Thank-you for your well wishes as we headed off to Hunting Island on Friday!  How is it that I spent f.o.r.e.v.e.r packing for camping and yet still forget so many things?  Yes, we were "really" camping - in tents and everything.  This is our yearly haunt, where beachfront spots mean maximum time enjoying sand and surf on a blissfully uncrowded beach.



This year we were surprised to discover so many down trees along the beach.  We have heard that Hunting Island is among the fastest eroding islands on the east coast.  Sadly, it looses 15 feet of sand per year.  Not far from our spot on the beach was this enchanting stack of trunks and limbs.



a natural jungle gym enjoyed by every single one of us.



Though the pictures of grown-ups balancing are not nearly so cute.

 

I am not a huge fan of camping.  But, camping + beach + friends = a wonderful trip!  I'm the one squinting in the center ;)



Awhile farther down the beach was a forest in ruins - really quite eery and worthy of film.  The tide rolls in and out amongst huge oaks, pines and palms lying stacked and half-buried with roots exposed.



Recent storms?  Ongoing erosion? Probably both. 



It's a sad vision, and yet filled with such beauty.  All the textures and shapes of nature are endlessly fascinating. 



I can't help but notice, though, that people bring the color to the beach.  The otherwise muted tones are injected with a riot of umbrellas, fluttering  kites, blankets, towels and a parade of printed swimsuits.  I came home from our trip determined to make our family a large patchwork beach blanket in bold, summer-inspired prints.  Nothing too complicated, just really happy.  I hope to have some fabric ideas to show you real soon!