Picnicking is such a simple way to take a quick break and smell the flowers. It seems like a lost artform but one I encourage you to put a little time into. Just an hour’s break along the beach, in a creek bed in the middle of town, at a park, lake, or on a pier overlooking the ocean and coast, can be the refreshing break we really need.
Maybe I’m old school, but I don’t believe we are going to get the mental and physical restoration we need when we spend our lunch breaks or any break in our schedule busily gazing into our smart phones or tapping away with thumbs on a miniature keyboard. In fact, I think doing that just adds to our stress.
It seems like every garage, carport or pantry once held a picnic basket at the ready. People could toss in some napkins, a simple snack like crackers and cheese, or maybe just stop at the deli or fast-food place to fill out the picnic basket, which of course can just be a bio-degradable paper bag.
There are some not-so-common spots, which make fabulous picnic venues. One is our local Lake Los Carneros. I’ve been amazed that I can sit in that natural setting in the midst of town, look about, and see nothing but nature and mountains. It’s a wonderful resource.
My No. 1 recommendation for little-thought-of spots is to take a short walk into one of our local creek beds. Our piers and beaches make good spots for a quick break.
Try a break at the Courthouse Sunken Gardens, or one of the parks around town. If time allows, take a drive up to Lake Cachuma or nearby Paradise Road. Lake Casitas is a bit farther, but when time allows makes a great place for a rejuvenating break from the toils of day-to-day living.
No time for all of that? Well, at least go sit on the lawn or under a tree near work and keep that smartphone out of your face. Just concentrate on nature, even if it is just watching a bird or a bug.
We need a refreshing break, and that is just what picnics (sans smartphones and tablets) are for. Let’s go on a quick picnic. We’ll be better off for it. And if you are lucky enough to have a significant other, it is a perfect romantic break to reconnect.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
