Summer is finally here. Longer days, more vitamin D, warm pavement, and cool popsicles invade our lives during this time. For most, especially those in Washington state, this is a joyous thing and one a lot of people have been counting down too! But there are those who aren't too excited for the shift in seasons. Normally I would lump myself into this group.

However, that isn't entirely true.

Sure, I may complain about the heat or not be able to see or breath from my allergies, but that doesn't mean I dislike summer altogether. Some of my greatest adventures and fondest memories of days past were made in these months, and I expect there to be a lot more as time goes on.

Specifically, as a resident of western Washington, there are a few things I just can't do or things that don't feel right doing any other time of the year. I've made a list of seven things I always look forward to:

1. Rainier cherries.

Cherries aren't hard to find in Washington, especially since our state is the third largest grower in the country. Sure they come frozen year round, but those are mostly the classic red cherries. But Rainier cherries… oh me, oh my. You place some of those in front of me and watch me perform a vanishing act on them.

2. Beach visits.

Keegan McAdams

I really do love the ocean. Washington really does have some gorgeous shorelines. Walking along a beach in the sun and exploring the surrounding areas just doesn't feel right any other time of the year.

3. Camping trips.

Keegan McAdams

This takes me back to my scout days. So many nights were spent back then in a tent out in nature. It's something I don't do enough and really hope to start up again.

4. Lake swims.

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I'll be the first to admit I'm always smack talking swimming in lakes. Yes, they're cold and you can't see the ground, but it's still enjoyable and something I look forward to. A couple times a summer for the last three or four years myself and a few others will hit up a few lakes in Whatcom and Skagit County, always leaving in smiles.

5. Car rides with the windows down.

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I don't want a convertible… well, I don't want a convertible top car nine out of the 12 months. Riding along with the windows down on a warm day isn't something I will ever get tired of I think.

6. Working on cars.

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Summer provides a chance to actually get some work done on my cars. Now, that doesn't mean I will get any work done, it's just that I have the chance to do so.

7. Drive-In movies.

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Specifically, taking a trip to Oak Harbor to visit the Blue Fox Drive-In. This particular trip can really combine so many other parts of this list too. Bring along some cherries, stop and visit the beach at Deception Pass, swim in Cranberry or Pass Lake, roll over to the theater in one of my junkers with the windows down, and maybe even spend a night at one of the many state parks in the area.