Travel Provoked Thought: Why DO We Travel?
Sometimes I really find myself wondering why it is that we're doing what we're doing. Certain aspects of this whole journey have been a constant struggle. As we strive to live the life of full-time vagabonds, we learn just how difficult that is. Our path has been plagued with unforeseen large expenses, injury, and more than our desired share of marital tension. It's during those times that I question our choices the most. Is it really worth all of this? Then I find myself in a situation such as this morning and I'm reminded why all those struggles are worth it. As I type this, I'm sitting at a picnic bench at one of the most beautiful rest stops we've ever had the pleasure of spending the night at. I'm at the trailhead to Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon, Colorado listening to the river run and the birds sing their morning melody. And this is my current day-to-day.
I've been enjoying just sitting back and watching all the families flood in and out on their Fourth of July vacations, talking about how nice it is to get away from it all. I realized that I'm not getting away from anything… I literally live here at this very moment. I don't think you can put a price or any perceived value on that. You just have to be here.
Last night we experienced some of the first true spontaneity we've had in quite some time. We had planned on stopping in Glenwood Springs and possibly spending the night. As I pulled off the exit into town, I somehow missed a turn and ended up back on the freeway. We decided it wasn't worth the extra gas to turn around at the next exit, so we moved on. We came across a familiar exit that was closed last time we passed through The Rockies: No Name (Yes, that's really what it's called). We randomly decided to pull off to see if we might be able to find a trailhead that we thought was there. We didn't, but instead we came across the Glenwood Canyon Trail and decided to go for a walk.
We enjoyed our walk which winded down the canyon along the Colorado River as the sun faded into the horizon. We came across random trails, random old crane and cable equipment, and even a random waterfall. It started to rain on us, which in that moment, made it even better. We just held hands, walked, and soaked it all in. Nothing was more important than that moment at that time. Moments like this are why I make sacrifices in the name of adventure. Moments like this are why I travel. What about you?
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Honestly, we miss having you close by and miss the relaxed moments and conversations around the house. However, you know that we love and support you both in your adventures. Life IS an adventure, no matter how we move through it.
I “ditto” what Savannah said. You gave me some words of wisdom once that I have often used… “Stay in the present.” I think we look to the future with hope, but often have to remind ourself to really LIVE in the present.
Your post is a good reminder for us all to enjoy each moment, learn what we can, and don’t be afraid to share.
Glad you two are back on the road! I’m looking forward to following the many adventures that lie ahead for you. Thinking about your post, I feel that moments like the one you described can come just by letting go of the technological strings we hold and truly living in the moment. Letting the joyful moments linger a bit longer than usual and not letting mundane tasks rule our lives. Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Wishing you the best in all your travels! 🙂