The beach is the beach, is the beach... pretty much the same day after day, sunrise and sunset (having spent 3 1/2 years at the beach). But the mountains put on a show every hour of every day for every season. The trees, the wildlife, the flowers, the sky, the views, the ever changing highlights of the sunlight through the clouds... Everything changing in peaceful harmony. The butterflies, the birds, ever some crazy looking insects add to the variety of things that surround you. The changing terrain as you travel the roads or the trails. The adventure of finding new things around each turn. Plants, trees, ferns, and the variety of vegetation that abounds everywhere. Plus there's something special about being on top of the mountain looking out over miles & miles of the countryside below. May favorite spot on the east coast is Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Plus it's only 30 minutes from home. It's a great escape from the the rural countryside (as if you really need to escape this) and emerse yourself into nature away from crowds and towns... simply nothing but nature.
