"The sea pronounces something, over and over, in a hoarse whisper; I cannot quite make it out." ~ Annie Dillard
Over the past few years, The Grand Hotel, in Point Clear, Ala., has become a special retreat for our family. When we looked at the calendar and realized that the overlapping of summer commitments did not allow for a vacation for our party of six, Joe suggested I take Mary Ashley and Emma for a quick getaway. It has been several years since we planned a girls weekend, so we were excited to make the most of our time together while the boys traveled to a camp in Ohio.
One of the delights of staying at the resort is enjoying its many amenities. As we reminisced about last year's trip with the whole family, one of the girls commented that she wished we could stay for a week again. We had only spent a weekend, but I think that enjoying all of the outdoor activities made the vacation seem longer.
We spent two full days -- Friday and Saturday -- soaking up the sun.
Saturday, I took an early morning stroll through the property with my camera. I love taking in the scenic beauty while all is quiet.
Boats in the marina look ready for the next excursion.
What a beautiful day for setting sail!
I love the Southern setting here, with gracious trees and lush lawns juxtaposed against the seaside treasures of sand and sea.
Because our time was short, we decided to make the most of our two sun-drenched days by staying at the resort.
I couldn't wait to feel my toes in the sand! Saturday afternoon we picnicked on the beach -- one of our favorite experiences of the trip.
Our days in Birmingham are so full that it was nice to enjoy some unhurried time together.
Reading, swimming, talking -- just enjoying one another's company.
Bicycling is one of our all-time-favorite resort activities. In an upcoming post, I will share some photos taken during an afternoon ride.
We felt so pampered relaxing in this coastal oasis. The weekend was bliss!
And true to expectation, that brief getaway has renewed within us the joy of an unhurried summer.
"Beauty sleeps on the calm dreamy bosom of the ocean, or lives in the dance of its wild waves." ~ T.C. Henley
