It's my belief that there are scenic views and great places to visit not far from home. So often, people travel for miles to come to an event or view an attraction that those who live in the area never see. I'm determined to see as much of my area as possible.
My favorite places to go are places near water. There is nothing more calming than sitting lakeside or along the banks of a river and just contemplating the beauty of God's creation.
I've seen some gorgeous scenery, and incidentally, taken some of my favorite photographs while taking a long drive:
Rend Lake, Illinois
Overlooking the Mississippi in Kentucky
Lazing by Whippoorwill Lake in Missouri
Dusk on the Ohio River
Mermet Lake, IL (but I call it Lilypad Lake in my mind)
Late afternoon at Crab Orchard Lake, IL
A different afternoon at Cedar Lake, IL
Coldwater, MO
I could go on and on. I haven't even shown you yet the photos of flowers, hills and trees I have taken on my various road trips. There is so much beautiful scenery that God has created. It would do you good to get out there and explore the world around you.
I can't begin to count all the ways our little road trips have benefited us: relaxed and relieved stress, gave us time for uninterrupted conversation, gave us some "unplugged" social media time, inspired me and gave me creative ideas, and a new appreciation for the wonders that are right outside our door.
I firmly believe if we all took more road trips, we'd be less stressed.
The best part of a road trip? Getting a new appreciation and anticipation for when your vehicle heads into the driveway of home. Nothing makes the heart grow fonder (of home) than a little absence!
I can't wait to get on the road again!
This post was written in response to Writer's Workshop prompt 2.) A long drive... If you'd like to join in, visit Kat at her blog, Mama's Losin' It.
Yes road trips is the only way I can get her to rest, she never rests, if she is up she is doing something. except when she goes to bed, then she don't know the world is turning
ReplyDeleteI love taking road trips! Your water pictures are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteaw, i love this! i also love the water :) thanks for the reminder that drives can be a good way to relax
ReplyDeleteI love road trips with no necessary destination. Just riding. Before gas became so high it was a standard Sunday afternoon activity.
ReplyDeleteWhen we used to visit my aunt and uncle in Carbondale at Thanksgiving, my aunt would round everyone up to go see the Canada geese at Crab Orchard Lake. It was always a huge ordeal to get all the family in cars at the same time (it was like herding cats) and go stand in the freezing cold on the lake shore and look at the geese. Our family didn't have the heart to tell her that we see Canada geese year round where we are. It made her happy to show us the geese, so see the geese we did. Thanks for bringing back that memory!
ReplyDeleteA woman after my own heart! I love a good road trip. The photo with the reflected trees and clouds is wonderful.
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