Moving right along

Some of my youngest memories are of going across country to California with a car full of Garners, stopping at the Royal Gorge, looking forever down as people drove by us on the bridge, driving over the Foresthill Bridge, the road winding around the mountain, steadily gaining elevation as that homecoming feeling washed over me...sometimes just being in a place brings a feeling of peace.

As far back as I can remember, I've thought in cars and music.

I recall living in Russellville with a red VW van, curtains in the windows, blue with ships on them-bed in the back in place of the back couple rows of seats. Dad and Mom would throw a bag in the van for all of us and we'd take off driving. Wherever we'd end up that night, we'd stay.

Is it any wonder Dan & I have the traveling bug? :)

A different trip headed to California rolling to sleep to Mom & GranG's voices as Gran rocked Dan in her carrier seat in the Chevy Chevette...bags packed to the roof as we trundled across country. Yet another trip as Mom, Gran, Dan & I traveled across country in the extended cab red Chevy, camper shell on the back with a piece of plywood across the back held down by the camper so we could sleep. I'd look to the front seat and see Gran with Kleenex stuck in her ears, laughter bubbling over...or look behind me to the back seat where she'd have Kleenex stuck in her nose...Yeeeeeee would echo off the cab of the truck.

On the above trip, we finally wore Mom and Dan (our family's true compasses) down and as I got behind the wheel in six lane traffic in Salt Lake City, Mom's last words were follow the map, pull over if you get lost....Gran and I readily agreed and proceeded to get into traffic neck deep. As traffic flew past us with me driving 75 and 85, it was join the herd or be moved down. There was no move over bacon, there was only the sound of mine and Gran's skin sizzling on the six lane freeway of life.

Another legend was born.

Today, it began anew.

We ate breakfast, grabbed drinks for everyone and headed out. Where are we going? North. How long? Until we stop. Are we going to a certain destination or what? Yes. :) After bickering a few miles, we settled in to smoother sailing. As the miles progressed, we relaxed, talking, singing, tickling, picture taking, making memories that I hope they'll treasure when they look back. As we neared Queen Wilhelmina, starvation set in. We sat on top of the mountain eating, a family made of love, strength and memories in the making.

Maybe someday when they are grown, they'll look back to memories of road trips, laughter, music, (Mom, please turn it to 97.5---again, Trevor? That's all you EVER want to listen to---Yes, Elijah, again) and family.

Until next time...