Adventures of summer 2020

Summer during a pandemic was quite interesting, to say the least. No Six Flags, no public pools, no concerts, no vacations. Despite all of this, summer 2020 was probably the best summer of my life. I surrounded myself with the people I care about and kept as busy as possible. Here is a look at what I did- #esummeradventures

*Started working again. I am a gymnastics coach, so the gym must follow the state guidelines. Because of that, I was out of a job for months. For the last five weeks of summer, I was able to begin coaching again,

*Went on my friend’s boat. I went on twice with her parents and a family friend. The first day I went was cold and cloudy and ended with being rained on. Not a pleasant day for a boat at all. The second time was the most ideal day; it was sunny and warm.

*Motorcycle rides galore! My dad took me on a ton of fun adventures on the bike. We discovered new towns, stopped at different sceneries, ate a lot. We went on two long rides this summer, which included to Dixon, IL and the Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, IL.

*Went camping far and close to home. With COVID-19 canceling our vacation plans to Michigan, we found a solution by enjoying the great outdoors. We camped at Big Rock Campground, Mississippi Palisades State Park and Woodhaven Lakes.

*My great-grandma turned 100! We were able to visit her through a window and had a drive-thru celebration where she was able to come outside of her nursing home to watch us all go by with signs.

*Went to Starved Rock State Park with my friends. Our legs were shaking, and we all came to the realization of how out of shape we are, but it was a good time nonetheless! Starved Rock never fails to disappoint.

*Took professional pictures in a sunflower field at Matthiessen State Park. I took the same friend as all the other times (love you Meghan) to get our pictures taken by Kai Kostner (@Breakstill). We went towards the end of the season, so they were, unfortunately, dying by the time we got there, but it was still beautiful and a glorious experience.

*Finally went to Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire, IL. I have been wanting to experience this mini-golf course for years now, so I was not letting anything get in the way of me going this year. It is worth the drive and every penny spent on admission. It is amazing and I will be going again in the future.

*Went back in time to the drive-ins. I went twice this summer to the McHenry Outdoor Theater in McHenry, IL. The first time, we saw Billy Madison and Tommy Boy; the second time, we saw Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

*Spent time with friends doing random things around town. Rather it was eating McDonald’s, hanging out in my backyard, or walking in Downtown Naperville, there was never a disappointing time.

*Spent time with family discovering new forest preserves and places to grill up some hot dogs at.

*Published my book!! After lots of setbacks, Just a Memory is finally for sale.

*Celebrated my 20th birthday! Check out my blog post about my birthday weekend here: https://ereamer333.wixsite.com/dreamereamer/post/the-bridge-to-iowa On my actual birthday, my dad took me on a motorcycle ride, I went to the River View mini-golf course in Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles, IL, ate pizza from Doughocracy in Geneva, IL and then my friend came over for cake.

*Experienced a very delayed season of Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, IL.

I am so blessed and grateful for my life. Every day is a new beginning that sparks new adventures. Thank you, summer 2020, and to my friends and family that made it so enjoyable!

Thanks for reading,

Elisa Reamer

“I am happy because I live, I am wealthy because I have Deep relationships.” -The Fates Will Harmonize For You, RH Fowler