#still not ideal so island hopping and coastal travel are the go to when dealing with the ocean

[mayfay]

Gotta wonder how many "inventions" (AKA modified sling #17) Sokkas made trying to get Katara to fit on Appa in wolf form. Probably only got something half decent working with the engineers from the air temple.

Very fun that Zhao did all this to be a legend and'll probably go down in myth as yet another "don't piss off the spirits" tale.

Also you're totally right about the north not seeing wolves as womens work thing. Depending on how suppressing a transformation works (namely how much strength they can pull or what kinda mental changes it might cause) I could even see it going the opposite way and being considered a warriors domain (or maybe its a lot more neutral and just used to enhance jobs that would be helped by better senses or greater strength/stamina).

For characters specifically early Katara's obviously gonna have the biggest feelings about it, especially if only water benders got wolf forms. A bit of shame due to her lack of skill (even if the south isn't as focused on suppressing their transformation they still had a whole culture deeply involved in it that she just didn't get to really experience), some insecurities about about being different, and an unhealthy dose of eldest daughter syndrome thanks to not only being the last southern water bender, but also (potentially) the last southern wolf, especially if thanks to their greater strength (and potentially better coordination) wolves tended to have higher authority in the tribes, which would explain why the last wolf just happened to be related to the chief. On the flip side she gets some extra experience as the tribes main hunter/scout (even without training a 10ft wolf is a 10ft wolf), which while not directly applicable to combat is still intense, especially since she's the only wolf whereas in the wild most packs rely on numbers and coordination to take down large kills. Though maybe Sokka actually gets dragged along instead of teaching kids all day since I bet the old hunting strategy's they're modifying used a mix of humans and wolves for hunting.

Early Sokka also gets some angst though since his sister not only gets the fancy water magic, but also the cool giant wolf form that lets her actually contribute, while he's stuck acting as support despite being the only man in the tribe (though maybe being confronted with the fact he's the weaker of the two so often and being separate from the village on hunts all the time might dull that misogyny a bit. Still believe he'll have to wait for Suki to start chugging his daily respect women juice though). I could also see him trying to take on a more supportive role thanks to having more experience working with Katara, rather than watching her play with water while he fishes all day like in canon.

Early Aang really depends but I don't remember him having any major interactions with the water tribes before the war (though he did at least visit one of them for penguin sledding), especially if the monks only had time to visit one of the tribes and chose the north for their more familiar bending and higher population (though they are nomads and even with major detours it only took the Gaang like a year to travel the globe, so maybe they did manage to squeeze them both in). Overall I see him taking Kataras wolf form much more in stride than any in the series, seeing it as a larger faster fluffier form rather than a way to hunt or fight. Hell, considering how much the two put on their shoulders I would say even Katara and Sokka see her form as more a tool than anything else (though to be fair at this point it's more just another aspect of her than anything super special). Also penguin sledding totally gets switched to some form of tag since I bet that's a big hit in a wolf village and Aang would love it.

Zuko kinda depends on if hes been to the poles before but assuming his understanding of the situation is "sometimes water benders will be wolves" I could see him either not believing the tales or very purposefully (maybe due to Iroh) showing up in the daylight so even in the case of a hidden water bender he wont get absolutely got by a giant wolf, in which case things go roughly as canon. On the other hand if he shows up closer to dark, either assuming there wont be any benders or that their wolf form is a bit more reasonable, it'll definitely be much more of a fight. Does the superior numbers let the fire benders threaten people before Katara can get in, turning it back to the canon hostage situation? Does she just wreck shop while they're coming out and unable to spread out or use fire without hitting each other? Does the fact shes never really fought people before make her hesitate or worse in a fight so she doesn't manage to drive them off? In worlds where she fights I definitely see Iroh pulling everyone back and retreating, both cause of the obvious threat and using the potential of other water benders to get Zuko to go along. Weather they do manage to capture Aang really depends on if Zuko threatens from a distance or full on stalks them from afar to wait for Katara to detransform or just retreats. Honestly this version gives them a bit more reason to go with Aang, since obviously this 12 year old isn't gonna stand a chance against a full fire nation ship (and he's totally gonna reveal he's the avatar after causing this much trouble). Either way Zuko may be chasing them down still but he'll have to play it more cautious this time around, or study methods used specifically to fight wolves (probably hostages, restraints, and area control to limit movement. Honestly he might track down the raiders for info, which would give some extra Kyoshi Island time)

