Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?
Usually the beach is where I’d prefer to spend more time, but I live in Arizona where hiking 🥾 in the mountains 🏔️ is ideal right now! November through March is the optimal time period to hike in the lower elevations around the Phoenix and Tucson areas, and I totally take advantage of this time of year to get much needed exercise and enjoy the scenery. Bike riding is something else that I really enjoy now because it’s pleasant being around the Superstition Mountains (east of Phoenix) where there are great paths to ride around and avoid traffic.
The higher peaks around the Flagstaff/Grand Canyon area are definitely the place to be for the skiers, snowboarding, snowmobiling etc. but I just enjoy being around the snow for a few hours – or even a day or two before heading back to Phoenix to soak up the winter sun! Springtime is the best part of the year to appreciate the magnificent red rock mountain ⛰️ areas of Sedona with their awesome scenery, fresh breezes and state park areas to explore before the desert, summer heat becomes too oppressive to handle.
Since the desert becomes dangerously hot (usually starting in early May) then, any thoughts of spending time in the mountains vanishes from my thoughts and the beach 🏖️ is ideally where I’d spend the next five months! Obviously, Arizona lacks any beach areas so visits to Southern California are what I’m looking forward to (along with everyone else!) I love the crashing of the waves 🌊, the invigorating aroma of the sea air, and dashing through the sand in bare feet and splashing in the surf.
Another thing I really enjoy about the beaches around San Diego, Oceanside or Huntington Beach is watching the surfers, seals and sea lions soaking up the sun and observing the passing tourists, watching people throwing frisbees for their dogs to catch, volleying games – all the random, fun activities that make beach life so appealing. My favorite 🤩 beach is at Del Mar with its bluffs overlooking the ocean and gazing out over the horizon to infinity…and daydreaming 😶🌫️.
I definitely need both the beach and the mountains – but both are suitable at different times for different seasons to find emotional and psychological fulfillment.
