I had been watching the weather forecast and saw that Monday was going to be at least 80 degrees. I decided I would find the closest beach and Sophie and I would spend the day playing. I got up, hit the Peloton and then quickly showered and put on my swim suit. After I packed my backpack with a bottle of water, two towels, sunscreen and a change of clothes, I put Sophie in the back seat and took off. The ride to Carolles Plage was beautiful on this sunny day.

We drove country roads through villages and up and down hills. Occasionally we got behind a farmer on his tractor and it forced us to slow down and take in the view. We saw fields of corn, sunflowers and cows. Finally, we went down a steep hill and found ourselves in a little seaside commune. I parked the car on a side street and we took off for the beach.

This beach is what I’ve come to expect from French beaches. It was as wide as could be and I knew that the tide was going out and would go out further than it does in Maine. It really is like 2-3 football fields from the dry sand to the water line. I took Sophie off leash and she criss-crossed that beach in complete joy! She met some puppy friends, sniffed them and then miraculously, stayed at my side. She went into the water but got spooked by the waves. When I went in (it was so warm), she waited at the shoreline until I came out. We even watched several horses running with people in buggies behind them. Sophie didn’t chase. I imagine she was asking herself what kind of massive dog was able to pull humans?

We looked for treasures, walked miles, and when we couldn’t find any lunch places open, I treated her to a scoop of vanilla ice cream. No wonder she followed me everywhere. After another trip into the ocean, we laid down and took a nap in the warm sun. I found myself talking with so many people who were drawn by Sophie’s cuteness. I think if I spent everyday at the beach I would be fluent in a month.

I am so grateful for this unexpected beach day in October. We are both worn out after cpending the day outside and the necessary clean up in the shower/tub.