Bliss is a word that I tend to use when I think of the most serene, quiet, and scenic experiences I have had in life. It’s a feeling I love tremendously and I try to soak up as much of it as I can when placed in a blissful moment. When I have a camera and remember to use it, I luckily capture some of those great moments which help to bring me back to that moment. They cheer me up when I am down and they inspire me to relax and connect whenever I feel a blissful moment taking place. Here are 5 pictures below that remind me of blissful moments.
1. Bark Bay, New Zealand
Bark Bay, New Zealand has been in my happy memory since visiting the tropical paradise 2 years ago. My cousin and I had been kayaking the Abel Tasman Sea (part of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track) in the northern part of the south island. We had spent one night camping in Anchorage Bay the night before and spent about 3 hours kayaking to reach Bark Bay. I fell in love as soon as we arrived. Not even the fact that every article of clothing I had was soaked from a water leakage could bring my mood down at Bark Bay. I was all smiles and laughter. The picture above was about 3 feet to the left of where we had pitched our tent for the night. I had never camped somewhere so warm and beautiful before. The delectable near-white sand, turquoise water, warm weather, and tropical breeze made me wish I could stay there for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, we had to leave the next morning but Bark Bay is one place I will return.
2. Fraser Island, Australia
Even though a lot of “issues” were popping up for me during one of my road trips across Australia, it didn’t seem to bother me once I was lying down on the tight white sand looking up at a marvelous array of clouds during a sunset on Fraser Island. Fraser Island is a beautiful island off the east coast of Australia and the largest sand island in the world. After driving along the almost-never-ending beach, we noticed this amazing sunset and cloud formation that we immediately had to stop. I jumped out of the truck, lied down, and took it all in like a big breath of fresh air before grabbing my video camera to get some footage. Amazing right?
3. Spray Lakes, Alberta, Canada
If this picture isn’t enough to express the true beauty of the Canadian Rockies, I’ll have to display more pictures of pink sunsets, glaciers, and friendly deer licking peanut butter off my finger. That’s just a few of the great sites I see every time I visit Spray Lakes Provincial Park. Just 1 hour from my house, this beautiful campground is nestled far up a mountain side. Despite warnings on several outings about Grizzlies and black bears in the area (none which I have ever seen), I need to make at least one visit each summer. The water is immaculate and quite chilly if you want a quick “wake up” in the morning. Friendly deer stop by the campground each time looking for their peanut butter fix. I snapped this photo while rowing around in a very little rowboat my dad purchased when I was a kid. Every time I visit Spray Lakes, I feel happy, peaceful, and grateful that I live so close to such outstanding scenery.
4. Skydiving in Queenstown, New Zealand
Okay, you might be thinking “how the hell can anyone feel bliss while falling 15,000 feet towards the earth?” This is true. The falling part isn’t really blissful at all but when that parachute opens and suddenly everything around you becomes so quiet, that’s what I found blissful. The first minute is chaotic and so loud that you can’t hear the guy strapped to your back. The last 5-7 minutes is sheer bliss as the parachute opens and you glide softly through the air for the next 5000 feet. You hear nothing. It’s as if your all alone coming down to earth for the first time. You get to see what bird’s see everyday and relax knowing that your parachute opened and everything is going to be okay. 🙂
5. Mesmerized by the Pacific ocean off of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Whenever I’m around water, whether it’s a lake or an ocean, I feel bliss. I love the serenity and tranquility that only a body of water can provide. This picture was taken while peering off a “pirate” ship off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. My girlfriend and I were staying in Puerto Vallarta for 3 nights and decided to partake in this pirate-themed dinner show aboard a ship. It turned out to be an absolutely fantastic time and we managed to grab some great shots like the one above and others of a beautiful sunset over the ocean. I particularly love the way the sun beams through the clouds onto the water as if opening up a portal into another world. breathtaking.
**
As you can see, I love bliss. It’s a romantic feeling. A very pure and peaceful moment. I tend to find it in different spots when I travel the world. Sometimes I find it at home as well.
Do you have any locations that remind you of a time when you felt bliss?
– – –
If you liked this post, you might want to subscribe. It’s free, your email is kept VERY private, and I’ll be turning this into a series in the near future.
I felt total bliss and peace in Bali and more specifically Ubud. All of Bali I found to be nice but Ubud in particular captured my heart.
Another place I felt total bliss was Zion NP in Utah. I backpacked into the wilderness. At night it was so still and quiet and the stars were amazing in the sky. Waking up in the morning to the crisp morning air and sunrise was just amazing. Would love to have that experience again.
Great post! I love hearing about others adventures and what draws them to a place.
I need to do some more wilderness backpacking. I always feel at ease when camping near the mountains or a lake. Definitely clears up the mind. So many parks I wanna visit in the northern States.