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Which is a better summer vacation spot: The beach or the mountains?
Results so far:
| Beach | 60% | 1082 votes | Total: 1816 votes | |
| Mountains | 40% | 734 votes |
Beach
by Patrick Sills
Created on: November 01, 2009
Choosing the beach or the mountains as a summer vacation spot will of course be a matter of personal preference. At times, the sheer distance from your home will be a determining factor as well. You must ask yourself which setting will be more to your liking, and this will vary from person to person. Those who frequent one location repeatedly do so because they enjoy it, but the risk of becoming burned out with the same routine can easily catch up with any of us. Thus, the key to an enjoyable summer vacation is to employ diversity when choosing not only your destination, but also your activity.
However, when deciding whether a warm, sunny, sand-filled beach is preferable to spending time in the mountains, the choice for many becomes clear: the beach. For those of us who live in harsh climates ravaged by 6-7 months of winter each year, the ambiance of a beach is a welcome sight. Following months of having to bundle up like an Eskimo just to venture outside the confines of our homes, there is nothing quite as satisfying as wearing shorts, T-shirts, and losing the shoes and socks as we relax in a lounge chair and re-acquaint ourselves with brilliant sunshine, blue skies, and the mesmerizing heat that accompanies it. Our winter-whitened skin begins to retain subtle hints of brown. We admire the anatomy of other scantily-clad beachgoers. If we happen to be situated on an oceanfront, the mere sound of the tides and even the seagulls flying overhead can be hypnotically relaxing. During nighttime hours, the lights of distant ships can be seen and inspire inquisitive thought. Even on the base of a small lakefront, we can still enjoy the sunshine as we watch family members or others enjoy swimming, boating, or simply floating around on a raft.
Going to the mountains? Well, they are pretty at first sight over the horizon. You realize just how majestic these natural wonders are as you realize that they were 100 miles away when you caught that first glance. You begin to ascend. The view is spectacular as you approach the summit. You step outside and realize it's 30 or 40 degrees colder than it was a couple of hours ago. There may even be snow on the ground. If you live in a cold climate to begin with, why would you want to waste the precious and short summer months in an equally cold environment? The air is noticeably thin as you strain a bit to breathe. Perhaps you're a bit light-headed as well. You begin to make your descent. The roads are so curvy that you have to ride the brake constantly. In many situations, you find that exceeding about 20 mph makes your tires squeal for mercy. You've finally reached the bottom. It's warm again. But now the highway leads to another mountain, and you repeat the entire process all over again. After about 2 hours of this, one mountain is just like another. The novelty has worn off.
For those who truly wish to enjoy summer and everything this wonderful season stands for, spending time at a beach resort is the ultimate way to go.
Learn more about this author, Patrick Sills.
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Mountains
by Lisa Oates
Created on: July 14, 2009
Mountain vacations are phenomenal at any time of year, but especially during the summer months. Why go to the beach when the sand is so hot you can't even walk on it, when you can escape to the quiet places of the earth in comfortable weather and take in some of the most beautiful scenery on this planet from 7,000 feet?
The temperatures in large mountain ranges like the Rockies or the Cascades are a nice 60 to 80 degrees, depending on where you are and the time of day. It is perfect for hiking, wading, jogging, or even reading a book on the front porch of a cabin. Humidity is next to nil! There is no need to wrap a cold wet towel around your neck. Evening temperatures can cool down to the 30s or 40s, but that is the glory of a mountain vacation. Take along a sweatshirt and snuggle up with your significant other (or teddy bear) while watching the big dark sky fill up with sparkling stars.
Mountains are a lot less crowded than beaches. Beaches are condensed to small areas along the coastlines, whereas mountains stretch huge expanses from south to north. The same amount of vacationers could be resting in the mountains as the beaches and one would never know it.
There is a lot to do and see when vacationing in the mountains during the summer. Take a hike with a friend and watch the wildlife appear before you. Remember to take your camera, too, because you'll likely see elk, deer, bears, birds of all kinds, and maybe even a moose or mountain goat. What kinds of wildlife do you see at the beach? Seagulls? Disgustingly hairy men?
The ocean is nice, but the views from the peak of a mountain are breath taking. Imagine standing on the top of the world with a slight breeze blowing while you gaze around 360 degrees of panoramic views of valleys, rivers, lakes, forests, and mountains. Many times in high altitudes, the snow-capped mountains are still snow-capped, and it adds a beauty that no white sand can.
The trek to get to the beach is easy. Drive up in your mini van, unload the kids, and set up a spot between the ocean and the boardwalk. Getting to the highest and most gorgeous spot in the mountains takes effort, and it is extremely rewarding. Folks who hike it will be more rewarded than those who drive, but it is enjoyable nonetheless.
Other activities to do in the mountains during the summer are kayaking, white water rafting, bicycling, and orienteering. These are fun things to enjoy with a small group or a large crowd. You can be a novice or an expert and have a fabulous time. Sitting on the beach just takes patience. Wait for it wait for it sunburn!
Next time you sit down to plan a summer vacation, consider the relaxing mountain escape. Sure, you might get bit by a mosquito or two, but you'll see extraordinary sights, taste extraordinary food, and meet extraordinary animals. Not to mention the photos you take on your trip will far outperform those of your buddy's beach trip!
Learn more about this author, Lisa Oates.
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