"The ocean is so many things, confessor, goddess, muse, wonder. I feel absolved and calmed and humbled."

I've always felt almost insanely happy in the ocean. I've spent most of my summers by the ocean and that is a lovely description. As soon as we'd get out of the car and hear the roar of the waves and the rhythmic slap of the tide, and smelled the salt air, I'd feel myself relax.

Nice photos! The Monarch butterfly startled me, too! Glad you had an enjoyable trip.