Since this year has been far from normal, it seems like many folks are planning to stay close to home, if they even take a summer vacation this year. School has either started in some places, or will start soon in others. I don’t know about you, but the few little getaways we’ve been able to take have really been good for our spirits.

Last weekend we went camping. It rained…a lot, but we still had fun. Being outdoors and breathing the fresh air was quite invigorating after spending so much time indoors. We went kayaking, the first time for me. Am I a fan? No. LOL. We renting the kayaks at the campground located on a river. The family we were camping with have four kids and there were four adults, so we teamed up on tandem boats. Let me just say, when you have a nine year old kayak-mate explaining how to paddle correctly, it’s a humbling experience. I’m pleased to report we survived, no mishaps. Well, if you don’t include me falling into the water once we made it back to the dock…

My daughter and I are Disney Passholders and couldn’t wait for the parks to open. We went to Hollywood Studios and let me just say, the precautions they’ve taken were to be commended. The attendance in the parks is limited, there is social distancing to get on the rides and once on a ride, your group is the only one sitting together. I was never concerned for my health and that fact made the day all the more enjoyable.

The big draw for us was to get on the new Star Wars ride, Rise of the Resistance. One word…amazing! If you are a Star Wars fan, you won’t be disappointed if you get to visit the park. The technology was impressive and the experience was not over hyped. We got into one of the early boarding groups so we didn’t have to worry about not making it on the ride that day. My only complaint? There was so much to see I wanted to go on again, but the groups had been filled for the day. I’m sure we’ll be back again to take a second spin on the ride.

It was hot, after all this is August in Florida, but even with masks on, we survived. And yes, we’ll be going back again next month to check out Epcot.

Hopefully you’ve had a wonderful summer. Maybe even got in a short getaway or two. I’d love to hear about your vacation this year.

So now, back to work. I’m in deep writing mode and won’t submerge for a while, but I am thankful for the time away with my family and friends. God is good!

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for her latest Harlequin Heartwarming romance, ALWAYS THE ONE, available now. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.