Road Trip!

We are in Kentucky at a rest stop on interstate 71, south of Cincinnati.  We excitedly departed Fergus Ontario today at 4:00 am.  It’s snowing! How did we get here?

A couple of weeks ago my parents said that it was unfortunate we hadn’t planned to visit them in Florida before they returned to Canada.  It caught me off guard because I actually didn’t think that visiting was an option?  That’s when I asked, “Why can’t we visit?”  Is there a better excuse to cut out from work, school, routine activities, appointments and the long dark snowy winter than to visit family in the Florida Panhandle?  Similar to our trip to Brazil, I bet most of my daughter’s assignments can be emailed to her teacher.  I can book the time off work and reschedule some appointments.  Having a couple of weeks to plan isn’t exactly as impromptu as our summer camping trips but spontaneous enough as Destin is 2,000 km away.  A fantastic opportunity for my daughter’s very first road trip!

I love road trips and driving.  I find the road relaxing and I receive a profound sense of accomplishment after logging many hours on the highway toward my destination.  However, a road trip is more about the journey than the destination itself.  What you see, who you meet and the unexpected adventures keep these memories with you.  These bonds allow a gentle smile or softened laugh to sneak out upon their recollection.

My daughter has been doing great on the road trip thus far.  800 km travelled and another 600 or 700 km to go today.  We’ve listened to the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and most of the Hobbit thus far.  I’m not quite sure if she’s decided on Harry Potter or a Wrinkle in Time next.  Regardless, it is time to get back on the road.  Next weekend we’ll catch you on the return trip but I wont know exactly where that will be!!!