For some reason, I had this strong thought: This is a north-facing shore.
The ocean was to the north. Made me realize two things: 1) I often, though certainly not always, dream of an ocean to the north of my dream-locales, and 2) I've never been on the south shore of a sea. South shores of rivers and lakes, sure, plenty, but never an ocean extending to the horizon. Made me think of my Michigan friend
blubeagle and her trips to the Upper Peninsula to watch Lake Superior. She's said that the lake looks and feels powerful, and a little scary. This ocean didn't feel scary, whereas Lake Superior's earned its scary reputation.I've never looked to a sea to the south; either: never been to the Gulf Coast, though I hope to; certainly I've never been to the south-facing coasts Africa has. I think my dream-self thinks that's significant somehow.