by Nick Drake

STAFF WRITER

In the sports writing business, there aren't many slow periods to just pack up and take off for an extended vacation.

However, near the end of July and first of August, the seasons wind down and with the fall prep season just around the corner, it is just about the only reasonable time to head off into the wild blue yonder for a little R & R -- much needed before the high school sports blitz that is soon to follow.

This year, my beautiful wife, Sandi, managed to lock down a trip to Florida for a week and we also managed to sneak in a five-day venture to the old stomping grounds in Ohio for a brief visit with family.

Once in Florida, there were the usual trips to the crowded theme parks. Busch Gardens in Tampa was my particular favorite, and Sea World in Orlando was another fun-filled day.

But many who know me understand that baseball is one of my favorite sports, and we couldn't make the trek to the Sunshine State without a 90-minute trip to St. Petersburg to witness the Tampa Bay Devil Rays take on Boston in a three-game set. Many of the people we talked to in the area hate Tropicana Field because the arena is inside. But the close proximity of the seats and personal experiences with the players made the trip south -- we went twice to be exact -- pleasurable and enjoyable. My wife even stood in the crowded third-base dugout seats before the game to have her hat autographed and witness the players warming up.

After the seven-day excursion in Florida, there was a five-day trek north to my homeland in Ohio for a family reunion and a little sightseeing. Less than 24 hours into the trip, we made a trip to Pittsburgh with cousins, aunts and uncles to witness the Pirates host Ken Griffey Jr. and the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. In spite of the hapless Pirates, the stadium is one of the most scenic and fan-friendly professional baseball stadiums I've ever witnessed. It sits right on the Allegheny River with steamboats battling the swift current upstream. The city of Pittsburgh is the backdrop and the Steelers home field, Heinz Field, is just three blocks away. The Reds launched four round-trip blasts and five in all left the park during the game.

A short jaunt to Amish country was also on the agenda and the trip was very educational for my wife. Small roads with horse-drawn buggies and small shops were prevalent in this area of Ohio. Indeed, the Amish reminded me how tranquil and peaceful life should be. The movie "Witness" did a pretty good job of accurately depicting this particular religious group.

The family reunion was quite enjoyable to reminisce and allow my family to get to know my wife and reacquaint themselves with my son, Logan. It was quite enjoyable, especially talking to my grandmothers who are in their 90s.

The last trip was the usual trek to the Ohio State Fair. This annual August event nearly triples in size this state's fair in September with multiple exhibits, crafts, shows and treasures. But the humidity was much more than the three of us could bear and it left us grateful for the dry heat we came home to after our jaunt to the east.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and the nearly two-week hiatus from the pressure and stress of everyday life ended quicker than any of us wanted.

One thing is for sure, we have become very appreciative of the lack of moisture in the Utah air, and for some reason it doesn't seem as hot as when we left, even though the temperatures are nearly the same. Apparently, there really is no place like home.