An open letter to The Beach

An open letter to The Beach

While my family was vacationing this weekend in the Sierras, I had a thought that I figured I should share with you. Before I do so, however, I should point out that you have always been my favorite environment. Looking back over my 40 years, I have spent more time at the beach than at any other ecosystem. So, we’re buds. I’m one of your people. Anyway talks smack about the beach, I always stand up for you. So understand my thoughts below shouldn’t be taken as criticism, but as well-intentioned advice.

All that said, you could really learn a thing or two from The Mountains. Hey, I’m not saying The Mountains are better than you. The two of you are totally different. Moreover, you are clearly in the top echelon of ecosystems. Really, you blew past The Desert, like, a million years ago. And let’s face it, people may say all sorts of great things about The Jungle, but who really wants to hang out there?

So, back to the Mountains. One of the first things you notice up there is that the sun’s not always beating down on you, and that has something to do with all those great trees. I know you’re all about sun, beach, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of it, and trees are a great way to get some shade. And about that sun, The Mountains have just as much sun as you do, actually a little more. It just doesn’t do that 365 days a year. Really, would it kill you to snow a little every once in a while?

That brings us to seasons. No one argues that you aren’t just great in the summer. But in the winter, you’re still trying to play the same hand, and it doesn’t work so well. You’re just a less interesting version of the same thing. The Mountains just changes gears altogether. I mentioned the snow, but it’s more than that.

Another thing you might want to notice about The Mountains is the wildlife. Sure, you’ve got a nice collection of fauna. We’ve seen the seals, the seagulls, the dolphins in the waves, even the occasional beaches whale. But none of this really has the immediacy of a bear, a deer, a mountain lion, or a hawk. I know, I know, I’m comparing apples to oranges, but it just seems like The Mountains are doing a very nice job with the animals.

I could go on, but I won’t. I don’t want to give you the wrong impression. You’re still aces in my book. I just don’t want to see you rest on your laurels.

-- Garrison Frost

(Aug. 27, 2007)