A Green Summer’s Vacation without Leaving Home

You don’t have to make the grand tour to get a change of scenery. East coast Floridians have it right here. Destinations are as close as the nearest beach. Late afternoon is prime time to head for the beach. Picture this scene: Day trippers have packed up and departed with their sand pails and beach umbrellas. The sun moves to sunset position. A welcome breeze blows off the ocean. The sand feels cool underfoot. The ocean is sparkling deep blue and clouds reflect the colors of the waning sun. It is quite a scene.

Then there are the options of what to do: Sprawl out on beach towels, begin a suggested summer–reading-list book, take a long walk along the surf, sing while you walk, enjoy a good conversation, if by yourself have a good conversation anyway, pick up the pace and jog the length of the beach, build sand castles, make a collection of seashells, splash in the waves. Or just stare out to sea; that’s OK, too. 

Maybe bring along an early bird supper. Make it delicious but keep it simple. Perhaps wedges of cheese, chicken salad, ripe berries, crusty bread and a mason jar of iced tea. Limit your trash and take the leftovers home. Raccoons can forage elegantly on dune plant berries so don’t be tempted to feed these cute beggars.

At dusk, it’s time to call it a perfect day. You should feel happy and healthy, energized by the proximity of the ever-changing ocean. The cost is minimal. Transportation does not guzzle gallons of gas – cheaper if you travel by bike or on foot. Home is your hotel for the night; the price is right and tipping isn’t necessary. Repeat this vacation as needed. This is “green”.

Submitted by, Nancy Leeds