For Suki I definitely see her being apprehensive about it but Kyoshi Islands close proximity to the south means that even with their more isolationist nature they probably have some experience with wolves. Though considering the raids and isolation it might be more "legends about outsiders" than proper fact so who knows. Either way some extra respect for Katara, both genuine and "don't piss off the lady who just turned into a giant wolf". More interesting is how Katara's gonna handle the situation since this'll be her first time in a semi-friendly situation outside of her village where her wolf form is unexpected. Is she gonna be open about it once people ask? Will she take pride in her form or be more hesitant after so many years of it being a bit of a burden? Especially if she did fight Zuko and has to contend with the fact she can so easily accidentally take a life (Sokka knows what he's doing when working with her and they both know limits, that was a full on fight where her opponents were very squishy and very panicked). On the flip side though it's a good chance for her to see people appreciate her wolf side since Kyoshi Island of all places is gonna enjoy a lady that can transform into a 10ft wolf. Also I still see the attack happening, with Kyoshi Island making for good hostages to get the giant wolf to back down and the avatar to come out. Iroh is less than pleased and likely more hesitant with such a large threat though.

As the Gaang travels emotions and experiences happen which are gonna change things.

Personally see Katara sliding up and down the scale of enjoying having a wolf form as it's causing major problems but also is very useful when fights break out (the pirate episode is gonna be a fun one, especially since she's likely even more confident than canon. Though maybe she's actually less confident thanks to being used to the power of a wolf form but most issues happen during the day when she's a squishy human). Jet in particular is gonna come as a blow since she's unlikely to see someone manipulating her after so many problems being solved by biting them hard enough (a habit I'd bet money transfers over to her human form), especially since he's doing so specifically because of her abilities. Also while I'd really love for her to learn how to incorporate water bending into her wolf form I just can't see it when she can steamroll 90% of season 1s combat as a wolf. In fact it's entirely possible she's worse at bending than in canon since shes learned to handle combat at night when possible. Though it's possible she'll actually lean more into water bending than before, feeling much weaker in her human form than she'd like. Also water bending probably deviates significantly from canon to incorporate more wolf like patterns. Probably gonna end up looking more like a mix of air and water bending, moving around far more but also moving with the fight and directing it, while getting in more chip damage than powerful single blows like earth bending. Also I could see her actually taking inspiration from her and Sokka's hunting methods and bastardizing the accepted bending forms to work with less people, or trying to control multiple streams of water to try and match the forms assumption she'll be working in a pack.

Sokka is once again gonna have less angst but still get his fair share since if we assume he hunted with Katara he's likely a bit more in tune with her than canon, so he'll pick up on her feeling down (in fact he might actually hold off on immediately digging into Jet if he picks up on how excited she is about him. Though that also means when Jet trys to pull stuff with Sokka, Katara is more likely to pick up something's wrong). And considering he's the second half of the eldest child syndrome siblings he'll no doubt take it upon himself to fix it, which is gonna lead to some of the powerlessness he tackled in season 3. Honestly he might actually train a bit more and stick closer to Katara than in canon because of it, though considering how much food Katara needs and Aangs pacifism he's probably gonna have to hunt pretty hard (even if most of the hunting is done by Katara at night). Actually the siblings hunting could be a good way to judge moods and relations. Is Katara mopey? Sokkas gotta stick with her. Is Aang seeming pretty defenseless? Gotta stick with him as protection. Did someone get in a fight? Well they're probably being left alone when hunting time rolls around. Anyways I actually see Sokka not finishing up his big character arc during travel time, Katara can handle most combat and Aang's no slouch either, and they don't need big fancy plans when most things can be solved by waiting till night and their goal is simply "go north fast". Poor Sokka has a rough season 1.

Aang is interesting since his development is pretty separate from any wolf related shenanigans beyond dealing with most bending combat while night combat is a Katara curb stomp. Though to be fair I kinda suck at getting into his head so that plays a role too. Honestly kinda see him viewing Katara in a slightly more motherly role than canon now that he's not the groups main powerhouse, though her age and personality definitely makes her more friend than mentor. Also unsure of how his bending will develop since water bending is likely more cooperative than solo compared to canon, will he learn Kataras bastardized version or focus more on the basic form? Either way he’ll likely pick it up even faster than canon thanks to the greater similarity to air bending.

And finally northern water tribe arc is gonna be a big moment

Kataras role and development depends on a bunch of factors. Does she learn healing during their travels or is Aang less pressured to learn fire bending now that combat is more even so he doesn't burn her? Is the north more or less accepting of her wolf form than the EK? And finally my favorite question, is Katara normal?

