For the month of January, I’m participating in Bloganuary, a daily blogging challenge.
Today’s Prompt:
What is a road trip you would love to take?
Last summer, I drove from the Tampa Bay area up to Toronto. My dog, Toby, was a silent passenger in the back seat for the vast majority of the 22 hours of driving, tackled over 2 days. I only stopped for gas, bathroom breaks, and walks to ensure I got my daily steps. I was only driving to get to my destination; there was no journey.
In my mind, a true road trip is one in which the driving is the objective. Perhaps there isn’t even a final destination in mind, but rather, checkpoints along the road that become the highlights of it all. Music belts out of the car speakers, creating a wonderful soundtrack for the trip. And there are at least 2 people to share in the experiences… and the driving.
When I think back on my life so far, I’m grateful to have many memories of different road trips I’ve taken. I’ve witnessed moose during my drive around Newfoundland, seen the most beautiful scenery through the fjords of Norway, and survived the steep, hairpin turns crossing the Slovenian Alps. I was a passenger along the awe-inspiring Friendship Highway of Tibet, I’ve seen the gorgeous coastline of Highway 1 in California, and took in breathtaking vistas in Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
My ex-wife has a passion for travel. I often felt that I got dragged along on all her journeys. Traveling is stressful for me. Primarily because I suffer from all types of travel-related sickness. I’ve tossed my cookies in planes, boats, and cars. I’m also apparently sensitive to altitude, so that overnight at Everest Base Camp was a struggle.
I suppose that explains why I just want to get where I’m going as quickly as possible, so the chances of losing my lunch drops drastically. I like being in new places, but actually traveling to them is exhausting.
That’s why I’m having trouble answering today’s prompt. What stops along the way would make the whole road trip worth it to me? What checkpoints would be so enjoyable, that I’m willing to risk my stomach doing somersaults? Goodness, I already feel the stress of the trip.
But in letting go of all that yuck, and instead focusing on the exquisite landscape I would absolutely love to see on a road trip, it’s a toss-up between two: the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper in Alberta; and driving all around Kauai, Hawaii.
I’ll admit it… I can feel the travel bug starting to nibble again.
My Memory List 