No Vacay Blues

As far as adventure goes, this summer was a bust. Again.

For the past three years now, I’ve not taken a summer vacation – or any vacay when I stop to think about it.

Covid, a new puppy (twice) an overwhelming project load, unplanned home issues…I’ve got every reason.

Many, many books, some great outdoor concerts, and going out for ice cream have kept me from the brink.

Still, as summer 2023 is coming to a close, I am teetering there, feeling left out, a little cranky, and low on inspiration. Even the family road trips of my childhood have, in this mood I’m in, become magical times I’m longing to recreate. Never mind we were lucky to have survived them!

You’re probably familiar with the quote, “the best adventures are found between the pages of a book.” Truth, and I am grateful. But sometimes, a girl just has to get out of town.

Today I made a promise to plan something for myself by starting my Official Bookish Travel Bucket List! The list is in three parts: Places I’ve dreamed of since childhood, Bookish places to get immersed in and, Inspired writing places.

I have no timeline really, other than to not let another summer go by without an adventure.

Here goes – Part 1.

Trip #1. The Great Klondike Gold Rush – Call of the Wild by Jack London. This was probably the book I loved most in middle school, set in a place that still feels like a great frontier.

The plan: Pack some casual hiking-type clothes and experience the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in Alaska as Buck, my lifelong canine soulmate might have.

Trip #2 The Mighty Mississippi – Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. These amazing books were the highlight of 5th grade and stories that still captivate today.

The plan: Head to the Hannibal Missouri home of Mark Twain and spend an immersive weekend with Tom, Becky and Huck. Maybe cruise the river on a steamboat?

Trip #3 Grass and Sea and Wind – Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry. My third-grade teacher was a mean and joyless spirit. A dull year with the notable exception of introducing our class to Misty.

The plan: Go see the herd of wild ponies that have inhabited Assateague Island for hundreds of years. The ponies are thought to be descendants of the survivors of a Spanish galleon which wrecked off the coast of Assateague.

Trip #4 “You can steer your yourself in any direction you choose.”

My dad read me Green Eggs and Ham almost every night. After that many readings, no surprise he could recite nearly all of it from memory well into his late 70’s.

The plan: Leave adulting far behind at the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss in Springfield Massachusetts. Then, head next door to the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden next door. Hello imagination!

What’s on your childhood bookish bucket list? What childhood reading memories would pack your bags to revisit?

Off to read,

Julie