See, you mentioned the north is less tied to their wolf forms, using them mainly as support for their water bending, while the south kept a larger wolf population due to the war. On top of that if wolf forms are tied to water benders that makes Katara the last known southern wolf. So the last wolf in a region notoriously dangerous, when the whole point of a wolf form is to help them survive, it's kinda natural she'd get some extra oomph right? What if due to the north not participating in the war and not utilizing their wolf form beyond a suppressed transformation for some buffs they had more standard wolf forms, rather than the 10ft stuff Katara has. For the south it's possible they just didn't realize the difference since so few traveled that far, besides granny who likely didn't like dwelling on the past like that considering Sokka and Katara didn't even know she was from there. It's also possible that the larger forms have been a steady increase the last hundred years as the number of water benders has gone down but combat demands have increased, leading to the stronger forms without the risk of overhunting the local ecosystem due to the lower population (this would also help explain the greater reliance on water bending compared to wolf forms considering just how big a threat the giant wolf form is)

So yeah Katara's gonna have lot of fun, but for the most part it's a mix of her earlier insecurities, potential over or under confidence, and canon pushback to gendered teachings. I see most of her physical development in the north focused on her wolf form rather than her water bending, learning to mix the two and some beginning methods for suppressing her wolf form (though I don't see her really taking to that one). Still needs to learn some basic healing of course since so many encounters rely on it, but it might not be as strong as canon since she doesn't have the base techniques she had there (also I'm a sucker for wounds taking time to heal instead of canons quick fixes, but I could see it work). Ironically enough she might have to fight to get access to healing teachings if she has a much larger wolf form since such an obvious and strong form has to be a blessing from the moon and is obviously meant for a warrior, so she might be pushed into the mens group this time around. Really depends on how the tribe manages instances where someone doesn't neatly fit into their hierarchy. Definitely not as impactful as canon but considering her already impressive skill in canon being ignored till she forced them to recognize her it could go either way so meh.

Sokka I see going one of two ways.

1. he tackles some of his personal issues that've been around most of the travel portion (and potentially even pre-Aang depending on how you take it) by interacting more with Yue, learning about how much can be done behind the scenes and how circumventing walls is a fight in of itself, one that can't be bended or bitten through. This would lead to him taking a more supportive role in the final fight, trying to contribute to the planning phase and potentially even getting the eye of the tribes leader since he undoubtedly has learned the value of a good mind (and Sokkas skill in combat is decent enough he has some standing, even before factoring in his ties to the literal avatar and (potentially moon blessed) Katara).

2 he goes the opposite direction and trys to prove his worth as a warrior just like in canon. This will probably go the same as canon, but by being a bit more insecure it's very possible he doesn't interact nearly as much with Yue, which in turn means he doesn't get into a fight with Hahn, so he wouldn't get removed from the invasion force. Now weather he ends up on the ship or stays on the walls is up for how you'd want the story to go. If we assume he stays on the walls it'd be a good way for Sokka to learn that a good plan (don't attack water benders on a full moon in the middle of the night) is able to counter even amazing strength. If he does go on board though things get interesting. Best case scenario he stays disguised elsewhere in the ship while Hahn gets himself thrown so he can report back or cause chaos from within (yet another way of seeing how a sneaky plan can outdo even a major force). Worst case scenario though is he ends up on one of the ships that didn't breach and is stuck out at sea when things go bad. Following this route the sea monster attack from canon is a better fit than Sokka just kinda awkardly standing to the side while the northern tribe turn into wolves and tear apart the invading soldiers. If the ship gets destroyed he either ends up drifting back to the northern tribes shore with some hard lessons learned about diving headfirst into combat and going along with a stupid plan just cause it lets you fight, orrrrr he takes the Zuko-Iroh route and drifts back to the EK where he gets his own little tale of trying to find Katara and Aang (maybe even "teaming up" with Zuko since that dude's surprisingly easy to find and better than Katara at tracking things down). Plenty of potential there for everyone but would be a significant shift away from canon.

Finally Aang I sadly don't have much for again for reasons I listed earlier. I’d hesitantly place him being fairly inactive here, his lack of support in combat and spiritual matters on top of potentially managing to get kidnapped acting as his kick in the rear to start learning bending properly and potentially trying to learn a bit more about what being the avatar actually means. Is he here to dispense justice, keep the peace, protect his people, or something else? Either way this would be his sign that things need to change, leading to him putting in a bit more say into their travel and goals.

