2025 is going to be a year to remember. Day by day, I inch closer to my 70th birthday. With that in mind, I promised myself each month would hold an exciting adventure. Of course, January was an adventure in recovering from Influenza A. At 95% well, it’s time to leave that one in the rearview mirror and carry on with our plan!
To the west of these beautiful high desert mountains, February’s adventure awaits. A whisper in the wind tugs at our hearts, and we know it’s time to go.
HHH and I have created a wonderful tradition all our own. Stepping away from the familiar into the unknown, we’re traveling west until the sea meets the sand to celebrate our 3rd Valentine’s Day on the glorious coast of California. It’s been a minute since we’ve taken a trip anywhere, and I must say, we’re getting a little restless.
This time, we’ve chosen a new destination. Between two tiny towns, the comfy little AirBnB should be just right. For one week, Oliver and Wookie will find themselves partying at Puppy Camp, while we enjoy the best holiday of the year. Valentine’s Day. For eight lovely days, we’ll visit with family and friends while eating way too much. I’m counting on the salt air to get me back to 100%.
This journey was prompted by a need for adventure, reflection and escape to a warmer climate. We’ll leave our routine and comforts behind while their absence will bring us new perspectives. It’ be fun to brainstorm about front yard projects as we dig our toes deep into the sand. Some of our best ideas have come while enjoying the beach.
Every once in awhile, life whispers that it’s time to seek adventure, even if just for a little while. While we’ll only be gone a week, this vacation seems bigger than the calendar suggests. Of course, there is the wee bit of anxiety when traveling over Donner Pass in the dead of winter. Just Google — Magnifeye–Traffic Webcams for the Truckee/Tahoe area to get an idea of what we’ll be dealing with later today. Icy roads aren’t for the faint of heart.
When using an AirBnB, packing includes more than clothing and toiletries. With meals planned, we’ll be doing a fair amount of cooking. This experience is is kind of like RVing without the RV. Eggs, bacon, coffee, oil, and butter…..well, you get the idea. Along with all the food, there are necessities like dish detergent, laundry pods, and linens. Of course, what cook wouldn’t want to bring his favorite frying pan. And so, the list goes on. I can’t wait for the door to close softly, with a last glance over our shoulders.
Distance always changes perspective while the experience is made more magical by not knowing how our trip will unfold. We’ll take time to reflect on ways to make our Griefshare class more effective. Reading and writing will allow my brain some time to reflect and rest. Funny how creative thoughts bloom when we step away from every day life, even during retirement.
Distance also turns the ordinary into something sacred. Sunlight spilling over a freshly made breakfast. The blue Pacific right outside the front window. Winterpast’s familiar scent and quiet hum will be waiting for us. For now, every step forward will be one toward relaxation.
After enjoying our time away, we’ll come back, maybe a little different than when we left. There’ll be stories to tell as well as plenty of new memories of us. That’s what vacation is all about, right?
I’ll be back February 18th. Until then, stay safe and happy!
