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It all started with an innocent little question, "What do you want to do?" "I want to see the ocean!" The answer was so surprising, and so appealing, we couldn't help but say yes. So a few phone calls and a couple of supply stops later, the three of us left Ohio one Saturday evening in August for the New Jersey shoreline.

Looking back, it probably wasn't the smartest thing we had ever done, but it felt so right. Between us we had scraped together enough money for gas and to cover the tolls on the New Jersey turnpike, but not much more. As a "rational" adult, you realize the need for having money for an emergency. Back in the pre-cell phone days, it didn't make a whole lot of sense to drive that far without something to fall back on.

From where we lived, it took about 8 hours to get to the Atlantic Ocean. It took us most of the night to get there; taking turns driving, and enjoying each others company. When we got to the shore, it wasn't quite light yet, so we found a parking lot and stopped for a little snooze before the day got started.

By the time we got ourselves moving, the day had really started to warm up, so the cool ocean surf felt wonderful. After a quick dip, we spent some time lazing in the summer sun, then another quick dip in the ocean. Soon we were back in the car, and off to the next beach. We spent most of the Sunday working our way down the shore line, stopping at different beaches for some surf and sun, and just enjoying life.
As the day began to wear on, we headed to Atlantic City. We pooled our remaining money together, and managed to come up with enough to afford a public shower to rinse the salt water off, and still and a couple of dollars each for a quick try at the slot machines. Fortunately, that was the only time that day our luck didn't hold out.

The all night drive home was considerably quieter. One person at the wheel, the other two trying to catch a little sleep before having to head to work in the morning.

It was one of those things that a rational adult probably wouldn't do, but that spontaneous drive to the Jersey Shore was an event that will stay in my memory forever.

Learn more about this author, Jim Smoot.
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