Yep, I suppose the beach is a good "Stress release" for some folks. I tend to believe that the general idea of "getting away from the world" can do wonders for a person! I don't know if that's the beach, the North Pole (I here it's cold there!), the mountains, the desert, the tropics, ect.
I spent a few years living on the beach in Charleston, SC. Then, I spent a few years in Houston. I can't stand the heat. ...... which begs the question, "What the hell was I doing in SC and TX??" OK, I did have a reason. I had the opportunity to be a chef in a few great restaurants in Charleston. As for Houston, love makes you go all kinds of places you never thought you would go!!!
I suppose I lived in those places for close to a decade. I guess it made me realize my home is in the blue ridge mountains.......... nowhere else seems to suit me! At times, I wonder if the mountains can "hold me afloat." But, those humps, ridges, dips, valleys, peaks, and cliffs seem to be able to hold me thus far.
If anyone ever wants to visit me in Nelson County, VA, I'd love to have ya! It's a beautiful place. It's a little bit of a strange place. We now have over 15 wineries, 4 breweries, and a few other not-so-legal means of creating alcohol. Hmmmmmm, I'm beginning to think you must be an alcoholic to live in this county!
To most persons dismay, we now have a stop light in our county. I suppose one stop light in a county isn't so bad..... it's 30 miles from me!! Anyhow, I now live in paradise. I do my best to make myself remember that I can look out from any direction of my house and see mountains. I don't think you can beat that! Anyhow, I do love it here. If anyone stumbles upon VA and winds up towards Nelson County, give me a call!
cheers, bird