Daily writing prompt

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

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Do I prefer the beach or mountains? I have a complicated answer for that. At least in my mind it feels complicated.

The beach brings some level of happiness and relaxation. Getting up early to watch the sun rise out of the ocean. Listening to the sound of the waves crashing. Listening to kids gleefully scream having fun playing in the sand or playing in the ocean. Then there are the other things I enjoy. The smell of sun lotion, the sound of a plane flying across the sky with a banner, or listening to a boat jump the ocean waves.

On the downside of the beach there is jamming your car full of stuff you’ll need for the vacation then unpacking when you reach your destination. Lugging all the things you need for the beach through hot sand and lugging it back. Then there is the sand itself. It gets EVERYWHERE and is a pain to clean up.

Then there are the mountains. Peace and quiet. Watching the sun rise over the mountains or watching the leaves change color during the season. There’s not a lot to do in the mountains versus going to the beach but it depends on what you want to do.

As I write this and compare both, they are pros and cons. I think if I’m forced to choose one, I would say the mountains. I often dream of moving to a place in the mountains. Building a log cabin, walking on my porch enjoying a sip of hot coffee. Listening to absolutely nothing. Well maybe an occasional bird or two happily chirping as the day gets started.

The older I get the more I want peace and quiet. If you asked me this question 10 or 15 years ago, I would probably say the beach.

I haven’t been to a place in the mountains for years but I often dream of moving somewhere where there are mountains. I would love to go hiking on trails, watching the leaves change color, enjoying a winter wonderland of freshly fallen snow.

Maybe some day that dream will come true.