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Results so far:
| Beach | 59% | 926 votes | Total: 1568 votes | |
| Mountains | 41% | 642 votes |
Beach
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Beaches are my family's favorite vacation spot. While we all enjoy the peace and majesty of the mountains, we prefer the majesty of the ocean. After a hectic work and school schedule going to the beach for a week or even a long weekend is rejuvenating.
There are so many options for things to do at the beach. My family can do as much or as little as we desire. Want to jump the waves or body surf? Have a ball. Want to play at a variety of amusement parks? Take your pick from water parks with slides, bumper boats, go cart tracks and amusement arcades just to name a few of the types of recreation at the beach. Prefer to people watch? Of course there are many interesting characters at the beach to watch. Who isn't entertained watching the wide variety of people strolling down the beach? And nothing taste better than a snow cone from a vendor on a hot sunny day.
There are a wide variety of restaurants to choose from to eat every day. Our favorite of course is seafood, but sometimes we like the variety of eating something else, even if it is just a salad. Somehow the food always tastes better at the beach.
My personal favorite activity at the beach is to simply settle down on the beach with a good book and spend my time reading under the shade of an umbrella. With my writer's soul, I often sit and watch the people walk by and wonder what is going on in their lives at that time. Where they came from and what life they will go back to when they leave the beach.
I also love to rise early and go for a leisurely stroll along the water's edge. It helps me focus on whatever is going on in my life at that particular time.
The sound of the waves crashing against the shore brings me total inner peace and is so relaxing. All the stress that has been going on departs. And there is nothing more refreshing than going to sleep at night and then waking up in the morning to the sound of the surf. That is a wonderful refreshing night's sleep.
My destination when I retire will be to a house on the beach somewhere in the sunny south. At that point, I will be on a permanent vacation relaxing and enjoying my favorite activities. You will find me walking, relaxing with a good book or writing still. I will always be a writer and even when retired will not give up that passion. But my writing will be at my favorite vacation spot and that place is the beach.
Learn more about this author, Carole Ligi.
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Mountains
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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