VACATION RECAP

I'm back home after a fabulous week up north at my bestie's family cottage. We spent the time relaxing on the boat, reading, swimming, kayaking, walking, and playing games. 

I REALLY enjoyed the kayaking this year. In the past few years, it’s been fun but a big challenge. I had to take frequent breaks to shake out my arms and shoulders and I was sore for days after. 

I can easily hike 6-8 miles, but my upper body has never been as strong. I’ve put a lot of work into strengthening my back/shoulders/upper arms/core in the past year though and I was so delighted with how much it helped! 

I kayaked twice, once about halfway around the lake and the other time all the way around, and other than a little mild soreness after, I felt great! I didn’t have to take many breaks (except a few to grab some pictures!) and generally just felt like this was so much easier and more enjoyable. It didn’t hurt that the water was really calm. 

We had a few sprinkles of rain during our stay (including at the end of the second kayaking trip), but they were light enough that we could stay on the pontoon boat under the canopy and continue reading.  

I also saw eagles, loons, and osprey, which was pretty cool. I always hope I’ll see an otter. It’s far enough north in Michigan that it’s possible but so far, I haven’t had any luck with that. Maybe someday! 

In the evenings, we played games, and as per usual, my bestie’s daughter kicked our butts. We had a lot of fun though and I am so glad I got the opportunity to spend time with them all.  

Most of my time was spent reading though. Do you remember the audiobook series I’ve talked about? The author is on the fourth narrator and I just can’t stand the latest one’s voice so I had to switch to reading ebooks instead of listening in audio.  

I am really enjoying it though and am on the final book that’s currently available. I believe there will be one or two more left before the series wraps up.  

After my vacation, I'm feeling refreshed and happy and so grateful I was able to spend time with the people I love.