A few weeks ago, I happened to go to Washington, D.C. for a journalism camp that was held at Georgetown University.

The experience made a spectacular impact on my future; opening doors that could possibly lead me to my academic location after high-school.

Not only was Georgetown University great for the field of journalism, but the Georgetown area was just all-around beautiful.

I met new and interesting people, discovered new genres of journalism, and absorbed everything the camp had to offer like a sponge.

I arrived back in Gulf Shores with a broadened perspective and my eyes directed toward my next destination in life. But the moment I walked out of the Pensacola airport and the salty air glided over my face, these thoughts suddenly melted away, leaving just a small trace of existence.

At the beginning of this summer, my dad proudly handed the reigns of our family’s 19-year-old Boston Whaler over to me, and as soon as I pushed that throttle down and felt the power of the salt-water rush under my feet, I’ve been bonded to that boat like nothing you could imagine.

I’ve been riding through waters from the canal in Gulf Shores all the way to Grand Lagoon and Fort McRee in Perdido Key. I’ve lost count of the number of Pirates Cove hamburgers I’ve eaten this summer, along with how many gallons of gas I’ve used up.

But although the water that runs from Gulf Shores to Perdido Key is drop-dead gorgeous, the freedom that comes along with a boat is probably the most important benefit that ranks above everything else.

Every chance I can get, I’m riding through Perdido Key with a sun-burnt face and a salty smile.

Any given day, I’ll think to myself and wonder when south Alabama will be placed along with Hawaii as the best vacationing spot on this Earth.

During a sunny day when the Gulf is turquoise and you can see straight down to the bottom, “this is as good as it gets” escapes my lips.

Lately it seems that all of my responsibilities and problems are nonexistent when I’m unleashed on the water.

All that exists is the feeling of the warm sun on my back and shoulders, the smell of sunscreen, and the sound of the motor of the boat along with the splashing of water.

I’ll find myself constantly thinking about exploring the waters of Orange Beach on a regular basis when I’m supposed to be doing something important.  

God knows how many times I’ve flipped on the Weather Channel whenever I’m supposed to be doing my summer reading.

I’m beginning to think that, despite the incredible places and unbelievable locations that I will visit in my life, I will always be flabbergasted whenever I see the Gulf Coast.

Although I’ve promised myself that I will do everything in my power to get into a good college and see different places, if that promise should slip for even one day, I will take my Boston Whaler and my chocolate lab, Kokamo, out into the Gulf and never even look back.

    It’s a busser’s life?

Just to let you guys know, about a week ago the Sea ‘n’ Suds family decided to promote me from a dishwasher to the incredible job of a busser. I’m not sure if it was my desperate plea for help in my last column, or just the unbelievable way that I wash dishes, but the important thing is, I’ve been promoted!

So after hanging up the gloves and apron, and picking up the bus pan, I’m just beginning to feel comfortable with my new job.

Being a busser has its hardships, but compared to my last job it’s fantastic. Sometimes I get to socialize with customers or sit at the oyster bar.  

I’m more involved in “the action” and pretty much view a whole other side of the Sea ‘n’ Suds world.

One of the best parts of my new job is the satisfaction I get from clearing off a table’s trash and wiping it clean.

I actually feel a sense of accomplishment when my work’s done.

What a contrast from the endless dirty dishes that I dealt with not even two weeks ago! Although, now, no matter what I do, I can’t shake the terrible guilt that comes over me whenever I see the new dishwasher struggling when the restaurant’s slam-packed.

But hey, it’ll just make their experience that much sweeter when they become a busser — I know it made mine.

And once in a while I might help out with the dishwashing, just for old time sake. Maybe.

Basch Jernigan will be a sophomore at Gulf Shores High School. He welcomes all questions, comments and opinions. He can be reached at basch@gulftel.com.