Oceanophilia

What is it about the ocean that draws people? The ocean, rolling waves, salty air, gulls and dunes. I grew up near the beach and I miss it when I've been gone too long, despite not liking the tourists and crowds that clamour on the beaches of my Gold Coast childhood. Today the beach was as I like it best: cool, grey and largely deserted by the tourist throngs, but the locals still head out. Young couples played and canoodled on the sand, kids practiced surfing in the tiny swell, dogs were walked and a couple wed. The beach, icon of enjoyment, family time, relaxation. Image of health and happiness world over. But why? What attracts us so to the ocean? Why does the wind cheer my spirit and the water soothe my mind?

( Taste the salt... )