The Heady Days Of Summer Have Begun
So summer is finally, officially on. Yesterday we passed the solstice, the longest day of the year and as is usual for this part of the country it was a fine event. A pleasant 70-degree day, a slight ocean breeze and puffy clouds that floated lazily by in the sky all day. It brought back a mix of emotions for me, the complicated compilation of a lifetime of summers past. And I felt a need to write about it.
My first thoughts were of my childhood summers in Denmark, of days alternating between play and work. There were many hours of solo exploration in the forest hunting down old Viking graves and their ghosts, collecting wild mushrooms and playing in the chilly ocean waves with my friends. In between the play we painted the house, mowed and weeded, learning about all the various plants, herbs and trees in the garden. To this day I still only know the names of most plants in Danish.
And then there were the hours of rest. If I close my eyes I can still envision the hammock under the silver birch by the entrance of our driveway. It would sway in the breeze and I would sway with it, listening to the birds fluttering in the leaves and the honey bees buzzing around the summer flowers. The motion was almost as soothing as the sea. Those were the days of youthful joy and childhood nostalgia.
Summer also brings back strong memories of wanderlust and travel. As a student I traveled every chance I got, and the summers were my most adventurous. Money was always tight (which I imagine is typical for all students), so I subsisted on baked beans (the UK equivalent of ramen noodles) and supplemented with part-time jobs so I that could squirrel away some £’s and squander it all backpacking on the cheap in exotic lands.
I saw lots of places in those days from the remote islands of Indonesia to the Amazonian forests of Venezuela, sometimes from the back of a local bus filled with chickens and pigs, sometimes from the trail with nothing but my pack and a single change of clothes. It was exciting, somewhat dangerous (oh, the stupid fearlessness of youth), but ultimately very liberating. Those were the days when all of life was ahead and anything felt possible.
This time of year also brings a certain sadness. It’s close to this time, just last year that I lost my mother. It’s been a long year since then and many of the harshest emotions have passed, replaced by softer thoughts and gentler memories. I’ve grown closer to my father (something I deeply cherish), and we’ve celebrated many “firsts” as a new family….first Christmas, first passed birthdays. Each first creates a new memory and a new future, but there will always be a lingering ache. Thus is life.
As an RVer summer combines a all those things and more. It’s a crazy time when families pour out in masses for summer vacation, packing campgrounds and parks to the brim. The activity is energizing, but also makes RV travel more onerous requiring reservations and planning (sometimes months in advance) if we want to park “the beast” anywhere close to the “prime” spots.
Typically we opt to settle down somewhere and volunteer, choosing areas that cater to both our travel lust and our need to be restful and close to nature. On rare occasions we travel, either by choice (as we did in 2014 when we drove up the Olympic Peninsula) or by need, as it seems we will this year. But no matter where we go all those mix of memories are still there.
Yesterday as I sat outside my RV in the grass under the shade of the black cottonwood, I could hear the birds fluttering in the trees and the light ocean breeze moving through the leaves. I closed my eyes and I moved with them, running back through the film of my memories, and the complicated mix of my emotions. I re-lived the sadness of my mothers passing, re-felt the excitement of my youth and re-followed my life’s story all the way back to that day in the hammock under the silver birch in Denmark.
It feels like I’ve lived a long life, but I know it’s probably only half of one (at most, I hope). The heady days of summer have just begun and there are many more memories left to make.
Beautifully written. Summer memories from childhood are always the fondest. And like you said, there are many more memories to he made.
I was looking at some photos I took in the last 5 years and was marveling at some of the photos. Then I saw this post. I still like mine, but mine and yours are a world apart. Awesome post of photos.
And then there are your words. Really warm. I’m trying to hum in my mind (my mouth doesn’t work so swell) Cass Elliot singing “Dream A Little Dream of Me.” Just a really great post.
Thank you for the lovely compliment. Most warmly felt.
Nina
With tears in my eyes, I write to says what a lovely post. Being in, what I call, the last third of my life, I can relate to your post. Child hood memories woven into adult memories.
Say!
Nice read, going through a life review and feeling great is special. Amazing how one can travel time that way and you managed to put it into words. You had better weather for Solstice, but it was a good day anyway.
Funny how you view life as 1/2 over, I consider each day a surprise when I wake up.
Well I hope my life isn’t half over already. With a big of luck and by keeping healthy I’m hoping for many, many more years to come. But I like your approach of taking each day as a new surprise. It’s a good way to live.
Nina
I love how sounds, places, smells, moods of the weather and times of the year can evoke such strong memories. The stories of our lives, and the foundation for who we are.
Thank you for so beautifully sharing some of yours. *hugs* and much love.
Thank you too…and huge {{hugs}} back!
Nina
You are a very talented, gifted individual.
As I read through this post and felt so many deep emotions swell up in me of sadness and joy from my own life, I knew I had to write to you and thank you for such beauty and transparent honesty–it is such a rare and precious thing in our world.
But how could I express just how much your words meant to me; I can’t package up my tears and send them to you. Words fail me.
So all I can do is say, from the deepest part of me, to the deepest part of you, thank you.
