Beautiful photos. Beautiful blog and writing. I was in Florida at the beginning of this month myself... Clearwater... I miss it and already plan on going back next year about the same time. I visit Jacksonville quite often as well. ♥️😊
Thanks Laura! This may be one of the only times I've been that wasn't May, June, or July. Pretty interesting perspective shift! I've been to St Augustine, just south of Jacksonville, many times and can't wait to go back!
Oh I love St. Augustine!!! It's absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to get back to Florida for any trip that comes my way. Right now though I have a sick kitty that I am going to stay with and hold off doing travel because of... -- she is worth it. I hadn't seen Florida in March actually til this past trip to Clearwater. Like you, I usually went from April-June then a lot in the fall. I am forgetting I was in JAX in January too. I'm going to need another trip there I'm sure by the end of the year-- my favorite aunt and family member lives there. ❤️
Thank you so much for this! I relocated to Florida where I've got some extended family about 7 months ago and I love it so much. I've lived many places and traveled many more-- but this place, there is so much to explore. Thank you for giving me more places to adventure to :-)
Vacations and adventures can be one of the same, sometimes you head out on an adventure and roll into a vacation. And many vacations turn into adventures. Enjoy the ride, they all come to an end at some point.
Beautiful photos. I'm from New Orleans and have camped in Topsail and the 30A area many times. There is so much adventure in that area! There's nearly 30 miles of mountain bike trails in Point Washington State Forest, scuba diving out of Grayton, lots of wildlife in Topsail, including bears. Best part of camping in Topsail is cycling to the beach staying for sunset then riding the trails back at night. The backroads of 30A are almost like Central America. We take vacations out there, and adventures too.
Beautiful images Erik that really capture the diversity of the location.
I love the question that you pose - vacation vs adventure? For me all trips out are an adventure. They may be slightly different to the traditional sense of adventure but every time I go out I discover something new, even in places I have visited many times before.
Adventure for me is about exploration and discovery, not necessarily physical challenges (although these are good too!) So in this vein all my holidays and days out are adventures however small. 🙂
OMG, not that all the pics aren't stunning but THE BIRDS!!! I know they're just birds but the reflections and the loneliness of them. My favorite bird pic is the one standing on the beach in the distance at dusk.
And to answer your question, for me there is no difference between vacation and adventure because my vacations always involve some form of adventure, or getting lost on purpose, etc. But you traveled with family for a purpose, that's different.
Yes, but I'm learning from other's feedback that the lines are blurred. Even the tamest vacation can have a perspective change and sense of discovery that qualify as adventure!
The birds were characters! Fun to photograph, especially with the telephoto lens, but tricky to keep in focus!
Beautiful photos. Beautiful blog and writing. I was in Florida at the beginning of this month myself... Clearwater... I miss it and already plan on going back next year about the same time. I visit Jacksonville quite often as well. ♥️😊
Thanks Laura! This may be one of the only times I've been that wasn't May, June, or July. Pretty interesting perspective shift! I've been to St Augustine, just south of Jacksonville, many times and can't wait to go back!
Oh I love St. Augustine!!! It's absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to get back to Florida for any trip that comes my way. Right now though I have a sick kitty that I am going to stay with and hold off doing travel because of... -- she is worth it. I hadn't seen Florida in March actually til this past trip to Clearwater. Like you, I usually went from April-June then a lot in the fall. I am forgetting I was in JAX in January too. I'm going to need another trip there I'm sure by the end of the year-- my favorite aunt and family member lives there. ❤️
Thank you so much for this! I relocated to Florida where I've got some extended family about 7 months ago and I love it so much. I've lived many places and traveled many more-- but this place, there is so much to explore. Thank you for giving me more places to adventure to :-)
Oh, that's awesome! I feel like I've just scratched the surface of what Florida has to offer. I'm definitely looking forward to more adventures there!
Vacations and adventures can be one of the same, sometimes you head out on an adventure and roll into a vacation. And many vacations turn into adventures. Enjoy the ride, they all come to an end at some point.
Man, that is an excellent point!!!
Beautiful photos. I'm from New Orleans and have camped in Topsail and the 30A area many times. There is so much adventure in that area! There's nearly 30 miles of mountain bike trails in Point Washington State Forest, scuba diving out of Grayton, lots of wildlife in Topsail, including bears. Best part of camping in Topsail is cycling to the beach staying for sunset then riding the trails back at night. The backroads of 30A are almost like Central America. We take vacations out there, and adventures too.
NOLA is my all-time favorite American city. If not for hurricanes I'd figure out a way to get a visa and live down there!
Beautiful images Erik that really capture the diversity of the location.
I love the question that you pose - vacation vs adventure? For me all trips out are an adventure. They may be slightly different to the traditional sense of adventure but every time I go out I discover something new, even in places I have visited many times before.
Adventure for me is about exploration and discovery, not necessarily physical challenges (although these are good too!) So in this vein all my holidays and days out are adventures however small. 🙂
That is such a valuable point of view! By always looking for a new perspective, even the familiar becomes an adventure. Excellent! Thanks, Gill!
I saw the signs for bears at Topsail! I knew Florida had bears, but I was a little surprised to see that they would be so close to developed areas.
This trip really opened my eyes to all that Florida has to offer. I'll be looking for some backpacking routes for the colder months!
OMG, not that all the pics aren't stunning but THE BIRDS!!! I know they're just birds but the reflections and the loneliness of them. My favorite bird pic is the one standing on the beach in the distance at dusk.
And to answer your question, for me there is no difference between vacation and adventure because my vacations always involve some form of adventure, or getting lost on purpose, etc. But you traveled with family for a purpose, that's different.
Yes, but I'm learning from other's feedback that the lines are blurred. Even the tamest vacation can have a perspective change and sense of discovery that qualify as adventure!
The birds were characters! Fun to photograph, especially with the telephoto lens, but tricky to keep in focus!
Sometimes you just need to take the pressure off and chill - no where better than a beach in winter! Great story Erik
Truth! Thanks, James!
I live in a landlocked province and always love seeing photos of the ocean. These are especially stunning!
Thanks, Lia! The ocean is only about 4-6 hours from me. I really should head there more often!
Reconnecting with nature is always a life-giving experience. Thank you for your story!
That is so true, even in the times we don't expect it. Thanks!