Top of the World**

One of the best experiences I have had thus far was a mini-holiday in Dennis, Cape Cod. As aforementioned, I’d been invited to spend a few days at a holiday rental with Michelle and it turned out to be just the tonic I needed to shake off my negativity and turn that corner: I found myself again, there on the beaches and with good company.

The drive up was pleasant – a distance roughly equivalent of Abergavenny to Exeter passed quickly. Michele was a brilliant companion and we chatted easily. We drove up at night and arrived at the sweet little cottage just after midnight. I immediately liked it: it was light, airy and, well, beachy! Inhaling the salty air whilst being caressed by the sea breeze, the change in my temperament was pretty much instantaneous. We settled in, nibbling on pretzels whilst we waited for the others to come home. When they did, I took an instant liking to Sharyn, Matt and Monique...who seemed equally pleased to meet the ‘Wale-ish’ girl (!)

I opted to sleep on the futon on the porch, as it was enclosed (and therefore private) and away from the noise of the fans. The sea breeze and welcoming quiet quickly lulled me into the best sleep I have enjoyed thus far, since leaving home. I awoke refreshed – and happy!

We breakfasted in the centre of Dennis. Cranberries are a local speciality (summat to do with providing sailors with vitamin C, I believe) and I enjoyed the buttermilk cranberry pancakes, though the portion was way to big to finish. The rest of the day was spent at West Dennis beach. Now, I have never been one for sitting on beaches as I never tan anyways and I’ve always preferred to explore. However, two days at the beach made for a nice change and I found the experience to be relaxing. Luckily for me, Scott, a fellow red-head, came armed with a large umbrella and we were able to enjoy sitting in the shade.

Being extremely self conscious, I was positively over-dressed for the beach in cut off leggings and a sun dress. I never show the general public my legs or shoulders, so I was shocked when I was ordered to remove my ‘pants’! Fearing Michelle’s wrath ( ;) ), I complied though that merely encouraged her to set off on a mission to get me down to my swimming costume. She won. I ended up in the sea – something I never thought I’d do – which was lovely and warm, though sadly quite shallow and with a rocky and seaweed-covered floor.

When we returned to the house, I discovered my new favourite thing: open air showers! I was a little reluctant to try it at first but actually it was very private and showering with the sky above you and the breeze on your skin is an experience I’d recommend to anyone.

That night, Michelle, Michele and I headed to a different beach, Mayflower beach, which is on the opposite side of Dennis – the Atlantic side as opposed to the bay. This beach has dunes which gently slope into the water and the sand is, well, sandier! It’s more of a Mediterranean beach: the sea is crystal clear. We lay on the sand and listened to the sound of the waves whilst gazing at the myriad of stars which studded the night sky, ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the shooting stars we observed. We even think we saw a comet. It was magical.

Day two saw a return to see the ‘sandier’ beach in daylight. It was beautiful and we spent another pleasant afternoon, in an out of the water. Miraculously, I escaped sunburn, though I have freckles in places I have never had freckles before! We ended the day with a lovely meal cooked by Michele on the grill before heading for home.

I slept. I laughed. I gained perspective: I shall now appreciate the opportunity I have been given.

** PM5K ;)