Vacation Photos

 This year we had BIG plans for vacations. Of course because of the pandemic, those didn't happen. But we did just get back from a long weekend in Maine where we hiked in Acadia. 

Here are a few pictures:

After a grueling and scaring hike, I was so happy to make it to the top

And of course we had our favorite ice cream spot where we ate lots of ice cream.

I'm a huge fan of the peanut butter. But also the Maine Blueberry Ice Cream. 

The weather was great. The foliage was just about peak season. I was so thankful we were able to go and enjoy nature. 

Where I Was (part 1)

So, we've been planning this trip for a little over of a year. 

We hiked Rim to Rim (roughly 20ish miles) over the course of three days.

We hiked and camped. And then we finally made it out. 

It's awe inspiring and hard to process the beauty of it. We took a bunch of pictures, here's just a handful. 

Here's the canyon the day before we went down. Plus you can see the rain cloud over the canyon.

Day One: We started in the dark and it was REALLY cold. Here the light is starting to come up.

Day One: Gorgeous

Day Two: This was the easiest hiking day. 

Although I felt like I was in Lord of the Rings - as part of the fellowship.

Day Three: Almost out.

There's the top!

The last little 3.5 miles was ROUGH. And maybe the 1.5 before that was tough.

But I did it! And I feel accomplished!!

Where I Am: On Vacation

This week, I'm on vacation, reading by the ocean and relaxing. Hope that wherever you are, this week is filled with happiness and great books.

Some books I hope to read while I'm there:

Where are  you headed/did you go on vacation this year? 

And more importantly, what did you read?

On Vacation Reading

The beauty of vacation reading is....getting to read whatever you want. I'm currently on vacation (it's the last day), and I decided to ignore all my obligation reading and just read for pure fun. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying that obligation reading isn't fun - I really do enjoy it and it also helps me read outside my comfort zone. There's just something about reading what you've been wanting to read, waiting to read, wishing to read.

I took several books I've been excited about since getting at BEA. I told myself I wasn't going to bring any library books - but somehow two escaped into my bag. So far I've read 4 books - the two library books and two ARCs and I'm halfway through ARC number three.

It's relaxing and fun. Sometimes the ARC pressure builds up because while I want to read them, I don't want to read them too early or library books come in and then they're due. It's sort of a vicious cycle. But vacation is my perfect time to read them and I've enjoyed the three books that I've read/am reading while at the beach or just relaxing before bed.

Vacation gives me the freedom to do whatever I want - and I love that it extends to my reading as well.

On Vacation

This past week I've been on vacation. I haven't gone anywhere. I read some books. I worked on my WIP - the Princess tale. I've lounged around most of the day. I went to an author signing. I cooked and baked recipes from Pinterest. I've played with the puppy (or at least bothered him while he was trying to sleep) I've slept in.  Honestly, it's been great! I can't remember the last time I felt so relaxed! I didn't get done all the things I wanted to, but that doesn't bother me one bit.

What would like to do if you had a little extra time this week?