章 69: Chapter 69: Beach Day

"IT'S COLD!" WHINED RUTHIE.

We were piled high with our towels, bodyboards, food and sunscreen. Ruthie was disappointed to see new clouds forming in the sky, obscuring the sun. And without the naked blast of sunlight, the cold air caused goose bumps to spread along our uncovered legs. I was glad I brought a sweatshirt.

"I thought it was going to be a nice day." Ruthie scrunched up her shoulders and made a face.

"It will heat up soon. Positive thoughts."

"I hope so," she whined.

"It usually does. I bet the water is warm, though. Well, warm-er."

Movies like Blue Crush or Point Break built up expectations of bikini babes, hot sun, and bath temperature water. That was southern California, not up north in the Monterey Bay. More often than not the fog didn't dissipate until late morning and then it crept back in by mid-afternoon, providing a short window of warmth.