Mountains and the seashore are two of my favorite areas to visit. Actually, I would probably move to such a location immediately if circumstances allowed. Instead, my son Craig and his wife Nicole beat me to the punch. They are residing and working in Park City, Utah, an old mining town that has gone upscale with a premier ski resort within the city limits and several others a mere few miles away. During the summer the area turns into a mecca for outdoor tourism including mountain and road biking. Both of these sports are provided stellar countryside to explore.
In early July, Jan and I made the three-hour flight to visit. (Craig has lived in Park City since April, and Nicole was due to arrive in a few days to assume a job at a local medical clinic. The long-distance separation spanning half a continent will come to a blessed end.)
For readers who have experienced such a move, there are many adventures involved. One that had us, Mom and Dad, most excited and nervous was the trip, using U Haul’s largest truck, from southern Maryland to their new residence in Park City. Craig flew to his home in Maryland on June 29, helped pack the truck to the roof, and left some items behind due to lack of truck space. On the 1st, Craig drove the truck to Ohio to pick up co-driver Uncle Harvey. On the 2nd, mid morning, they began the 1,800+ mile trip that lasted 33 hours with very few stops. For Craig and Harvey, the trip was a memorable adventure including a night two-hour detour in Iowa due to flooded roads, the front truck dash being hit by stray fireworks, and plenty of friendly conversations and laughs. For his parents, we tracked the cross-country adventure via Latitude (phone software that provides GPS locations of another person) on my cell phone. However, seeing the truck rumbling down I-80 to the final exit was a great joy. We waited on the side of the road to the new rental home and then followed the U-Haul to its unloading point. Obviously, many hugs and pictures were exchanged, as well as quiet thanks for a safe journey.
The 4th of July became even more special as we celebrated with Craig and Harvey. Later that week, Nicole began her own adventure as she left her parents in Ohio on the 5th and traveled with her sister to Park City, arriving on the 7th.
As you read this vignette, the couple are united again. Plus, I am already planning more trips to a specific mountain area. Who knows, we may even stay there for extended periods. My youthful dreams may yet happen.
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Craig directs the backing truck in the tight driveway to unload |
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Uncle Harvey and Craig - truck loaded to the hilt |