I'm on beach time!

America really is a beautiful country. Forget about politics - there's none of that here. The jaw dropping beauty in all parts of our diverse nation screams of our brilliant creator. I truly feel blessed to live in a country holding so much natural beauty. These are the revelations of a young woman who has only seen a handful of states no less. I find myself quickly wanting to check more states off my visit list. Though I love love home, I find myself full of wonderlust for my own country.

I've been in Longboat Key, FL since Sunday afternoon. These last few days here have been simply beautiful. Our hotel is right on the beach and I can see both the ocean and the bay from our hotel room's balcony. I don't think I've ever loved Florida as much as now. All of the homes gorgeous, the hotels make you want to visit them all, and the people have all been really nice (even the lady who called me a Yankee). And being from the mid-west, I like to think I know nice people when I meet them. Longboat Key isn't a very big island but is connected to other islands and the mainland via bridges that allow views of bays full a boats and magnificent waterfront homes. All of the islands we've driving through or visited have been so charming - I'd love to spend time on them all. Hands down this is the most relaxing vacation I've ever had. We've spent almost all of our time by or in the ocean and pool. Dinner and an afternoon of shopping have called us to explore different parts of the islands. We saw the sunset at Bradenton Beach Monday night and I think I fell in love. 

 Now I have visited Pacific and Gulf Coast beaches since January and I'm not sure I could pick a favorite. Oregon beaches and Gulf Florida beaches may as well be on different planets there are so different. I also love them both for very different reasons. Gulf beaches have glowing white sand and refreshing greenish blue waters. Oregon beaches have breath taking rock formations and cold, clear water. I long to see California, Carolina and Maine beaches to see how I will cherish those. Other sites around the country I long for are the Colorado Rockies (again), Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, the hills of Tennessee, and the Ozarks where I call home. 

Sending sand, sunshine, and salt water vibes your way!