June 23, 2013
From “Movin On” – “Travel doesn’t have to be a vacation it
can be a lifestyle”
Unfortunately for most of us, work and providing for a
family get in the way of life. This seems very relevant this week as Diana and
I approach our 40th Wedding Anniversary. And as is typical with us,
we are about 1,500 miles apart. But on the positive side she is with Katie and
family as they await the arrival of the newest grandchild and I am with Alex
and her kids.
When Diana and I first met in September of 1972, while I was
stationed in Athens, one of the things that we enjoyed most was that our work
schedules allow us a 4 day break every month. In a small country where you were
allowed to camp on just about any beach it was possible to really get to know
the place.
One of the key aspects of those travels and a few other
trips we have taken over the years is the openness of people that you meet in
those situations. And the terrific tips of things to see and do. The 3 trips
that come to mind that best illustrate this are:
- · A 1992 charter in the British Virgin Islands. 15 family and friends on a pair of 50’ boats that brought together 3 generations, and the following trip with Ron & MJ sharing with Mom, Dad, Di & I all the spots that they had found over the decade in between.
- · Di and I (and my golf clubs) in 1989 working our way south from Whistler Mountain in British Columbia to San Francisco
- · Narrow boating in England with our good friends “The Girls”
Each of those trips were relatively slow passed and provided
us a lot of opportunities to just sit and chat with folks.
I was reminded of this yesterday after the hustle and bustle
of the racing, dinner and awards – as all the boats pulled out to get back to
their regular routine a group of about 10 of use were left sitting in the
pavilion and enjoying getting to know each other and sharing fun stories.
The other thing that came to mind is that Dad was about 65
when we did the charter in the BVI’s and that was the last trip that he was
comfortable with skippering a boat. Got me to thinking about how much longer I
will be able to share those types of experiences with our next generation.
Last winter I made a really silly impulsive purchase of a
1970’s Boston Whaler –Montauk 17. Just about exactly the same as a boat dad
bought. Hopefully next winter I’ll be able to restore this boat back to point
that our grandkids can enjoy it as much as we did. And yes, Sophie and Julianna
will give the Great Aunt Lynnie a run for the title of wildest kid on water
skis.
On the practical side of things, I was reminded yesterday of
the reality of getting maintenance done on an RV during peak “vacation” time.
When I called Camping World in Buffalo to inquire about getting the generator
serviced the response was “we’re booking appointments for the second week of
July”. This isn’t any different than what I’d experienced in Florida during
“Snow Bird Season”. Guess it really is time for me to start taking some of the
classes that some of the bigger campground/service centers offer. Fortunately
the lack of a reliable generator isn’t a major deal but it will limit the
amount of “dry camping” we can do.
We had a much appreciated dinner invitation from Connie and
George this evening at the lovely Tudor style home on the Lake and then
tomorrow we’re headed for Niagara Falls/Toronto. Next weekend should see us
back in New York around the Rochester/North Seneca Lake area before we head to
the south end of the lake for a 2 week stay in Watkins Glen.
Things Learned:
- · There are few things better than seeing the face of a 4 year old on her first ride in a power boat on a pretty lake doing 30 mph.
- · A small kayak would be a great addition for the kids.
- · Connectivity is really important – Alex has used up 50% of her allotted monthly hot spot time on her iPhone in 3 days.
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