
Our vacation is centered around the ocean. Every morning we start the day with a long beach walk. Then after the strong rays of sunshine and crowds leave the beach, we head back to sit, read and walk some more.
Yesterday was cloudy and I wasn’t sure about going to the beach in the evening. I thought it would be too cold. But it was quiet and peaceful, except for the roar of the ocean. I sat watching perfect wave after wave curl into a barrel. Only two other families were at the mile long beach. I felt so thankful to be here on vacation.

One thing that surprises me is that our friends who live here don’t take advantage of the beach. One friend said she’d like to join me for a beach walk this weekend. That she hasn’t walked on the beach since last time we were here! I think that was last August. To give her credit, they do own a sailboat and sail one day per week.
I know if I lived here I’d make it to the beach every single day. At least for my morning walk. I wouldn’t take it for granted having lived for 35 years in the desert.
Where you live do you take your environment for granted? Or do you try to enjoy it to the fullest?
You might be surprised. You are on vacation/retired. If you were working, you might be relegated to cooking, cleaning, laundry, and sleeping when you could. I lived in Sierra Vista (AZ) and used to participate in shooting contests in Tombstone. And even though it was a huge chapter in the Old West history that spawned a movie of the same name, to me it was just more desert and a place to ping targets. My point being, that if it is your backyard, it loses the “awe” factor.
Yes, good point. I’m always on vacation when I’m at the ocean. I have had time to enjoy it for the past 30 years. My friend works very hard on her own business and a part time job. She’s strapped for time and prefers to go on 50 mile bike rides during the week instead of a walk.
We live a couple of miles from the ocean but rarely go there. In SoCal, the beaches are almost always busy and parking can be a challenge. The bay is a bit closer and less crowded and we go there more often. I love empty stretches of beach and it looks like you had it all to yourself. Heaven!
We used to spend our summer vacations in Laguna Beach. It got really crowded and we decided on the Santa Barbara area. My son went to UCSB and we started coming up here. The beaches are empty and there is always parking — except on sunny weekends.
This is true for many people. They do take where they live for granted and seldom enjoy its attractions
I think you’re correct. After moving to a new state after 35 years I am discovering my new locale for the first time. Also enjoying the beach, which is a once in a year treat.
👍👍👍
I always think I enjoy my urban environment to the fullest, but don’t we always take what’s in front of us for granted?
I can tell you go enjoy your environment to the fullest. I think my move this past year opened my eyes to what I was leaving — and to my new environment.
Excellent