I’ve been very delinquent in writing. Part of this “grand experiment” is simply me trying to find my voice and the discipline to keep up with writing on a regular basis.

So far I owe you:

– Review of backpacking trip in the Davis Mountains
– Review of Northshore Trail near Grapevine Lake (Texas)
– Review of Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)

However, this right now commands my attention:

Yep…I’m at the beach. I suspect where you are at the moment it is freakin’ cold…at least the last time I checked it was. It seems our first “polar vortex” of the season has much of the country in its grasp. As for me….the waves, beach, pelicans, and dolphins have me in their grasp.

Location this week is Longboat Key, Florida. We’re here celebrating a friend’s 50 birthday. No complaints from me.

I’ve used the time wisely walking, running the beach. Day one I think I did 1.99 miles (run/walk), day 2 was about 2.5 miles (run/walk) and yesterday was a 3 mile hike (walk). I definitely prefer walking the beach over running. There so many cool things to see, pictures to take, and animals to learn from!

Here’s one now…I saw this gorgeous shell laying in the water. I couldn’t resist and picked it up only to realize it felt heavier than I expected! I turned it over and come to find out this house was occupied! I now know where are the crabs go!

I love seeing his little eyes peeping at me!

While I’m not necessarily hiking hills or the forest, I have learned to respect the beach and the havoc it can wreak on my calves. I seriously need a massage or my acupuncturist to work out some of the knots in my leg and back.

However, in the meantime, I’m going to sit back, crack another Corona (or Bourbon & 7) and go back to getting my last tan of the season.

Where’s your favorite place to unwind and get away from it all? Let me know in the comments…I’m always looking for some place new!