JAN 12 2013 

BY JULIA

As budgets are tight these days, travel is unfortunately crossed off the list for many. However, travel doesn’t mean you have to find yourself sipping a cocktail on a white sand beach in Tahiti, rather your own hometown or region may offer a welcomed retreat or day-get-away. The time is right for you to xplormor in your own backyard! My posts are about far off places, yet I am exploring these places while living in them. In Alaska, I lived in Juneau for the good part of a year which allowed me to settle into the culture and truly experience all the surrounding areas have to offer, which is a lot. Now in California it is no different: I have a home base and am exploring the area’s nearby attractions and to some degree further out as my budget allows.

Ojai Valley, California. Taken with iPhone 4S.

This idea goes along with seeing the beauty and interest in our surroundings. When I arrived in California from Alaska, I was overwhelmed by its populace – people and buildings and traffic – oh my!  I’ve travelled all over the world for the last 24 years, and for some reason never had such a culture shock except when I arrived in a non-English speaking country for the first time and had to learn to communicate. Other than that experience, this move from AK to CA was the most astounding swap.

Carpinteria Bluffs Beach by Julia at XplorMor

Juneau and its out-lying areas live up to the nickname: “The Last Great Frontier.” The mountains, sea, forests, rivers, wildlife and glaciers are feasts for the senses in every way. I felt as though every step walked was a new photo to be shot, definitely a candy shop for nature lovers and photographers. I truly couldn’t get enough, and ventured out daily to see what new sites would be offered – amazing how the weather and seasons change a landscape – every day truly was a “new” day.

So, arriving in Southern California was a challenge to the senses that had opened to the beauty of Alaska. At first, I thought that I couldn’t stay here for any long period and immediately began plotting my next adventure. Yet as the days have gone by, and I came to terms with my shoe-string budget that is keeping me tied for a bit longer, I realize there’s beauty here too.  Of course there is – there’s beauty everywhere! I just needed to readjust my eyes, and instead of looking at the low mountain ranges covered with homes and the muddy waters, to take in the stunning sunsets, beaches, chaparral and wildlife that exist only in this area. The more I recalibrate my senses, the more beauty and interest I continue to see, and the more places I am discovering that I would like to visit and hike.

A California Beach Day by Julia at XplorMor

I’m sharing this story with you in hopes that you too will get out and enjoy your own backyard, your own wonderful, interesting area of the world, and perhaps you will share photos and tales with us. As I am not able to get far out there now, I appreciate seeing the wonderful places of the world through your eyes, and allow myself to dream of the possibilities.

A California Sunset by Julia at XplorMor