Tonight at 5, with dinner almost ready to serve, we decided instead to walk to the beach and watch the sunset. I put the chicken back in the fridge and the gingered carrots on the counter and we walked out the door leaving a mess behind. Once outside, Lauren ran ahead in pursuit of two cows who had escaped a nearby pasture and were no doubt startled by her determination. We were all showered in dust as the breeze kicked up on the dirt road, and the smell of smoke was in the air from a distant fire. Two trees we passed overflowed with monkeys -- one with delicate spiders, the other with mightier howlers as we made our way.
On the beach, Lauren rolled down sand dunes to the edge of the ocean where foam slowly soaked her shorts and t-shirt until all hope of cleanliness and comfort was abandoned and she plunged in full bore.
After the sunset we wandered to the nearby Pescador for a beer and a smoothie, our toes in the sand beneath our table. Lauren joined a pick up game of tag with kids from Canada while Gary and I watched, the sky pink and streaky in the background. Eventually we decided to order a couple of burgers and some mac - n - cheese. We stayed until the fire dancers came, and then the bonfire lit up, and the guitar player crooned and only our cognizance that the new day would start early compelled us to leave.