Getting off the beaten path can often lead to rich rewards

Many of us have memories of discovering secret places - either literal or imaginary - when we were growing up. They are places that often remain with us, places to which we can return in our minds, either to catch a break from hectic daily life or simply to revisit a joyful time or place.

One of the most memorable vacations I had as a child was a trip to Grand Bahama Island, one of the northernmost islands of the Bahamas and near Florida in the United States.

One afternoon, I found a secluded place along a sand dune, enclosed by palm trees and broadleafed sea grape shrubs.