The ocean

 I have never seen the ocean in my life. I have seen different seas but never the ocean. Back when I lived in Zagreb there was a plan for one summer cycling trip to cycle from Zagreb to the place near Bordeaux on the Atlantic coast but there was never enough time during the summer vacation since the trip was too long.  

But then, last year I finally managed to make that wish come true. While we were on a visit to Al'Shaddar's mom, we had a bit of extra time, so we went to the place called Hvide Sands that lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, or as Danes call it the Western sea. As we were getting closer you could see the power of the ocean on the environment that surrounds us. Vegetation was getting scarcer and scarcer and the wind was getting stronger and stronger. Finally! We parked the car behind some slopes. The ocean is on the other side! Just a short walk away. They looked almost barren. There was some vegetation but it was mostly grass and moss, no trees or bigger bushes. As we got out of the car it was immediately apparent why. Because of the wind. It was constantly blowing and blowing hard. And I guess it is like that thought most of the the year. Every step on our short walk to the coast was a struggle. We only had a bit of relief from the wind when we were close to the slope, otherwise it constantly felt like it wants to tear off the skin from our bones. No wonder the vegetation was scarce, life here is a constant struggle against the wind. The only ones that were having a blast were seagulls gliding effortlessly on the wind, everything else is just fighting not get ripped of the ground.
 

The trail was taking us in between the two slopes when it happened. The ocean opened up in front of us in all it's beauty and power. It was just like the movies, except for the wind that was constantly trying to knock us of our feet, but everything else; open sea as far as the eye can see fusing with the clouds on the horizon, spotless white sandy beach, waves breaking on the shore in powerful whooshes, so big that you could walk for at least ten meters closer to the water when the wave is receding. A unique experience indeed, testifying to the power of the nature. I felt so small and insignificant at the shores of the Atlantic ocean.
 

Our path was taking us right under one of the three windmills that were just chugging away at the coast. Allegedly, windmills can't be constructed close to the populated areas because of the noise but even when you are standing directly under one, where the blades look like they will split you in half, it doesn't sound too loud, the ever-present wind is still much louder.
 

I wanted to stay for a while, to soak up the experience but shortly after the magnificence of the ocean dials down, it is quickly becoming tiresome. Because the wind is relentless, it just constantly feels like it wants to blow you away from the beach.
 

There were a couple of logs lying on the beach, where we found a bit of shelter but even there the wind won't let you be in peace. After 15 minutes, we have given up and acknowledged our defeat to the wind and we started on our way back to the car.
 

The experience was breathtaking and inspiring and very, very windy. I am definitely glad that I did it but I wouldn't like to spend my holidays on the ocean. On the other hand, I heard that Skane is beautiful...