15th Anniversary Getaway -- the Beach: Day 2

We awoke the next morning to a gorgeous good-for-the-beach day!!

We were a little concerned when we got there, as the parking lot was blocked off as being used for military dogs in training. Thankfully, we were able to park on the side road and use the far end of the beach. It was fun watching them work with the dogs!

 

So, I set up our spot! And, yes, the clouds had begun to roll in again!

But, they made for some fascinating skies!

Of course, what beach visit would be complete without a feet and toes picture :)

Rodney took a break from shelling and glassing to sit with me and enjoy the view!

The plate tectonics on this beach are just amazing!!

A little camera play....

 

It's fun watching the hermit crabs scurrying around!

This poor guy--he was on the higher part of the log and I startled him! He fell into the little crevice, but was able to get turned back over and keep on going!

 

Can you spy this little guy??

I just thought this picture turned out cool :)

This guy's shell was 3-4 inches long!!

 

After my beach meandering, I came back to find the tide had rolled in! I pulled our chairs back, but it wasn't much longer until they needed to be moved again! The cloud cover had turned to sprinkles by this time, so we decided it was time to wrap up our beach outing and head back to the cottage.
Besides, we had to check out the next day and had plans to visit "Ryukyu Mura" on our way home....

15th Anniversary Getaway -- the Beach: Day 1

Following our early afternoon arrival and check-in, we decided that despite the overcast sky and sprinkles, we wanted to go ahead and go to the beach. After all, what's the difference of getting wet in the ocean or getting wet in the rain! So, we donned our swimwear and headed on down....

This statue stands above the beach. I'm not sure what it means or what it's for, but, it is very cool looking!

And the skies were very cool looking, too, that afternoon!!
It was fascinating to watch the clouds roll over the mountain across the bay.

The cottages sit on that hill above the beach. Those two cottages have quite the view!!

Rodney spent his time seashelling and seaglassing...

...while I did a little picture taking :)
This pic turned out as one of those 'cool accidents'! This flower was on a bank of sand about 3 feet tall. I stepped up into the bank and as I snapped, I slipped! I also ended up with 3-4 mosquito bites in the process!

These were taken the next day on another beach, but you can see what they normally look like. I think the purple flowers are lovely! This natural ground cover seems to really like the sand and salt water!

 

Back to our rainy day beach visit....

As we made our way to the right end of the beach, we discovered this little inlet. The little white specks growing on the rock walls...

...are wild lilies!!!
I have on my bucket list to visit one of the smaller neighboring islands, Ie Island, for the Yuri Matsuri (Lily Festival)!!

These red ocean flowers are cool! I'd never seen them before.

We made our way to the other end of the beach...
(Can you spy Rodney's head??)

 

By the time we made it to the other end, the drizzle had pretty much turned to straight up rain!

So, dripping wet, we headed back to the car and to the cottage for an evening in, looking forward to a sunny day at the beach tomorrow!!

15th Anniversary Getaway -- the Cottage

In honor of our 15th anniversary, we decided to take a little 'getaway' up the island to Camp Schwab....

...and stay in a Cottage at Oura Wan Beach :)

 

Our cottage -- Cane Cutter
The pictures and accessories were focused around the cutting and harvesting of cane.
That wash area (over my right shoulder) was perfect for rinsing the sand and salt water off us and our beach stuff!!

Front Porch
Complete with gas grill and the gas to use it!!

Living Area
Looking back toward the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.

Kitchen
More counter and cabinet space than my Japanese place!! Not to mention a bigger frig!!!
The kitchen was complete with dishes, utensils (even for the grill), coffee/maker, cookware, towels, and dish soap. All we needed to bring was the food!!!

Bathroom
Just like a hotel, it had towels and a small soap and shampoo.

Bedroom
The wardrobe had a tv and dvd player.

Unfortunately, the Weaver cottage was already booked .... maybe next time!!

We had a beautiful anniversary sunset!!

 

The porch was perfect for watching the sun go down....

...while grilling a couple of burgers and baked beans!!!

This guy was out on the sidewalk in front of our cottage.... not sure what exactly he is....???

 

The view of the beach from the cottage area :)

Beach pics up next!!