Staycation

Over the 4^th of July weekend, we were compelled to have a staycation. A staycation is when you enjoy the activities of a vacation, but stay home to do it. Since gas prices, dining, and lodging are increasing in price, the staycation has become more popular. For instance, you could stay in town, forget the household chores and spend the weekend staycationing by reading a book, golfing, visiting the local museum or zoo. Basically staying close to home rather than going to a destination to get this accomplished. Over the 4^th, we staycationed in our own backyard. We pitched the tent under the walnut tree, BBQ’ed our dinner, enjoyed reading by the bonfire and made s’mores…all before we called it a night and nestled down in the tent. Upon waking up in the morning, I meandered over to the fire pit, pulled up a chair, kicked back and did some more reading. It was incredibly relaxing! The nice thing about staycationing at home is that when we do want to leave, we can just leave the dogs in the house like we normally do.

Since it was a warm sunny morning, Tim and I decided to go kayaking. We got out on the river and it was calm, there was a soft breeze coming through. When we kayak, we typically start the direction that goes against the current (on the Fox that happens to be south). That way the trip back is never hard work because we have the current with us. Well, as we headed toward our kayaking destination we went against the current and suddenly the wind picked up. Then it really picked up! Before we knew it, we had our work cut out for us. It was the kind of wind that’s low bearing on the water and when the gust comes through it makes the water shiver on top. The trip was incredibly difficult. If I looked toward the shoreline I was barely moving forward. If I stopped paddling, the kayak would start moving backward! We were determined however to get to our destination which is down by a non-operating lock. The water there is calm and there tends to be more wildlife since boats don’t go down that way anymore (too shallow for most boats). Finally, we arrived - and with much reward. As we were headed out of the lock channel there was an eagle flying overhead. We went up by shore and hung onto some overhung branches to watch the eagle. Eventually we lost sight of the eagle. As we continued down the channel, we saw a large bird fly from one tree to the next. Sure enough, it was the eagle and it landed in another tree and perched right next to another eagle. It was beautiful. We just stayed there and watched them sit up in the tree and spy fish. Eventually one left and we decided to head home. We floated down the river in our kayaks, like it was a lazy river. It was so pleasant as the sun warmed us and calmed our sore muscles (or at least mine, can’t speak for Tim on that one). We spent the rest of the day chilling out. It was a relaxing, yet adventurous staycation, right in our own backyard!

Try it sometime, you might be surprised how relaxing a staycation can be…and how much money you’ll save! The picture is our tent pitched in the back year. -L