Earths wanderer

I don’t usually find myself compelled to talk about exercise, but today it just so happens that I do. I think a lot of times we get inundated with “you should”, “you must” and “shame on you for not” exercising. None of these should be a reason for any individual to start exercising in my humble opinion. Let me share why I feel this way.

I do exercise. My reasons for such are purely selfish. I don’t do it to look better, I don’t do it to impress anyone, I don’t do it because my friends do it (they don’t for the most part). The reason I do exercise is because I have a goal to reach. My own goal. I want to be able to hike, paddle or ride anywhere, at anytime, and be ready and fit for it! It’s that simple. This single desire, this single goal, compels me to act, compels me to prepare, compels me to exercise. 

What brought on this desire to talk about exercise? Well, today I broke through, no, smashed through a wall in my exercise routine!  The feeling of reaching my usual stopping point is always good, but today I reached it and kept going, and going! I didn’t feel my normal amount of fatigue until four miles later. Four miles more! My goal is that much closer!  What an empowering feeling!

I don’t expect this to hit home with everybody, but if you’re reading this, most likely you are into the outdoors. What’s your outdoor goal? Can exercise help you reach it? If you think the answer is yes than start being selfish! Take the time to develop your passion(s). Take the time to improve whatever needs improving. Take the time to invest in yourself. The personal rewards are great and the fringe benefits aren’t so bad either!

I recently had the pleasure to spend a few blissful days at North Beach located in Fort De Soto Park Tierra Verde, Florida and believe me, this is not your average run-of-the-mill ordinary beach! 

“Dr. Beach” dubbed this very spot as “America’s number one Beach” and Trip Advisor has named it as “Americas Top Beach”. Why the high accolades? Well, once you step foot on the silky sand and realize you are one of only a few people here and that Fort De Soto Park is also a preserve as well as a park, (that means no houses!) you’ll start to understand!  

    As you break free from your vehicle, salt hangs heavy in the air, immediately informing your senses that seawater is near. Making your way through the dunes, the warm powdery white sand embraces the soles of your feet.

 The sun smiles upon your skin and the Gulf breeze begins to deposit the finest crystals of salt upon you. A Seagull chatters at your presence, momentarily unsure if you are friend or foe. Realizing you’re no threat he returns to rest and to ponder about what ever it is that seagulls ponder.

A formation of brown pelicans silently glides overhead and the surf gently tosses seashells on shore, seemingly for your own personal perusal.

Wow, nirvana should take note.  

Fort De Soto comprises 1,136 acres and plays a pivotal role in providing sanctuary for nearly three hundred species of birds, a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles as well as an oasis for diverse plant life.

Exploring this shoreline is nothing short of amazing and it’s going to take you more than a days time.  If you want to spend a few days (or more) you’re in luck! One of the most beautiful campgrounds in the country lies within Fort De Soto Park and you can book ahead. 

The endless beauty and serene surroundings found along Fort De Sotos’ pristine shores easily lends itself to a relaxing day that can soothe ones sense, offer time for reflection and let the sunshine penetrate the soul.

Aaaaah, nirvana.

Happy Wandering!

If you go: 

Fort De Soto is located off of the Pinellas Bayway in sunny Tierra Verde Florida which is adjacent to St. Petersburg Florida. The beaches are open from 7:00 am until dark seven days a week. For a detailed map click here.

Also within Fort De Soto Park is the Fort, built during the Spanish War, multiple beach areas, designated picnic areas with shelters, restrooms and showers, nature walks, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing piers and concessions. Stay tuned and I’ll cover those in another blog post. If you don’t want to miss it, sign up on the top or bottom of the page by email or RSS.