When my husband and I retired, the idea was to travel as often as possible. A few years ago, we made an epic road trip so we could visit the final three states on our quest to see all fifty.
Our first major road trip. We drove up the east coast and ended up in Maine. Amazing Trip!
The following year, we planned to drive down the coast from Oregon to California. Things got in the way, including my father’s illness and subsequent passing, so that never happened. We did, however, manage a few short trips to the mountains of North Carolina, and as well as trekking to Houston several times. We haven’t given up on our quest to drive US 101, we’re simply not sure when that will happen.
Rick and I aren’t the only ones in our family
Jamie and Josh on the way to Milan–before the plane took a three hour delay.
who enjoy traveling, though we are the only ones who enjoy road trips. My daughter would do nothing but travel—if she could. Well, that and dance. She has been on numerous mission trips around the world, and I don’t see an end to that. One of the many things I love about her is that she always seeks a word from the Lord before the beginning of each year. This year, she felt the Lord telling her this would be a year of adventure—like she hasn’t already been on numerous adventures! This time, however, it’s not just mission trips. She’s an aspiring photographer, and has already done one photo shoot. She has signed up for a mission trip—not knowing where the money will come from, and she just checked something major off her bucket list.
The Colosseum at night.
My adventurous daughter just got back from a trip to Rome. She and her brother—who hasn’t been on a lot of trips—flew standby from New York to Milan, took a train from Milan to Rome, saw everything they could in Rome, and took a side trip to Pompeii. I was so proud of her for doing the research, checking the flights, and booking the hotels.
I’m not discounting my son’s sense of adventure. Though less experienced, he took the lead when it was needed, and made sure his sister was safe. Together, they figured out the money, transportation systems, and mapped out their days. They took care of each other, which made this mama proud.
The best part of their trip was that it mimicked my husband’s and my first big
Pompeii
adventure.We spent our honeymoon in Rome, with a side trip to Capri, and a few unexpected days in Paris—flying standby is an adventure in itself! Needless to say, when we went, there were no cell phones or Internet. We said “goodbye” to our folks, and “hello” nine days later.
The world is a different place than it was forty-one years ago, and I’m grateful we were able to speak to our kids daily. Yes, we prayed, and trusted God to keep them safe, which He did. Still, our daily Face Time was more than appreciated.
I don’t know what other adventures our kids have in store for them in the coming year—or for us, for that matter. All I know that retirement is a daily adventure. Whether it’s a trip to California or a trip to the grocery store, there’s only one guy I want by my side.
Sounds like me and hubby. He looooves to drive. I love to ride with him. Doesn’t matter where we’re going. As long as we have each other and the radio to sing along to, we’re happy.
I also love to ride along, but the radio is a different story. Our taste in music varies dramatically! Lol
What fun! My hubby and I are looking forward to visiting the states that we have not seen yet, and Maine is one of them.
Maine is gorgeous! We went in October when the leaves were an explosion of color!
It sounds like fun. I would love to travel also.
Traveling is the best! It’s wonderful to meet new people and see new places.
One of the reasons we retired is to be able to go camp in places we have always wanted to visit. I am hoping we can get to the Grand Canyon this year. What an awesome trip for your children!
The Grand Canyon is gorgeous. When you get to go, be sure to spend some time in Flagstaff. My husband and I camped there many years ago. Unfortunately, we arrived at night, and missed a most beautiful drive.
If I had the means and ability to travel. I would love that. Although my mother taught me that life is an adventure. We did travel around the United States when I was growing up. I will never forget the trip we took to El Paso, Texas where we also crossed the boarder into Mexico to visit a missionary and attend his church service. I had taken some Spanish in school, so was able to understand a little of the service. I hope you and Rick get to take the trip you had planned at some point and many more.
You’ve done your share of traveling, Wilani. You’ve been to places I’ll never see. 🙂
Love that we got to hear & see some of your daughters pictures from their trip! I’m thankful that we took all kind of cool vacations and boating trips with other family’s growing up. We never made it to the Grand Canyon but we did get to go to Carlsbad Caverns and eat in a restaurant. I remember visiting my sister out in Plano, Texas (before Dallas) and we were walking around her neighborhood and a man was chewing tobacco. Well we thought it must taste great so he gave us just a smidgen of it and NASTY, spit it out. But then again, that was the Lesson he wanted us to learn.
I remember visiting Carlsbad Caverns back when Rick and I were still newlyweds. We included the Grand Canyon in that trip as well. I chuckled at the “lesson” you and your sister learned.
My husband is one year away from retirement. We are looking forward to traveling around the states and seeing the beauty God has made. I loved reading about your son and daughter’s trip. They must have had so much fun but I would have worried the whole time they were gone.
My kids are in their 30’s, and I had to let it sink in that they are adults, and perfectly capable of taking a vacation. I also reminded myself that my husband and I did the same thing 41 years earlier. We went on our honeymoon, and didn’t even have a hotel reservation! Lol. It helped that we saw and spoke to them daily.
What an exciting adventure and a testament to how you raised your children. I think it is so sweet that siblings did that together.
Jamie was determined to go, but I’m glad she talked her brother into going with her. It’s a memory they will always cherish.
I think my hubby & I are getting to the point that long road trips are not for us.
Whatever works for you is a good thing. 🙂 I feel certain you and your husband have other dreams in mind.