The most beautiful place in the world

Alternative titles for this post might include Rhode Island, who knew?! or So I've never really wanted to go to Rhode Island.

Taking a couple vacation breather days to myself, I decided I needed at least one solo road trip, to someplace that I'd never been and that was pretty. I looked up places via Google suggestions and came up with Beavertail State Park in Jamestown, Rhode Island because it was 1) close, 2) free and 3) well reviewed by real people on Yelp. What I think really convinced me that this might be a decent place, even though I'd never ever heard it mentioned before in a travel guide or tourist brochure, was that people chose it as a wedding destination. I figured at the very least, it would be pretty in the sunny weather we've been having lately. And I was not disappointed.

Seriously, who knew Rhode Island could be this gorgeous, boasting some of the most beautiful New England coast line locales out there? I certainly didn't, and I feel bashful at the number of times I've previously discounted the state as that place you drive through to get back to Massachusetts. S and I had been to Providence once, but only for a few hours, and I admit I'd been charmed by the place, but not convinced that the rest of the state was enthralling. I suppose I'd heard of Newport before, but in my mind, it couldn't hold a candle to the Cape. Well, now I am thinking I am probably wrong, and I have to give Rhode Island its due.

For a day trip, especially one to get some solitude and to appreciate a commune with nature, this place was perfect. The reviews said it was always busy, but that's not really the case if you are the adventuresome sort and go off trail a bit, which was irresistible for me once I saw the coastline for myself.

The sounds of the water at a public beach tend to be so soothing and peaceful in their own way, but the voice of the waters assaulting these cliffs with such authority and grace was just really something else. Even as the noonday sun beat down on me, I felt like I could have been lulled to sleep by the breeze and the tides and the beauty of it all. At the same time, I felt energized by these same elements (as well as likely the adrenaline shooting through me, as I attempted some pretty amateurish and impromptu rock climbing).

I know we have a lot to be proud of as a civilization for all we have created and innovated, but I take one look at our natural world in places largely untouched by human hands, and I know that this creation will never be contested. How lucky we are to have life in this messy, vibrant, growing world. It baffles me constantly, and I am not thankful for it enough.