As I dream and plan my next big trip, I can't help but remember the dreams and plans for a trip I never made.
Having lived on the Gulf Coast for over thirty years, the mountains call to me. So a few years ago, I planned a trip to Colorado. I generally begin my dreaming and planning with two practical steps: a map of the state and a request for the state tourism agency's travel information. I did exactly that. I even asked that hotels to send me information. I actually bought a book (more on me and buying books later) about Rocky Mountain National Park. About two weeks later, when the brochures and assorted bits of information began arriving, I was so excited. This was going to be fun! As the weeks progressed, I planned a route, altering it as new information caught my eye. Land in Denver, drive north and west. Make a loop south. Estimate miles from point A to point B. How far south should I go? Oh, the decisions. The dreams . . .
The cost!
Why didn't I go? I honestly can't pinpoint one single reason. It was more of a combination of things. Cost, of course, but my husband and younger son (the only one still at home), weren't as excited as I was about Colorado. Timing became a headache, what with scheduling during the summer. I sort of let the trip fade away.
All those dreams. All those plans.
But you know what? I enjoyed the dreams and the plans. It was great fun, even if I didn't go.
I will go some day. I still have the book I bought about Rocky Mountain National Park. The more about me and buying books? I generally don't buy. You see, I'm cheap. :-) Actually, I'm a librarian. I'm a huge advocate of interlibrary loan services. If you've never used this service, ask at your local library. I promise, you'll save lots of money.
Maybe enough to move beyond dreaming of a trip you'd like to take.
Is there a trip you you'd like to take? Have you made any plans?
