Thanks for all the cards, travelers

A vacation is a sunburn at premium prices.

-- Hal Chadwicke

Virginia, they like to say, is for lovers.

This summer, it was also for postcard senders, taking first place in our annual summer vacation destination contest.

Visitors to the tidewater commonwealth sent in 19 cards, edging the 18 that came from South Carolina.

Florida (16) was third, followed by last year's winner, Alaska (14), and Colorado (11).

Georgia (10) ended up in a three-way tie for sixth with Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

And then it drops off.

I'm not sure what all this says about the economy, gas prices or America's latest summer travel habits, but I would like to thank our lone visitor to Rhode Island.

The smallest state generated only one postcard.

By the way, Canada was the most popular foreign destination, with five cards. Germany's four surpassed many from the United States including Texas, which surprised me.

Now to our annual recognitions.

BIGGEST CARD: That would be from Diana Brissie and her card from the United Kingdom, which came in at 111/2 by 8 inches.

WANNA BET? Looks like seven of you are trying to master the current economy with a little "risk investing." If you see Pat or Wayne Fuller , of North Augusta, ask them about Harrah's Casino and Racetrack.

UNIQUE: Thank you, Kathy Czarnecki . You went above and beyond, not only with all the wonderful lighthouse cards from the Virginia coast, but also with a $2.99 magnetized card that cost $1.56 to mail.

That's over the top participation.

STATE MAPS: Seven, including Nebraska, Delaware and New Hampshire. Always hard to get.

ANIMALS: Twenty-one cards featured animals. Eight featured birds.

The most common example of wildlife shown on a postcard this summer? Horses. Moose came in second.

HUMOR: We only had two postcards featuring outhouses, so I guess your humor is becoming more sophisticated. That is, if you don't count James Brooks' card showing a row of bare-bottomed beach bunnies.

I think my favorite humor card was one that did not pretend to be.

Bryan and Sue , of Evans, sent a card from Austin, Minn., showing the SPAM Museum. It never occurred to me that anyone would create such an impressive building to commemorate pork products. The statue in front of a farmer leading pigs to the door is a nice touch.

Runner-up was one from Betty and T. J. Bailey , of Harlem, who sent a card from Mississippi. It has a long list of "You Know you're from Mississippi when ..." lines, including -- "Your mother has ever been in a fist fight at a high school sports event."

BASEBALL PARKS: Another excellent year to celebrate my favorite sport. Eleven cards showed ballparks, including one Henry and Carol Klein sent from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, home of the 2008 World Champion Phillies.

BEACH OR MOUNTAINS?

Every year, I think mountains will win, but every year beach takes the prize. This year was no exception. After an early summer trend of people heading for the hills, the call of the ocean came in like a big wave.

FINAL TALLY: Mountains -- 35. Beach -- 54.

Leading the sand and surf charge was April in Grovetown, who sent a really large card showing the wharf and sunrise at Virginia Beach.

That's it. Thanks again for all those cards.

They were special, and so are you.

Reach Bill Kirby at (706) 823-3344 or bill.kirby@augustachronicle.com.