Bob
Thank you for those most heartfelt and deep words. I’m very touched that my few words can evoke such feelings in others. I have to admit I felt rather emotional when I wrote this. It just confirms that we are all connected by our shared experiences.
Nina
Just beautiful… I love summer too , growing up in my beautiful Switzerland .
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Nina.
Also many thanks for sharing all your travels on your blog. We used many of your RV sites, recommendations and especially love all the state parks you mention, we stayed in Elephant Butte Lake State Park in spring on your exact spot and it became our number 1 .
We are full timers, early retired since January 2016 and realize too, summer can be a challenge to find good spots, but we learn as we go .
We really enjoy and embrace our new lifestyle and just go with the flow and we are looking forward to September .
Hope you are all doing well and I am always enjoying and following all your new adventures , seems like I found a “great RV friend ” in you.
May be our ways, routes, paths will cross on day.
Happy summer !
Congrats on being fulltime! I’m happy I’ve been able to help you find some sweet sites along the way. Continued good travels to you!
Nina
Just like Cherie said sounds, places, smells, the moods of the weather and add in those pictures that you feel like if you stare at them long enough you can be transported back into that snap shot of life.
What a Wonderful Read!! And I might add Life not half over, just half way started. 🙂
Thanks for sharing
Sanford
Very well stated…unlike you, my life is more than half over but I still try to live each day not knowing and being surprised…for the most part it works …sometime it doesn’t and I get sad…not that I haven’t had a great life I have….and I have no regrets…When I close my eyes I often go back to my childhood and remember the summers at the beach…at camp but always doing something….thanks for writing this post so well…
You encompass much of what I hope to be at your age. Your continued wanderlust and sense of adventure is exactly what I aspire to. And by the way, you act like you’re 30 🙂
Nina
A lovely post, just lovely!
You are such a good writer. I love reading your blog. We are heading up the Oregon Coast in about a month and we’ve been using many of your previous blog / campground reviews.
Very happy the recommendations are working out for you. Enjoy the coast. It’s a beautiful time of year to be here!
Nina
Have a great summer.
Thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts and emotions with us. It truly is great writing. I always look forward to reading your post.
Wow! So well written! You should write a book. Continue to share your thoughts and travels with us.
beautiful and tender
An excellent book addresses many of your thoughts is H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald.
Lovely words from a lovely lady. It was so nice to meet you yesterday, we are truly enjoying the area. Safe travels as you continue on your journey this summer and I want to thank you for your blog as you are an inspiration to a lot of us in our journey.
It was wonderful to meet and chat with you too!
Nina
Thanks for a great post. Life has been a bit bumpy lately around here lately and I needed to be reminded we have been extremely blessed and have so many great memories. When we were younger we did some pretty silly things, had some great adventures, shared wonderful times with family, friends and fellow travelers.
Yikes! I may even have to finally get around to doing something with all those 35 mm slides. Well, maybe not today, the weather in Portland is far too nice.
Cheers!
So sorry your life has seen bumps lately. It’s hard to stay “zen” when life throws us challenge after challenge. Sure hope it eases up for you.
And 35mm slides…now there’s some serious nostalgia. Those were the days when a photo viewing was like a trip to the cinema. Good times.
Nina
Thanks for sharing from your heart. Suspect a bit of the warmth of that new summer sun, is Mom smiling upon you. Keep up and grow the new bond with Dad!
I do not need to tell you and Paul to enjoy, as you both set a great example for us all, on seizing the moment!
Best,
Smitty
I do think of her in amongst the flowers and the sun. She always loved the garden so I have no doubt her spirit is out there enjoying the abundance of Summer.
Nina
Hello Nina and Paul –
First of all … this is such a beautiful post. Summer is truly that season where the decades in our lives become somehow melded together and we can easily visualize our “selves” in yesterday’s chapter, today. Thanks so much for this piece for it really did fill me with summertime ease!
On another note… regarding Polly –
I have a dear friend that works part-time for a vet near Portland and she just recently let me know that the best pet rehab in the area is Back On Track. I noticed several other people commented on them, so wanted to add another recommendation from a vet. Also, she has mentioned that in addition to checking out hosting options, you can see if the ODFW (fish and wildlife) have any opportunities in the area. You’ve probably already solidified your jello plans for the next few months. Hope Polly’s recovery is going well and kitty is feeling better too.
Thanks Imkelina. We’re getting close (very close) to solidifying our plans for July. I hope to have the final piece in place tomorrow. I appreciate all the recommendations and ideas that everyone has given. They’ve been immensely helpful!
Nina
So eloquently written Nina. I understand the complex web of emotions and memories associated with youth, and the passing of a parent. Big hugs!
Nina,
Thank you for the beautiful pictures and the wonderful post. It made me stop, relax, reminisce and smile.
Barbara B.
Lovely post. There’s something about that beautiful corner of the world, where the Columbia meets the Pacific Ocean, that evokes deep emotions in me too. All that collision of land, water and air seems to dislodge old dreams and memories and awaken the soul.
Beautifully said!
Nina