Up the California Coast

Up the California Coast
Gorgeous view

Sunday, August 14, 2016

One of the best parts

This weekend I've been thinking about a non-trip I'll be taking in November, a staycation where I plan to roam the nearby towns and see things I haven't yet seen. Knowing I won't be packing a bag, or finding hotels is a little throwing to the enjoyment of this particular vacation. I realized that, for me, half the fun of a trip is the planning. The endless hours searching travel sites and reading hotel reviews. Looking at TripAdvisor and searching Google Maps for the best routes and interesting sites I didn't know existed.

I love putting together the itinerary and searching things to do. I love the dreaming that goes into my trips. The "what-ifs" and the "maybe I'll" thoughts. The romantic in me wants to daydream about the perfect romance scenario, even though the realist in me knows that belongs in the pages of a book and would never happen in my real life journeys.

I love thinking about what bags I'll take and what clothes I'll pack. Sometimes I'll even splurge a bit and get a couple new outfits just for the road.

I love the final preparations, knowing where I'll go on each day and knowing that every day won't go  just as I have it planned. To me that is even better than everything happening exactly to plan.  The fresh nerves of going on a journey. Wondering if I'll get lost, if my car will break down, and still forging on knowing that whatever happens, I'll be alright.

I love finally pulling out my suitcase and my travel supplies. I love piling my clothes on the bed and laying out what I want to wear each day. I love slowing working to put all my belongings for the trip into my bags. As much as I hate to do it, I love giving my dog a final goodbye cuddle before handing him off to a trusted friend. I love the fresh nerves that work through my body as I load my car, and finally climb in. Ready for the road. Stopping to fill the gas tank and grabbing a mocha at the local coffee shop as I head out. Ready to hit the road. Ready for a new adventure.

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