Coastline Treasures

With both parents working, spending time with the children can be a struggle. That means that parents must make time for their kids. Kids who get more attention at home are more likely to become successful and productive adults.

There are many activities that parents can do to increase the bonding time they have with their children. One way to do this is to build model sailboats together. Building a wooden model ship takes an extended period of time and concentration. Working so closely with your child on such a project will bring the two of you closer together.

While on a trip to Tybee Island in Georgia, we went on a boat trip taking us through the bay and up the river.  The waters were clear and the sun made each wave sparkle in its light.  We could see many birds; I was especially delighted by the pelicans.  They were fun to watch as they circled then drove to catch their prey.  We could see the occasional fish jumping up into the air and the dolphins playing in the wake of the boat.

What was the most surprising to me where the numerous lighthouses, day beacon and buoys.  At every turn there they were marking the path keeping us safe and leading the way.  I was intrigued by the different lighthouse figurines; some were on the shoreline and some were in the waters.  I was told that the tides make the travel treacherous without their guidance.  What I did not realize was that the lighthouses in water were on dry land at low tide.  I was glad to know that these sea markers were there to safely guide our way.

Here is a week-end project that will be fun for the entire family; making a beach birdhouse.  Start by getting a plain wooden birdhouse; you can build one or buy one at your local home building supply store.  Next, go to your local craft store and search the isles for miniature beach scene items.  It can be a beach ball, surf board, beach chair, life rings, crabs or anything else you desire.  Pick up sky blue, ocean blue, sand and white craft paint.  You won’t need much; the small 4-6 ounce bottles will do the trick.

Be sure to prime the wood of the birdhouse before beginning.  Once dry, paint the roof sky blue and the house sand color allowing time for it to dry before adding clouds to the sky and ocean blue along the base of the house.  Using a hot glue gun, add your miniatures along the house creating your beach scene.  Once done, hang it in your yard and watch your feathered friends enjoy a day at the beach!

While taking a drive down the California coast to San Diego I could see the large Mission Bay Harbor.  What a gorgeous day, clear skies, winds blowing, and the harbor filled with sailboats.  It was breath taking, as I don’t remember ever seeing that many sailboats in one place.  We pulled over just to get a better view. The bay was filled with these beautiful boats just gliding across the waters, or so it appeared.

Mesmerized by these small sailing vessels, we drove to the docks where there were dozens of boats.  Some were smaller, some taller, some with simple furnishings and others well decorated with nautical décor.  I couldn’t keep my eyes off them while walking among all the different kinds of vessels in awe as I have never experienced the open waters.  I dreamed of what it would feel like with the wind blowing in my face and being in the vastness of the ocean.  As I kept dreaming, I was planning on when I could make it a reality.

My husband inherited Aunt Kate’s drop leaf table and chairs.  For years we stored it in the attic as it was just too small to use, or so I thought.  Many years went by before we cleaned out the attic only to rediscover this table.  It was a beautiful table from the 1950’s with dark stain and petite claw feet, both sides dropped down.  As we reexamined this table we realized that it would make a great accent table in the entry.

We slid it in place along the entry wall with the sides down to create a narrow landing.  We added a tall vase with flowers and an antique dish to collect car keys on the way in.  Above it on the wall we hung two smaller pictures that were framed and matted the same, one on top of the other.  With very little effort we were able to create a welcoming entrance.

I love ships and the open sea; the sky that goes forever, the smells of salt water, the spray of the ocean, and the sounds of the lapping water along its edge.  Ships have been a part of history since time began and a recent trip introduced me to the schooner.  This multi-masted sailing vessel has two of more sails that are parallel to the body of the ship.  They were popular with trades that required speed; slaving, privateering, blockade running, fishing and pirating.

Schooners were most popular in the United States and Essex, Massachusetts was their most significant shipbuilding center.  Essex built more than 4,000 schooners and most were used for the fishing industry along the Massachusetts coast.  These fabulous ships of the 1800’s can be preserved as a wooden model ship; I brought one home and enjoy it every day.

Have you ever thought about spending a night in a lighthouse?  Lighthouses contain so much history, if only they could tell their stories.  Just imagine the families that have lived there and protected the seamen from the rocky shores.  Lighthouses are numerous along our Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Great Lakes.  They come in all shapes and sizes too.

There are several dozen lighthouses that can accommodate guests in the United States.  They are along the west coast; Washington, Oregon and California.  Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York along the east coast; as well as Michigan and Minnesota around the Great Lakes.  By today’s standards, some have rustic accommodations without refrigerators and a simple one burner stove with a solar heated shower outside along with changing your own linen.  Others are elegant Bed and Breakfasts serving champagne and spectacular meals.  No matter which way you want to experience an overnight stay at a lighthouse, there is one just for you.  Don’t forget to visit the gift shop and bring home a lighthouse décor souvenir.

I remember our trip to San Francisco when my children were young.  The sounds, smells, street entertainers, the sea lions, China Town; there was so much to see and do in this beautiful hillside city.  Trying to decide what to see first, we walked along Fisherman’s Wharf.  To my surprise, there they were; huge ships from the 1800’s on their own pier.  As we got closer, I discovered that it was the San Francisco Maritime National Park.

Here there were a half dozen or so ships from yesteryear.  Dating from 1886 to 1914 were real ships that had been used and restored.  There was a square-rigger, schooners, steam ferryboat, steam tug, and a paddlewheel tug.  We had a blast as the kids went running from ship to ship to walk aboard and explore.  The seaman that sailed these vessels had to have been brave to cross the seas in them.  Seeing these wooden model ships was such a wonderful surprise. 

Several years ago we vacationed on the east coast in North Carolina.  We stayed in the Outer Banks which is a fabulous place to visit with ongoing lengthy sandy beaches seeming to be endless.  I remember the blue skies with white puffy clouds and warm waters.  The west coast waters are so cold; it was a delight to be able to jump right in and not turn blue!

As we drove the entire length and visited site seeing spots, Kitty Hawk, Nags Head, Cape Hatteras, I was amused that I could take in the sites on the sea and in the bay at the same time!  The bay was filled with wind surfers, jet skies, sail boats and canoes.  Everyone was enjoying themselves as was I.  I didn’t want the trip to end so I bought myself a nautical décor souvenir that I enjoy each day.  Every day I am fondly reminded of our trip.

When I think of the sea, I can’t help but imagine the bygone days of excitement and exploration, when maps still contained huge swaths of uncharted territory. I tried to capture that spirit of adventure while redecorating my family den. My wife and daughter made their own suggestions, of course, but we all agreed that nautical decor would make the space more inviting.

I began by frequenting antiques shops and secondhand stores. At first the going was tough, but then I discovered a life-sized ship’s helm in the corner of a local shop. I refurbished it and sanded it down myself, then set about complementing the helm with smaller decorations. My wife found some stunning lighthouse figurines online, and we added a few model ships to drive the theme home.