He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
Vacations are meant to refresh, and mine has. It has been a time spent beside (and on) many quiet waters, travelling and sharing happy times with our family. From the coast, we towed our fifth-wheel to the Okanagan, then followed our son’s truck, camper and boat into areas of the Columbia and Kootenays. We shared in our DIL’s lakeside family reunion, and then had one of our own — the first time in years that all three of our married children and at least some of their children have been altogether with us. So far, we’ve had 100% sunshine, too, if you discount a couple nighttime thunderstorms. It’s been this vacationer’s idea of a perfect holiday!
What’s your idea of a perfect vacation?
~
God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.
Even when the way goes through Death Valley,
I’m not afraid when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.
Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
[Psalm 23 – The Message]
~ ~ ~
MUSINGS 
Welcome back, Carol! Looks like it was a grand time away – I’m so glad for you. We had hoped to be touring in the same area right about now, but family situations made that impossible. So I’ll celebrate vicariously through your beautiful pictures and words.
There’s an abundance of spectacular scenery and fascinating little towns throughout these areas. I hope you get a chance to take that tour sometime soon.
I was there when I was 18 and again with our kids about 30 years ago. Time to go back! I had relatives from that area – Penticton, a little town called Bow Island in Alberta and my mom was born in Duncan on Vancouver Island.
Lovely places… all of them! 🙂
Your photos are breathtaking! Beautiful. My idea of a vacation would be with my two baby granddaughters holding either of my hands, walking along the coast somewhere. With their mom and dad somewhere close by!
Thanks, Katt. Much of the joy of this vacation has been in the time spent with our children and grandchildren.
How wonderful that you are back, Carol. I missed your introspection and most of all your magnificent photographs. Welcome home 🙂
I’m not actually ‘home’ yet, Florence, but I’m back online again. It’s nice to be back among my cyber friends. 🙂
Gorgeous photos. Love Psalm 23 from the Message. Perfect. Thank you 🙂
Thanks, Brooke. Reading this translation makes me linger on the words and ‘see’ them in a way the more familiar versions don’t.
Sounds like a perfect holiday, There is nothing like a family reunion. The scenery alone would simply force you to relax. We are soon off to Europe to visit my husband’s parents in Spain and the take a trip down the Danube. Can use some R&R right now.
Enjoy your R&R! I’ve never been to Europe, but I think Spain must be very beautiful, too. I hope you’ll be bringing back photos to post. 🙂
I will do that! Thanks Carol.
My perfect vacation would be you and me heading to Smithers at the end of Sept for the Northern writers retreat!!! Hint hint hint. You could pick me up on the way. Sounds like a plan, eh? EH? Hint hint!!
I know it’s not all about me and yes, the photos are spectacular, but Smithers! We’d rock!!!
You’d have to bring your 5th wheel so we’d have somewhere to sleep! Sorry, forgot to mention that. Okay, sure bring Bob! He can drive. And while we’re busy, he could read… or sleep.
Sounds fabulous… except that I’m already registered for the Surrey Conference in October, and my already-strained-to-the-limits finances won’t tolerate anything more. (Just got the estimate for our current truck repair, too: $2500… agghhh!!!)
Well, darn! Sorry about your sic truck. Hope it feels better. Have fun in Surrey. I’m be there in spirit.