Cape Breton N.P.

The Prompt:  Where is the one place you would never want to go on vacation that other people seem to love?

The first place that came to mind when I saw this post was Vegas, but I think other large cities known for up-all-night parties and non-stop entertainment would also be deal breakers for me.

Since I would rather not bash any particular city since they are all hometown to someone, I decided to look at this from the perspective of what makes a vacation enjoyable to me, based on my personality and preferences.

When I was younger, I loved to go where there were crowds and rides and entertainment.  There were summers on Panama City Beach, baking in the hot sun all day, riding the waves on our boogie boards in the warm salty water until the sun’s light started to wane, then getting ready to go across the street to the theme park.   I remember my hair flying behind me while, “Another One Bites the Dust” blared from the speakers as I circled a track at high speeds, which would render me nauseous and require a trip to the chiropractor if I attempted now.  I licked the cotton candy from my sticky fingers, while perched at the top of the ferris wheel, the metal chair cool against my sunburn, secretly wishing the shady looking character below would start the wheel spinning again.  We hid from our parents and chased boys, giving them false names and numbers and giggling about it in our hotel room, which was joined with my parents.

Fast forward to the summer of 2014 and my husband and I are casually strolling down the street in Bar Harbor, ME, a cool misty rain falling as we seek out the best place for lobster.  We sat on park benches and people watched, ate ice cream and tried blueberry tea and watched the sunset.

We meandered up the coast and into Canada, stayed at bed and breakfasts through New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.  We luxuriated in sleeping in, had French press coffee and spent time just soaking up the scenery.  We took long walks in parks, inhaled the heavenly scent of balsam fir, welcomed longer lunches and relished each other’s company.

We sat on the rocks around a lighthouse, tranquil enough for my husband to doze off. (I think I even heard him snore) The waves splashed against the rocks, which were nicely heated by the sun which was a comfort on a breezy, cool day.  We took pictures of old churches, tasted fresh water at the base of a waterfall, ate too much candy and acted like teenagers.

It was one of the most memorable trips we have taken together.  I find nowadays that I enjoy and appreciate God’s creation more and vacation to me means spending time outdoors; somewhere peaceful, where I can just relax.  Fewer plans, less noise and crowds and I am a happy camper.