Finally Zuko I see going similarly to canon, relying on stealth and a hostage Aang to deal with Katara. When even this fails he gets some extra angst about not being smart or strong enough, but not enough to change his arc too much yet (though season 1 has definitely planted the seeds to future changes)

Might do season 2 tomorrow, having a great time with this. I'd love to hear your ideas (especially for Aang and Zuko since I kinda struggle with them), where I ramble and spiral out to a dozen timelines you're great at finding a fun path down the middle somewhere and adding depth.

[ Azula cornered by wolf!Katara during the DOBS. ] Azula: Oh, what large teeth you have. [ Wolf!Katara tries to attack her. ] Azula: I mean white sparkling teeth! I know you probably hear this all the time from your food but you must bleach for something because that is one dazzling smile you got there. And do I detect a hint of minty freshness? And you know what else? You know what- [ Wolf!Katara returns to human form. ] Azula: You’re a girl! I mean of course you’re a girl! Cause you’re just reeking of beauty.

[vacationrentalsflorida]

5 Amazing Places To Escape The Winter Months And Enjoy The Beaches

At this time of the year, winter snowbirds start looking for beautiful places to go to relax and escape the cold. Florida is a stunning place to visit at any time of the year, but it becomes particularly appealing as the darker, colder nights set in. It’s easy to feel tired, drained and even a little depressed because of the less than favorable weather. Wouldn’t it be great to get away from it all?

Where can I find vacation rentals online Naples Florida?

If you’re planning a vacation in Naples Florida, then searching for rentals online at Findrentals.com is a great idea. You’ll find some spectacular deals on affordable, high quality rentals that are suitable for solo travelers, couples or families alike. Here’s our top pick of great vacation rentals in Naples, Florida and on the surrounding islands.

Anna Maria Island Florida

Anna Maria Island is a laid-back, natural island that is located just 20 minutes away from Bradenton. The white-sand beaches span miles and miles, and there’s far more to do than just sunbathing and watersports. Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria and Holmes Beach are full of dining opportunities and night life as well. The island is quite unspoilt, as there are some strict regulations about building in the area. In terms of things to do, you will find that the island is quite diverse. From fishing on the Anna Maria City Pier, to relaxing at the beach, exploring the community gardens, shopping at the marketplace, or exploring the ‘Old Florida-esque’ streets of Anna Maria City, there is truly something for everyone.

Where some areas of Florida traditionally attract a more mature tourist base, or are more luxurious, Anna Maria is a more sporty and relaxed place. It is cosy, with an easy-going vibe, and it offers beautiful views and a chance to hop over to the other islands for a little extra variety if you wish.

The cosy vacation rentals at Sunset Terrace are great for couples and small families. If you’re arranging a family get-together and are looking for somewhere a little more spacious, then the Ocean Sunrise house in Bradenton Beach features five bedrooms and three full baths, and a great pool too!

Marco Island Florida

Marco Island is the largest of the barrier islands just off Florida. It is a magical, mystical island with sun-washed beaches and lots of dolphin-spotting opportunities. This is a great place to go to enjoy water sports, or just for sunbathing. There are some wonderful restaurants to visit, with fresh seafood being a common sight on the menu as you would expect. There are a number of fun tours leaving from the island as well so if you would like to go fishing, or take a helicopter tour to see not just Marco Island but the rest of the Florida Ten Thousand Islands, then Marco Island will make a good base of operations for a long, adventure-packed winter holiday.

Families with young children will enjoy hunting for shells and playing on the beach. Adults will enjoy playing golf, and anyone can have some fun exploring the everglades in a rented buggy, or hiking across the Rookery Bag nature reserve. The scenery and wildlife must be seen to be believed, and there is plenty of opportunity for relaxation and pampering after a busy day.

Couples and small groups will find some lovely, affordable condos at Anglers Cove in Marco Island, while families will find that South Seas Tower and Sea Winds are great options thanks to their large size and reasonable prices. If you’re looking for a more luxurious property, then a house on Rockhill Ct could be a great option, with a beautiful garden and a spacious, well-equipped kitchen with an oversized island/bar. This amazing house is ideal for booking out for a party or a girl’s big getaway.

Naples Florida

Naples is a small city located in Collier County, Florida. The area where Naples is located today was the home of the Calusia indians for thousands of years. The city of Naples was founded in the 1880s, by former Confederate General John Stuart Williams. The settlement was named Naples because promoters described the area’s bay as surpassing that of Naples, Italy. The city grew in the 1920s when the railroad reached the area, and today it is a popular tourist hotspot thanks to its relatively unpsoilt scenery and its proximity to Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades. If you are a winter songbird looking for somewhere to visit during the colder months, but traditional island vacations don’t appeal to you then the bay of Naples is a great alternative. The city is bustling and pleasant, and you will find that there is no shortage of attractions. Plus, the central location gives you the freedom to go and explore other areas of Florida at your leisure.

