Week Out West: The Walking In-between

Yesterday we celebrated Jackson’s 27th birthday.

Well, we observed it. Typically celebrations include lots of people, maybe some fancy meals, drinks, music, or an event of some kind. We mostly drove; down windy roads through snow covered mountains and on straight roads through red desert. Occasionally we stopped to stretch our legs, let the puppy potty, or take in the view. When we got to Moab it was already dark so we made our way to the Moab Brewery and had a delicious meal plus some gelato for desert. Then we returned to our hotel and skipped out on the hot tub because some rowdy kids were about to make the pool their playground. The whole day didn’t involve much of a hoorah. However, our faces held smiles and our excitement for Moab was constantly growing.

It’s been said many, many times that it’s not about the destination, but the journey. Or maybe, it’s not about what’s waiting on the other side, “it’s the climb.” I won’t go that far; it is about the destination, otherwise we wouldn’t go there. We wouldn’t climb mountains, cross rivers or sail the ocean if we weren’t expecting to be satisfied with the end point. However, that arrival would not mean near as much had we not taken the many steps to get there.

When we changed our plans from nearby destinations to a road trip west it wasn’t because there weren’t awesome things nearby, but because we wanted more. We wanted a journey. We wanted miles on the road that let us think, made the minutes pass a little slower, and enhanced our anticipation for the adventures to come.

So, even though yesterday lacked some enthusiasm, the things waiting for us in Moab more than made up for it. And, it made me think about journeys, trips, treks, and voyages. It made me thankful for my traveling companions. And it gave me time to ponder what we were searching for and appreciate it when we found it.

I’ve been reading a book over the past couple of months that has made me even more travel hungry. Ultimate Journeys for Two is a good read for anyone thinking about traveling the world, but especially for couples or pairs. I appreciate the advice for people traveling together and the tone that encourages finding more than a great view but truly experiencing a place and its culture.

Though Jackson and I have taken several trips together, on this one I’ve thought more about what our joint experience means. We’ve ridden long hours in the car, curled up in a tent on a frigid night, booked hotels on the fly, sought destinations to hike, taken turns walking the dog, and visited a myriad of restaurants, coffee shops and gear stores. Each decision is made in tandem; whether through conversation or just a nod of agreement. We’re open to parting ways but generally we’re side by side.

It’s not the necessity to be together that has us forging the same path down sidewalks and trails but a comfort and heightened experience that keeps us that way. Someone may suggest ice cream (usually me) and someone may suggest climbing a steep rock (probably Jackson). But it’s the clashing of ideas that encourages us to try more than we would have on our own and enjoy it more when shared. I pulled us off the sidewalk into a bookstore, but Jackson was the one making conversation with it’s owner. I wanted to get the drone out, but it was Jackson who suggested flying it in uncommon circumstances.

He encourages me to try new things, but more than that, he gives me the means to do them. Without his companionship, who would grab my shoulders and lurch me forward so that my heart stops even though the ledge is only a few feet? Who would hold out their boot for me to grab onto and then drag me up the rock I can’t quite get myself up? And without Kona, who would cause all the laughter? Who would hold the most energy? Who would sniff all the bushes?

Traveling across the country in our little pod isn’t necessarily the easiest. Pets aren’t allowed on National Park trails, so Kona had to sit it out until we could get her off-trail for some exploring. We have to carry a lot more stuff. And we tend towards activities that are perfect for us two humans and our canine. But despite the extra work in traveling as our little pack, the effect of having companions is well worth the effort. I’m more confident to go where I might not on my own. I’m challenged to try things I probably wouldn’t by myself. And I experience a rush when I watch my crew share in my happiness.

One of my favorite lines comes to mind when dwelling on our adventures had and still to come, “Life is not the mountain tops, it’s the walking in-between. I like you walking next to me.”

Thank you, Ben Rector, for putting it so simply. The journey is great and the view is spectacular, but what I like most is having someone to share it with.