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Mountains

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For a glorious summer vacation, I'd go with the mountains over the beach almost every time. Twenty years ago the answer would have been the reverse, but then people and attitudes change over the years.

Twenty years ago the sand and surf had their allure as did all the tanned bodies associated with them. But since the dangers of over-exposure to the sun have made an impact on my life, the mountains have gained new appeal. Once there, they even caused me to question what it was that I saw in the beach in the first place.

The majesty of the Rockies is unsurpassed as is the fresh air one breathes while there. Beaches can be a nice way to escape the heat, but they're boring. How can laying on a beach and occasionally venturing into the water to cool off compare with walking or biking mountain trails that constantly open onto new vistas that leave one short of breath. On top of that, the sight and sound of birds, chipmunks and deer can't really be equaled by the the droning of the waves as the sun relentlessly beats down.

I referred to the Rockies because I find their ruggedness quite spectacular. But even the older mountain ranges with their softer features have a distinct beauty of their own. The Appalachians offer a charm that is quite different from the Rockies, yet they too provide wonderful opportunities to explore and admire in the summer as well as any other season of the year. Try say that about the beach? I figure that if a place can't have the same magic about it in the winter as in summer, maybe it's not all that magical to begin with.

That's my opinion, but I think many others are starting to hop aboard the same bandwagon. Hiking is much healthier than lying on a beach and it can be more relaxing. Often times I hear people who've just come back from a summer beach vacation say that they're exhausted and in need of another vacation. Meanwhile people who've come back from the mountains tend to feel refreshed and revitalized. I guess you can say the benefits speak for themselves.

Learn more about this author, Bohdan Rewko (Bo of T.O.).
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