Independently Speaking

The 4th of July and the beach go hand in hand, so of course I made my way down to Orange County for the holiday. I spent the afternoon at Torts, the secret beach that is only accessible by a nearly vertical climb down hundreds of stairs, a barefoot walk across hot sand, and a slippery climb over a path of rocks that, at high tide, becomes more like a swim. But the long trek is worth it, even if it leaves you with sore calfs and thighs for the next few days. The beach becomes somewhat of a city for a day, with friends staking out spots with umbrellas, towels on the sand that hide holes big to shelter three people comfortably, different music for every pod of people (usually reggae), and a 10 foot tall teepee made of palm fronds and bamboo which had smoke drifting out of it for most of the afternoon. For anyone who doesn't live in a gated community, this beach becomes a mecca for everyone under 25 years old on the 4th of July.
Later in the afternoon the boys and I, along with Sasha, Erik's own Carrie Bradshaw, made our way to the beach party hosted by Sambazon. A warm sunset watched us dance into the evening to the grooves spun by a live DJ.