Naples is one of the higher end, more luxurious areas, and it definitely attracts more mature and discerning travelers. If you’re hoping for a romantic break then you’ll find this is the perfect destination with some top quality restaurants, tranquil sunset views, quiet private beaches, and so much more to enjoy.

There are many vacation homes that would suit those looking to escape the cold this winter. Saratoga in Lely Resort is a two bedroom monthly vacation home that feels like a miniature palace, and is not far from the waterfront. Solo travelers and those looking for a short break may appreciate the Fifth Avenue Beach Club single bedroom condo which can be hired on a nightly basis , and groups looking for a bigger place to go for a longer getaway may enjoy spending the winter in a luxury vacation home in Quail West. No matter what your budget, you’ll find something amazing in Naples.

Orange Beach Alabama

Orange Beach is located in Baldwin County, Alabama and is a picturesque city with a small population. It has a humid, sub-tropical climate, making it a great place for winter snowbirds. It has a thriving sports scene, and is popular with those who are looking for a getaway that involves water sports, golf, tennis or basketball. Dolphin cruises depart regularly from the city, and there are a number of islands just off the coast – Robinson Island, Bird Island, Walker Island and Gilchrist Island. These islands are easy to reach by boat, jet ski or paddleboard, but the strong currents of the waters mean that it is not safe to swim over to them.

Orange Beach is most popular as a family holiday spot. During the summer, when the schools are out, you will find it’s quite busy. It is popular as a winter getaway for families hoping to escape the cold, but not quite as crowded as it can be during what would be traditional/peak time for school holidays. There are plenty of amenities, and there are lots of things to see and do. A lot of tourists opt to stay in national hotel or motel chains, so those who are savvy enough to pick up a longer term vacation rental will find that they get a great deal on prices, and also get to enjoy the beauty of the destination while escaping the crowds.

There are numerous vacation rental options around Orange Beach. Whether you are travelling alone or with a large party you will find some stunning properties, and at some incredibly affordable prices compared to Naples, too. Choose from cosy, comfortable and affordable accommodation in Gulf Shores, such as Happy Clam , or one of the bigger Prickett Properties with three bedrooms and four full bathrooms for a big group or family vacation this winter (https://www.findrentals.com/vacation-rentals/alabama-gulf-coast/orange-beach/l2129051). Orange Beach combines a convenient location with great weather and a wealth of options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Dauphin Island Alabama

Dauphin Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a picturesque island, which is home to some incredible wildlife. There are several bird sanctuaries on the island, the biggest of which is the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, which covers 66 ha of land. The island is the first landfall that many birds encounter as they migrate northwards, and as such the sanctuary sees a wealth of birds passing through during migration season. There are several beaches on the island. Two of the main beaches charge for access now – the central public beach, and the privately owned West End Beach. There are still plenty of other, free to access beaches on the island and you will find that there are lots of things to see and do. Fort Gaines is an historic walled fort. You can also use the ferry to reach Fort Morgan. In addition, not far from the ferry dock you will find the Estuarium – a fresh and sandwater aquarium which highlights many of the species that are native to Alabama.

There are many condos and vacation homes on Dauphin island. Goin’ Coastal has some lovely vacation houses for small groups , and Surf Club offers waterfront and ocean view properties in a range of sizes to suit most budgets . Those looking for a smaller beach house may appreciate the Sunset Beach vacation property, that offers wonderful sunset views.

Whatever type of vacation you are planning, there are some amazing options in Florida. Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway for a few days with your friends and family, A week or month long vacation where you really let your hair down, or even a much longer trip, there are vacation rentals to suit you. Many retirees will book out a seasonal vacation home and spend several months enjoying the sun and the change of pace. Who wouldn’t want to leave behind rain or snow and spend the winter months playing tennis and golf at their leisure? The beauty of Florida is that it has it all. Night life, fine dining, water sports and more – all in one place.

If you want to get the best possible deal, try to book well in advance. This will help you to avoid disappointment, and give you time to shop around and reserve an affordable spot too. For bigger groups, staying in a condo or a large beach house gives you freedom and privacy, and can be a much better price than booking several hotel rooms. You’ll have your own private, luxurious home and can come and go as you please without worrying about disturbing, or being disturbed by, other guests.

from Vacation Rentals Florida https://vacationrentalflorida.wordpress.com/2018/12/10/5-amazing-places-to-escape-the-winter-months-and-enjoy-the-beaches/