Traversing the Island
For over 40 years, my family has been going to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Last week, for the first time, I traversed its length.
My goal, since my hip surgeries, had been to walk to the east end of the island where the beachfront road gives way from 1st Street to 2nd Street to 3rd street, the streets victims of erosion, a traditional journey fondly known as “the death march.”
Instead, I set off with my sister and brother-in-law in the other direction, and we walked to the west end of the island where the tip merges with the Intracoastal waterway. 
That was about six miles.
But I don’t give up goals easily (okay, sometimes I do, but not this time.) So a couple of days later I set out on my own to the east end of the island, walking the beach by myself.
I was gone two hours.
The traversing didn’t happen in one go. But it happened. For once, I exceeded my goals.
Love & Kisses to OIB
exercising after hip replacement, living with fake hips, Ocean Isle Beach, walking after a hip replacement, walking after hip surgery
redosue
First of all, I have to comment on what an uplifting and inspirational post this is coming at a time when I am still limping around the block post-knee surgery. Look at you walking 6 miles! So wonderful! One of my favourite vacations ever was to the Carolinas and seeing your photos brought that happy memory back. Sweetness.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
I know, can you believe it? It was a bit surreal when I remembered how recently I’d needed help getting out of bed. And around the block is awesome–I was grateful to limp to and from the bathroom. Hope the recovery is swift and sure. If you return to the Carolinas we can stride down the beach together!
redosue
What a happy image that is – striding down a beach in North Carolina!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
🙂
Evelyn
Wow. Who knows what adventure you will stumble across next with your new hips, your determination and imagination. Can’t wait to read about it in some future book.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thanks, Evelyn. I hadn’t thought yet about including this adventure in a novel, but you’ve given me food for thought. I did, however, consider dressing like a pirate with a peg leg last Halloween, and I’m writing a pirate novel . . . .
Joe Hawes
What a fine swatch of writing. The sense of place comes through ss you make clear your own passage across the land and sea scape. You don’t tell us but we can feel your triumoh and your comfort in that environment. Maybe you were on some personal edge as you prowled a place at the edge of North America
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thank you — it was really nice to reclaim this activity that had defined our summer vacation for so many years but had been beyond my grasp for the recent past. And you’re right–I love OIB! <3
Luanne
Congrats on your accomplishment, Ellen!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thanks. I’m thinking about training for the St. Jude ½ marathon (walking!) in December but don’t tell anyone–it’s a secret. 🙂
thenicethingaboutstrangers
Congratulations on not letting the “death march” get you down! I hope you’re feeling better each day. I loved seeing the view, so thanks for also carrying all your readers on your back too. 🙂
Paige
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thank you! I’m doing very well, happy to be moving forward. Loved your recent post on the little helper middle child. 🙂