Like the sunset.

Sylvia K said...

What a wonderful place!! I would love to walk on that beach! Your photos are the next best thing, gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing, Betsy!! I always enjoy your quotes! Hope you have a great new week!!

Sylvia

happyone said...

Looks like the two of you had a lovely time at the shore. Terrific photos.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Looks like a fun trip for you and George! You captures some fantastic sunset and I love the photo of the gazebo. I want one of those!
Have a great day!

Pat - Arkansas said...

Looks like a wonderful place. I enjoyed your photos, especially the sunsets and the sun dog. Awesome!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Ack!! Should be captured, not captures. I'm hurrying too much this morning!

Anonymous said...

What gorgeous shots of that beach -just fabulous!

Elizabeth Edwards said...

my favorite time to walk those beaches. i am not one for sunbathing. too warm for me. i love walking at sunset & enjoying those birds. ( :

rainy here. stay warm.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Those are beautiful photos of you and George. I love all of the photos of the beach especially the brilliant, colorful sunsets. Awesome photos! The beach is magnificent in winter, also. I enjoyed this trip to the beach with you very much. It looks so relaxing there.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Wow- the sunsets were awesome! I'm not a beach girl, but you make it look so inviting!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Betsy it is lovely to have the beach to yourselves as you use it twice a day to keep fit. Loved all your photos and George and you look lovely and happy in all the shots.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Betsy it is lovely to have the beach to yourselves as you use it twice a day to keep fit. Loved all your photos and George and you look lovely and happy in all the shots.

Terry and Linda said...

How nice that looks, even though you saw a for-runner of cold weather in the sky.

I love your sunsets and rises!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
*♥´¨) ¸.-´¸.-♥´¨) Happy Valentine’s Day¸.-♥¨) (¸.-` ♥♥´¨

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, So glad you went on your beach vacation. I really enjoy the beach and am always eager to go. I live an hour from the Gulf and and hour and a half from the Atlantic. By the way, it was 80 here in Marion County, FL today. Have a pleasant Tues. tomorrow!

Ann said...

that must be so nice having the beach almost to yourself. Kind of like your own private getaway :) Sure looks nice there

Connie said...

That one sunset shot is so gorgeous. I love being at the beach in the off season and having it all to myself. So peaceful.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Living in the middle of the prairies,ocean views are a real treat to me.The sunrise and sunset pictures are extra beautiful on the ocean.

carolina nana said...

Love looking at your beach photos and imagining I was there !!!
We are having some strange weather over here, tomorrow in our area the temp is supposed to be in the upper 30's while it will be much warmer higher in the mountains. Soem sort of temperature inversion is going to happen. We had rain last night and nice warm sunshine today.
Blessings
Marilyn

Our photos said...

Nice post!

amanda said...

Such beautiful photos of a beautiful place! I love to see views of beaches without tons of people. I had to make note of this special place of yours - as a possibility for future winter getaways!
Thanks, Betsy!

Rose said...

Really beautiful shots, Betsy. And love the header shot!

camp and cottage living said...

Betsy
I always enjoy your beautiful pictures!
The cutest one is of you peeking through the grasses.
I do like your new verses you've posted too!

Pat Tillett said...

I love the shoreline during winter. It's not crowded and you have the place to yourself. VERY nice photos Betsy!

David said...

Betsy, Great photos! We both love walking along beaches as well... I must admit that I get bored with it after an hour or so...unless there are rocks and tidal pools...but Laurie could go on walking all day. Love being near the water...ocean, lake, harbor, stream, whatever! It is calming... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

Small City Scenes said...

Super shot, Betsy. Love the one with the birds on the beach. Beautiful sunsets too and love the header. Pretty colors. You guys look so good so happy.
MB

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I adore the beach in winter. I need to get back to Ocean Isle - it has been too long!

Big Dude said...

Looks like you had a great time and except for your clothes and the lack of people it could have been summer.

Jeevan said...

Wow! Awesome photos Betsy. First time I am hearing and seeing a sun dog... simply amazing. The sunset is mesmerizing in golden hues and reflection. The days seem so bright rather being winter... perfect for photo shooting. Glad u both enjoyed :)

Annie Jeffries said...

There's nothing like a winter beach. The soft sunrise was a special fave along with line up of birds.

Sally Wessely said...

I love going on these trips with you. Thanks for sharing.

DeniseinVA said...

What a great trip Betsy, loved all these photos.

Grandma Bonnie said...

You have lots of beautiful photos of the beach. I sure would like to be on a beach right now. We are in the middle of another snow storm right now.
I have never heard of a Sun Dog! Wow that is a beautiful picture.

Chatty Crone said...

I LOVE that beautiful sunset!! It is so Heavenly. Love to see you two on the beach - how cool was it? And the gazebo. I know you had a wonderful time. Love the red shirts! sandie

Donna said...

That sure is a pretty area for a vacation get-away!

Neal said...

I love that sundog. Those sunset are so beautiful. We need to get there one of these days. Love your header.

Lynda said...

I went and checked the rates at "your" place. You are correct. The off-season rates are phenomenal! Your pics as usual are fantastic. I like your first one where the breaking waves are turquoise on the foam rather than white.