I also was knocked down by a wave and dragged a ways into the ocean when I was small. My father pulled me out by my hair! The difference is, I still love to play in the ocean.

Nlb I do still play in the ocean, but will not swim in it. The only exception to that has been on our trips to Kauai, the water is so clear and warm. Absolutely love Kauai my most favorite place in the world, would move there in a second if I could afford to. Be safe

Here on the NorCal coast where I have gone all my life there is no place suitable for real swimming. All I have ever done is go out about waiste high and let the waves try to knock me down. I suppose once you get past the breakers you could probably swim if it weren't for the unexpected undertows that crop up now and then.

I went to Kauai once and agree it is a beautiful place. Would happily go back.

I spent a week in Kauai and a week in Oahu. My friend Took me to each beach and explained what activity they do -- surfing on the North Shore; body surfing in Makapu'u; snorkeling in Hanauma bay. I'm not a strong swimmer and when we got to body surfing, I went under and Charlie (my friend) had to pull me out. He dragged me up to the high water mark. The beach rose about four feet more and this women was up there and asked if I was OK. Charlie froze solid -- The woman was topless and seriously endowed!
When we went snorkeling there is a reef that separates The bay from the ocean. The big fish can't clear the reef, so bay side is like swimming in an aquarium. Charlie walked over the reef into the ocean. I followed and turned around. Next to me was a fish almost twice my size (a grouper). I went back to bay side so fast and haven't gone in clouded water since. It's see-thru or nothing for me.

Was born and raised in San Jose, Ca so I am very familiar with the beaches. Usually went to them from Monterey to north of Santa Cruz. Up further north there are beautiful beaches but most not good for swimming. California has a beautiful coast line, actually the whole west coast is beautiful. Been up and down the whole west coast numerous times, so very pretty. Be safe.

I just like to beach comb. I'm so short and small I'm afraid of even little waves. Would get a kick out of trying to surf in one of those wave tanks, tho.

So glad you are safe for now! Will keep praying for a good outcome for all.

Good news nlb - hugs.

They are pushing the fires away from residential burn but better that then the towns. areas and towards the national forest as much as possible. I hate to see our beautiful forests burn but better them than the towns full of people. Over 110, 000 acres havee burned in these two fires alone in the last week.

Thank you, aussie, for the Weatherford quote. It always amazes me how the small things we do can have such a ripple effect.

One of the blessings I ask for in my morning prayers is to "loving, kind and patient to everyone I come in contact with today". I look at it this way, if I can't be kind to everyone to the best of my ability, what in the world am I doing in my life? Blessings to all!

Hi aknan, and I know you do much more than that and that God richly blesses you because of it. Hugs.

Nborchardt - you and Aknan could be twins!! Was not feeling the best yesterday so didn't get to my emails as I should have. Hugs.