They’re My Toes and I’ll Dip Where I Want To,…

It is so relaxing to dream of balmy ocean salt water and warm sand squooshing through your toes. I have lapsed into a tropical-craving-state more than once as I have been scraping ice off my car’s windshield with the heel of my shoe ( I need more adult supervision). And sometimes dreaming of a seven to ten day vacation doesn’t cut it; I have been ready to pull up stakes, sell the farm, blow this popsicle shack. But what next? The Mediterranean? I don’t do Euros or scary man-thongs. Florida or Texas? They put insects on a leash they’re so big.

Which left me with the California coast. Thousands of people relocate to California each year, and hundreds of thousands worldwide vacation there, from San Francisco to San Diego. Each area is unique and I could see myself setting up my life in any number of west coast places, no problem.

And it’s not all about the coast. My friend in San Jose informed me Northern California is nothing like Southern California, which is nothing like Sacramento, which is not anything like Lake Tahoe, yadayada. I looked and he was certainly correct, but I was still craving a warm coastal climate, which is in abundance in California.

What I found on further investigation however, is also the abundance of housing costs. Combining monthly mortgage and property taxes would be waaaayyyy up there. A lot of people slam California for its mudslides and earthquakes. Their complaints may be a way to avoid admitting they can’t afford Golden State living.

Why does anyone crave the California scene in particular? If you have ever been, you know that besides glitz there are amazing places like Big Sur, Bear Valley, and Mendocino. No relationship to smoggy L.A., just incomparable wild beauty. However, most people do end up visiting Hollywood. And why not? There’s a pretty good chance of seeing an arrest of any number of young celebs. Soon you’ll be able to google Paris, Nicole, and Lindsay through the Department Of Corrections.

Many months later and after researching my options, I have decided to only visit the California coast. Sure, like many others, I would love to live on the beautiful Pacific coastline, but visits will have to do. I simply can’t spend my future childrens’ college educations on an $800,000 mortgage. I’ll have to soak my toes in warm bath water instead. OK, maybe the warm water of an occasional spa (what am I, a loser?).

Best,

K. Petit http://www.playourplanet.com

Is That A Fin Or Are You Happy To See Me?

Have you ever noticed how many people choose tropical destinations for their choice of a vacation spot? I sure have. Ask someone where they want to go for a summer vacation and chances are they’ll say "The Caribbean or Hawaii or some tropical destination." It’s a given. So I get it already. People like the beach and sunny weather. They always ramble on about deep sea diving, bathing in the sun, or watching the sun set over the ocean. Well, if this is something you absolutely have to do in your life, then I recommend that you go prepared. That means a lot of sunscreen, some high-tech diving equipment, and an awesome swimsuit.

My sweetie keeps telling me that she wants to go diving in some far off tropical island. Well that’s just great. First of all, we don’t have any diving equipment. And second of all I’m terrified. Didn’t anyone watch that flick "Open Water"? I believe that movie pretty much said it all. The couple went out with a group of people to try deep sea diving. Yeah, I’m talking in the middle of nowhere. That’s always a dismal start.

Anyway , although they had quality diving equipment and a tour guide, they came up from below the water and realized that everyone else had left. What is with that? If I lived, I would definitely sue.

Unfortunately neither of them made it. Their new-age diving equipment did not save them in the least. Once the husband was eaten by sharks, the wife drowned herself. It was quite the uplifting story. Anyway, they should have had more advanced diving equipment. If I’m going out there in the middle of nowhere, I need diving equipment that converts into a submarine or something. I want that oxygen tank to transform into a jet-pack. I mean come on!

So, you no longer have any desire to venture off to some tropical spot and go deep sea diving, right? Okay, so maybe the movie didn’t sway you. I should remind you that it is based on true events. Regardless, I know some folks are dying to go scuba diving. Get it, dying?

Anyway, be sure you purchase quality diving equipment if you’re doing it on your own. And if you’re taking on of those diving tours like in the movie, make sure you’re loud and obnoxious so everyone remembers you. This way they won’t leave you behind.
playourplanet.com

Going on a Florida Camping Trip in the Summer

If you want a getaway that’s guaranteed to get you in a truly relaxed and contented mood, then a Florida camping trip is right for you. A lot of campgrounds in Florida offer pleasant and cozy spots for camping. You can camp in national forests or near the beach. A lot of campers flock to Florida for some great camping experiences. But they usually go during the wet season. For thrills, why not go camping in Florida in the summer?

A camping trip in the summer can be a fabulous experience. It is also the best time to go swimming, most especially if you are camping at the Florida springs, in the Florida Keys or along the Gulf Coast. This popular activity provides an excellent way to cool down during the hot summer months.

While out on your Florida camping trip, you can plan on doing water-based activities like kayaking down a river or around the barrier islands. You can also go hiking early in the morning for a good exercise. You can also opt for watching birds and wildlife. Although there arenâ??t a lot of birds in the summer since the state only gets it flock of migratory birds in the winter, you can always watch out for birds with their juvenile plumage, viewable only in the summer. You can also go bird-watching during your camping trip. You can ask a ranger about the best spots and what to look out for. Wildlife watching is also an ideal activity during your trip, which is best done around sunrise and sunset.

Heat, humidity, insects and hurricanes are the most common drawbacks to an otherwise wonderful place. However, if you are the adventurous type and you are willing to brave it and go on a Florida camping trip in the summer, you have to prepare yourself for the heat and humidity. In general, summers in Florida are hot and humid. Because of this, insects will undoubtedly be your regular visitors. Be sure to bring heavy-duty insect repellant to ward the insects off.

While the summer season isn’t exactly regarded as the best time for a Florida camping trip, it’s not totally impossible. You have to be doubly careful though. If you do plan on going on a camping trip, you have to consider certain outdoor conditions like heat, rain, thunderstorms, lightning and hurricanes. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two things you must protect yourself from during the summer. It’s also common during this season to have rain and thunderstorms. And since Florida is famous for its spectacular lightning occurrences, itâ??s best if you stay away from water during a storm. Hurricanes are also possible in the summer.

Although a lot of people prefer to visit the state during the cooler months, going on a Florida camping trip during the summer can have its own perks. Aside from the fact that there are fewer visitors roaming the tourist areas, you can also see an aspect of Florida that summer tourists are not lucky enough to behold. Most importantly, itâ??s pure and extraordinary adventure.

Matt Peters
http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/going-on-a-florida-camping-trip-in-the-summer-167921.html