Summer Fun in 2021!
It’s only June, but things sure are heating up out there early this year. I am personally beyond grateful for my backyard pool, as well as the fact that I live in the PNW where it isn’t too hot yet. With more things opening up now, the idea of summer vacations and getting out in the world while the weather is nice sounds wonderfully appealing. Need some inspiration on how to get the most out of your summer? Then keep reading!
Barbecue
It’s barbecue season! Fire up that grill and get your patio ready, because it’s party time. If you’re still a bit nervous about going out into the world, this is always such a great option for small gatherings, getting together with friends and family you haven’t seen in over a year, while also showing off your cooking skills. This is also a great excuse to get some of that yard work done and flowers planted!
Backyard Fun
Even if you have a small backyard, there really is so much room for summer opportunity. A pool, a patio set for entertaining, a fire pit for cool evenings, or even a bounce house if you have a large yard and energetic little ones. Not to mention the array of yard games you could set up, which are fantastic for all ages. You’ll be everyone’s go-to summer hangout!
Swimming
I recently had surgery, and let me tell you, with the weather being the way it is, I nearly cried when my doctor cleared me for swimming. I am fortunate to have a pool in the backyard, and I take advantage of it whenever possible. If you aren’t able to go swimming in your own backyard though, it seems like many lakes are opening up again, so grab your swimsuit or trunks and your floaties and get on out there to enjoy the waves!
Hiking
Living in the PNW has given me a whole new idea of hiking, as growing up in Michigan we had maybe two mountains to explore. I just started getting into some baby hikes in my area with a friend and the dogs, and it has been amazing. Getting out into nature where it doesn’t smell like the city is so refreshing. It’s also a wonderful way to bond with a friend if you can find someone who goes at a similar pace to you. I recommend having a large water bottle or backpack with a water bladder as it is going to be hot out there. So put on your hiking shoes and get to nature!
Camping
I’ll be the first to admit that I grew up “camping” which meant my family and I would take our pop-up camper to a campsite and plug in so that we had running water and electricity for a whole weekend. Living in the PNW has taught me that I absolutely am not ready for tent camping the way it’s done out here. I do not like bugs and also I watch too many horror movies so it all just seems like a bad idea. But if you’re into that sort of thing, get out there and do it! I do not know a lot about what camping requires, but I assume a tent? And a cooler for food. And maybe a sleeping bag.
Upon quick further research, it is also good to have a backpack with extra clothes, a first aid kit, and flashlight with extra batteries. Be prepared, because you never know what nature will throw at you to make your adventure more exciting!
I hope that however you decide to enjoy your summer that you stay safe and sane and get to spend it with some of your favorite people! Cheers!