Where To, Dear?

Although John regularly dreams of traveling full time, the reality is that we must carefully plan our travel around work and family responsibilities.  And, our travels must be budget friendly.   

We’re working on preparations for our next trip now.  While neither of us likes for our adventures to be too scripted, we do like to have a basic plan in place before we go.  We also like to do research to learn which attractions we’d like to visit once we reach our destination.  It’s always important to keep in mind that some activities do need advance reservations.

The first step in our planning process is deciding where we want to go.  Although, John and I have an appreciation for what the other likes to do, we sometimes have different ideas of “fun.”  Needless to say, our pre-teen daughter also has very specific ideas of what is fun and what is not.  So, within some predetermined boundaries, we take turns choosing our destinations. 

For this next adventure, it’s my turn to decide.  A few weeks ago, John asked me, “So where are we going next on vacation?”  I responded by saying, “I don’t know yet.”

About a week later, John asked, “So have you decided where we are going on vacation?”  I let him know that I was still thinking about it.  And, I really had been.  I thought about where we’ve been and where we haven’t.  I considered what our daughter has already seen and what I’d like for her to see.  I thought about where I’ve always wanted to go and what activities each person enjoys.  I surfed around on the Web for ideas.  I determined how much money we want to spend. 

Usually, if all my thinking fails, I’ll close my eyes and point to a spot in the Atlas!  Voila!  And, yes, I have actually done that before…twice.  Surprisingly, it’s always worked out pretty well!

About two or three weeks into our discussion of where to go on vacation, my husband again asked if I had made a decision.  My response this time was, “Utah.”

“Where in Utah?” John responded.

“Somewhere pretty,” I said.

And with that, a conversation began about what we’d like to see and do in Utah.  We talked about when we’d like to go, our method of travel (via car) and how many days we’ll need.  From there, John is figuring out the rest.  That’s what he likes to do and I’m good with that.  He always does a great job!   

John also likes to plan some stops along the way so we can tour area attractions.  I’ve never been much of a power driver and more than eight hours in the car at a pop is just not fun for me.  While this may be necessary at times due to time constraints, I seem to lose my good humor and start gnawing on the dash around the seven-hour mark.  I simply want out of the car for the day or at least for a few hours. 

Because of my desire to get out of the car along the way, we’ve seen some pretty cool stuff throughout the years that we might not have seen otherwise.  So, do take time to look around rather than power from one place to the next.  You’ll be glad you did.

So, here’s where we stand for now…  We’ve determined in 2013, we’re heading west from Missouri to Utah.  We’ve been there before, but want to see and do things we haven’t already.  I'm sure that won't be hard.  The trip promises to be fun so stay tuned!  We're open to your suggestions, so tell us if you know of any “must see” attractions or good places to visit.  John will appreciate your ideas as he maps our journey.  We look forward to hearing from you.  Thanks.

Family Fun at Silver Dollar City

This past summer our family decided to take a short trip to Silver Dollar City in southwest Missouri; a half-day trip from our mid-Missouri home.

Silver Dollar City is a family-oriented theme park with Missouri Ozarks flair!  It’s a nice park and we enjoyed our time there.  It’s the kind of place that provides you with memories of your child screaming at the top of her lungs, “I want off of this ride!”

My husband made reservations for our stay at The Wilderness Campground at Silver Dollar City.  This was a lovely campsite that provided shuttle service to and from the theme park.  The campground accommodates RV campers, tent campers, as well as those who would like to stay a short while in a rustic cabin.  We opted for a two-night stay in a rustic cabin.

Our rustic cabin was cool.  It was snuggled in the woods and was certainly rustic in appearance.  It was just my speed because it had modern function.  Indoor plumbing—check!  Small kitchenette with fridge and range—check!  Coffee pot—check!  Bed raised off the floor—check!  Fire pit outside—check!

Our family opted to make evening meals over the campfire.  The general store at the campsite provided the needed supply of hotdogs and s’mores fixings.  My husband and daughter built a fire so the three of us could sit around it and roast our hotdogs and marshmallows.  After dinner we’d go for a walk around the campground.  It was peaceful and provided a wonderful opportunity to chat with one another.  The campsite also offered a nice outdoor pool, which is definitely a must with children!

Each morning we took leisurely walks to a restaurant located next to the campsite.  There, we could have our fill o f tasty, reasonably priced comfort food—biscuits, gravy, eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc.  The abundance of comfort food was balanced by the significant amount of walking we did to work it off.

One of the most memorable events came the second night after the sun had set.  We had all turned in for bed and were sleeping soundly.  BOOOOMMMM!!  The sound was so loud and starling that my husband and I immediately jumped out a bed thinking something had hit the cabin or maybe even our truck parked outside! 

The view out the cabin windows in the pitch, dark night did nothing to ease our concerns.  BOOOOMMMM!  BOOOOMMMM!  The thunderous sounds echoed through the hillside rattling items in the cabin!  Sirens from emergency vehicles could be heard screaming past the campsite.  And then, silence.  Not one more thunderous boom for the remainder of the night.  My daughter, by the way, slept soundly through this entire situation.

The next morning we asked campground staff about the noises and were told Silver Dollar City had been doing testing for their fireworks display for the upcoming 4^th of July holiday.  While the thought had crossed our minds when were heard the sounds, we saw no flickering light showers from fireworks.  My husband and I chuckled and knew the experience was one that we would remember for many years to come.

Our road trip was short this summer, but memorable and enjoyable.  As always, the best part about traveling is spending time together.

K.

America The Beautiful!

The United States is a beautiful country.  From coast to coast there is a lot of countryside to explore.  America is bursting with diverse and breathtaking scenery.  My husband, John, and I are lucky to have the opportunity to experience it.  

John introduced me to his version of the “road trip” when we met many years ago.  He took me on a tour of the back roads in central Missouri where we live.  The scenery was beautiful and the company was wonderful.  John’s love of nature was certainly inspiring.  He’d point out varieties of trees, plants and wildlife.  Even though we were traveling close to home, he helped me see things I never noticed before.  It was fun! 

Prior to meeting John, my travels by highway had been somewhat limited.  The places I visited had been reached by airplane.  I didn’t see much point in driving after all—took too long I thought.

John made me understand that taking road trips offered new and exciting experiences.  He made participating in the journey as much fun as reaching the destination.  And, for that I am grateful. 

I, too, had an impact on John’s way of traveling and experiencing new places.  John used to look at the scenery as he continued to drive and drive and drive.  He’d stop to fill the gas tank at the service station, grab a bite to eat from the convenience store and visit the restroom.  I made him stop the car for longer periods of time so we could look around more!

I like to stop and see stuff!  I am intrigued by some of the places advertised on billboards along the way.  I dig walking around, talking with folks, shopping and eating locally.  That’s the only way to get a flavor of a different town or region.  When traveling with a child, like we do, it is also important we take time to play.  Most importantly, however, momma must get out of the car before developing a flat spot on the ol’ backside!

Throughout the years, John and I have learned to appreciate the other’s travel style.  Compromise and flexibility are key to having amazing trips!  I can’t imagine a better travel partner (or better husband for that matter).  

When we retire, we’d like to RV.  For now, we are working hard, raising our family and traveling when we can.  Our life is always a fun adventure.  Please check our travel blog from time to time to see what we’ve been up to.

K.