Making the Journey Count

(A-Z Challenge J post)
Two Jack Lake, Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada pictured here.  I wish I could say I'd been there as it looks beautiful.  Nor can I take credit for the fabulous photo, it's one that came with my computer as a sample.  I understand this is said to be the prettiest of all lakes in Canada.  There are 2 camp grounds there in the park that are quite popular, so if you plan to go; the tip seems to be arrive early and plan ahead.  The reflection is Mt. Rundle.

What I really wanted to post about today is the "journey" can be as important and interesting as the destination.  Particularly if you're driving and you're not pressed for time.  Make the most of your trip and travel off the freeways to see things of interest.  Plan several stops in route of interesting, historic or fun things.  You're after all on vacation.  Don't be in a hurry, stop and smell the roses.

This is perhaps harder to do if time is tight; but even one stop of something beyond your final destination can add some real memories to your vacation.  This is particularly important if you're traveling with children.  Children have a hard time sitting still even if you bore them with what they can do at home...you know the tv in a van with a movie playing.  Do yourself and them a favor and resist doing this.

One year we were on a 3 week camping trip and drove from Ohio out west.  We hit many places coming and going.  We camped, we hiked and did a few nights in a hotel when we felt we needed a bed.  But, one of the most memorable parts of the "journey" was stopping at Independence Kansas, site of one of The Little Houses on The Prairie.  My daughter was young and she was reading the series Little House on the Prairie as we drove.  How perfect was that!  She needed another book which we bought in the gift shop, and of course a hat...a prairie hat.  She lived in that hat.  To this day, she talks about that "journey".


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

(#30 a-i +5)