Is the thrill truly gone?

(Sorry for the different fonts. I type on my iPad and know not how to change it.)

The quick answer is no. But as one ages, many tasks become more difficult. Travel is one of those pesky things. There are things to carry, lengthy walks through terminals and stations, interminable drives, etc. Plus it’s more fun if traveling is a shared experience.

My lack of a travel buddy doesn’t preclude me from going anywhere, but it sometimes diminishes my enthusiasm. To celebrate my 65th year, I took myself on a train journey to Spokane. I’d wanted to have the sleeper car experience and I wanted to visit relatives. While the train experience wasn’t nearly as glamorous as in North by Northwest, it was worthwhile but very expensive.

I have an idea in mind for the 70th year. It will depend on my health but as a history buff, I really want to go. There are a few other factors but I don’t need to discuss them. I’ve traveled solo quite a bit over the decades. I’ve driven far and wide throughout the lower 48 and Canada and flown to many destinations both in our country and outside of it.

Have I seen everything I’ve wanted to see? No. Will I? No. I’m fine with that. I do not care to fly anymore but I will if it’s necessary. My journey in a few years will entail flying. So be it. I’m a relaxed traveler and don’t want to be programmed to go, go, go. It’s better for me to have downtime as I enjoy reflecting on my experiences.

As a younger person, I thought it would be fun to visit all of the states. It’s not going to happen, though I’ve seen more than 2/3. And honestly, I prefer the environment around where I live. It’s green and vibrant. Abundant lakes and the ocean are less than a day’s drive away. Yes, the mountains here are dinky. Those out west are breathtaking but to be perfectly honest, the browns and grays of the landscape do not appeal to me. Just a personal choice.

When I travel, it’s not to put another notch on my belt. I don’t travel just to say I’ve been someplace. My trips usually have purpose. I like to learn new things and experience different cultures but with my ADHD I tend to speed through museums. I love them but I read the exhibit cards really fast, take some good looks at stuff, and I’m on my way.

The goal I’m working toward is my desired trip in a few years. I will do my best to get there. But you know what is said about the best laid plans of mice and men…And in the spirit of Sheryl Crow, “Jump in, let’s go/Lay back, enjoy the show/Everybody gets high, everybody gets low/These are the days when anything goes…”