In two days we are leaving on a week’s vacation in Canada, camping in our popup near Ottawa, from where we will visit Montreal and perhaps the Thousand Islands. Much as I enjoy being at home writing and editing in the summer, it is also nice to get away for a little while. And the prospect of going away reminds me of several other enjoyable vacations I’ve had:

> When Jean and I got married, we camped for two weeks in Maine and Nova Scotia, some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever encountered. I would love to return there someday– although definitely not tent camping as we did the last time!

> The year before Andy was born we went to England and Scotland, spending a week in London, a truly amazing city, and another week on a farm in gorgeous northern Scotland where my cousin Rita and her family lived at the time. Sadly, that wonderful trip was our only trip off the coast of North America.

> We’ve gone twice to Disney World with the boys, a place which is as magical as its aura, and which I recommend highly both to adults and kids.

> Three years ago we took a cruise up the east coast of Canada, and that was an amazing trip, not only for the sites we saw, but I can describe the joys of a cruise in two words: endless food!!!!!!

> One year we camped in New Orleans in our air-conditioned popup–which was so comfortable we actually used blankets at night! N’Orleans is a fascinating city; just don’t go alone onto Bourbon Street at night, since it is every bit as wild as its reputation.

> Last summer we visited Las Vegas which, for all its over-the-top gaudiness, is a place I strongly recommend you see. We also took side trips to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Red Rocks, all wonderful natural phenomena which balanced the artificiality of Las Vegas nicely.