PONDERINGS OF THE JOURNEY

TUESDAY

At the end of any experience, I feel the need to summarize -- to look back at the process and the learnings -- as I put away the remnants, restore order, and create space for the next project.  The suitcase is stashed, the laundry is washing, and the purchases are unwrapped and have found their places.

• I feel a great sense of accomplishment and success: I traveled 8300 miles with only one minor tire problem, nearly perfect weather, visited with 25 relatives and 15 friends along the way, saw everything I wanted to see and more. The trip surpassed any expectations I had. 

• I learned that the scenery is what feeds my soul -- and good scenery is nearly everywhere.  It's not the cities or the towns or the museums.  An attitude of appreciation is key to absorbing the the wonders of this country -- the mountains, the rivers, the plains, the deserts, the oceans, the cornfields, the sagebrush, the rocks, the marshes, the wind, and the rain.

• I like the flexibility of hotels.  At the outset I thought this was a leisurely vacation, and that bed and breakfasts would be a perfect fit.  However, I discovered I had time deadlines along the way, in order to arrive before things closed, or before dark, or to arrive in time for dinner.  Hotels allow me to arrive late, leave early, and still have breakfast before I leave in the morning. And hotels provide me with a desk, sufficient electrical outlets, and temperature control in my room.

• I like traveling by myself.  Not once was I lonely, though I would have loved to share some of my experiences with my friends.  I asked for help when I needed it, and found people were glad to offer assistance and guidance.  My Tennessee license plate often sparked conversation at viewpoints and pull-offs. 

• My voice recorder was the best thing I took with me.  It allowed me to record experiences and reactions and ponderings on the spot.  And I found I rather liked the sound of my own voice, as I listened later in the evening and wrote my blog. I often wished the voice had said more.

• There are people and places I'd like to revisit.  I like that feeling at the end of the trip.  Rather than a feeling of frustration, it's the opportunity for more exploration, more trips, and more conversations with people and places I'm barely acquainted with.

• I want to ride horses on a future trip.  This is an idea that's been simmering for a long time.  I saw riding opportunities in North Dakota and Montana and Yosemite and wished I had time to ride.  Future plans will be to ride here in Tennessee, get my tush and legs in shape, so I can take a riding vacation in the future. 

• Never once did I wish I had brought more clothes, more stuff, more coats, more shoes, or more food.  Three pairs of pants, four shirts, two pairs of shoes, a jacket, and a water-proof, wind-proof hooded long jacket was exactly right.

• Tweaks for the next trip:  a camera with a view finder and a smaller hair dryer.

• Mother would have been pleased with the trip and she traveled with me as far as Oregon.  She also would have been pleased that I visited  her friends and relatives and delivered her books and collected objects and pictures/paintings along the way.  Closure for our time together came as I journeyed.

• I unexpectedly had great timing throughout the trip.  My schedule allowed me to travel a couple of days by myself and then have a few days with people.  This pattern continued throughout the trip and provided a nice balance.  

• I learned the value and necessity of down time on this trip.  Sometimes I took it when I was staying at someone's home.  While they often felt the need to entertain me, I was happy to relax and just visit.  Sometimes I enjoyed down time at the hotel or B&B in the evening, by taking a break from blog writing, enjoying a long shower, and an early bedtime.

Ready for a road trip?  Give me a call and we will make plans.