Descriptive place you have visited

White sand rolls into the bluish green water, creating the peaceful and calming atmosphere that this beach is known for. During the day, the sky is a beautiful blue, the sun shining through, it’s rays beaming down on everyone soaking up it’s environment, and the sun’s persistence making it impossible to forget it is there. Not a cloud in the sky, the light blue illuminates the sun in the most perfect way, reflecting it off the water to bring together the best of both worlds. Standing on that beach at the beginning of summer, reminding me that my vacation has officially begun, I could not ask for anything more. I go to Tigertail Beach in Marco Island, Florida at the end of every June, and it is the most satisfying week of my life, because it is the only place I am truly happy and relaxed.

During the day I swim; I feel the warmth of the Gulf of Mexico surrounding me, and I just lay in the ocean, letting its depth take me over and relax my body like nothing else could. The water reaches eighty, especially in June, and swimming in the ocean is more satisfying than taking a bath. There is something about the ocean, or maybe just this ocean, that relaxes my body; it allows me to feel completely comfortable and without stress. So many summertime memories rush to my mind while recalling this beach; there are those long days spent at the beach, with packed lunches, coats of sunscreen, and kids building sand castles. There are palapas that line the back of the beach; brown straw-like huts that serve as an umbrella for people planning on spending a long day at the beach, and there are always old people with their stuff propped under the palapa, but their bodies baking in the hot sun; their leather skin is so dark from countless days at their beach.

The days, however beautiful they may be, cannot even compare to the absolute magnificence the night magic has to offer Tigertail Beach. We go to the beach right before sunset, and watch the sky as we walk along the shoreline. This is often a time when the tide goes out, and the animals come in; starfish, jellyfish, crabs, and clams line the area of water before the sand bar. Kids and old people alike, crouch over the strip of water that the animals occupy, looking and picking at the variety of sea creatures, admiring and learning. The most remarkable sight of all, however, is the sunset that paints the sky at around six thirty; with people coming from all around to catch a glimpse of the sun’s colors dancing over the glistening ocean. Orange melts with the yellows, the glowing pinks, and the deep purples; colors running together creating a masterpiece in the sky with the sun disappearing into them eventually. The colors are gorgeous; they show how beautiful the world can be, and how nature can create such an amazing sight. Then there is a moment, one quick flash, where the sun drops down and is no longer visible; this is the moment when the night officially begins.

Night on Marco Island is incredible as well; wide-open nights screaming freedom and allowing endless possibilities. The city lights up at night, and there is a bridge connecting Marco to the rest of the world; this bridge is absolutely breathtaking at night. Lights illuminate the bridge over the dark water, and show the city at its best.

Driving at night is an experience to remember as well; when it is nice enough outside to roll down all the windows in my car and turn off the AC, just to feel the night air cool on my face and drive down the roads by the beach. The most incredible experience, by far, is when someone handed my friend the keys to his brand new 2004 red Mustang convertible with tan leather seats, a beautiful interior, and an amazing sound system, telling us to be back in an hour. We just looked at each other, and hopped in the car to take off on the joy ride of our life, each driving the dream car for a half an hour each. The top was down, the radio was blasting, and both of us were having the time of our lives, cruising through the beautiful city lined with palm trees and beaches, and wishing that hour would never end. It was one absolutely amazing experience, and I can still smell the salty ocean air, feel the wind in my hair, and remember the pure joy of that sixty minutes of pure bliss.

Marco Island is a place like no other, it is a place to relax, to see the world at it’s best, and to truly enjoy life for awhile. Tigertail beach has so much to offer as well, with it’s sunsets, warm water, white sands, and countless memories. It is my relaxation period; my time of year to be completely free from worries and stress, time to be me and feel at ease with everything. It is hard to put into words the feelings that I associate with this place, as it has meant so much to me over the years and now has so many memories tied to it as well. I know Tigertail beach will continue to be a paradise as well as a haven for me, a place for me to escape to every June and remember how beautiful the world is sometimes; and it will continue to be my favorite place on earth.