Road trips don’t always go as planned…..
A few weeks ago, my daughter and I were in Colorado. The idea of a trip together began last December after a good dinner when I suggested to her that if she had the vacation time and the inkling, I would like to take a road trip early spring. The last time we tried a road trip was a long, long time ago. My hair was still light brown with a touch of red in the right light and she was maybe 10 years old. I wish I had a photo from the trip, didn’t take many back then. The film and processing were too expensive. I should have budgeted better. I had a fire engine red 1969 Mustang convertible that spent more time in the mechanic’s garage than mine. No AC, running across Nebraska in July. It was hot. I had just had the transmission rebuilt and relatively new tires. Somewhere around Grand Island the “trany” died again. Something about the seals being bad and the fluid leaking out. We got off the highway, limped into town past a repair shop. First one I saw. Sure enough they could fix in a day or so and down the road a piece was a Holiday Inn Holidome. We were set. Turns out this was the best part of the trip for Meagen. Nothing to do but play in the pool for hours and she was out of the back seat of that rolling oven I called a car. I enjoyed watching her smile. We finally made it to Wind Cave National Park. Camped a few days under a shade tree. Had a good time.
Back to the present more or less. This trip Meagen got to sit in the front seat but did not get to stay at a Holidome thankfully. Being the first week of March, there was a lot of news about the virus but at the time I did not understand how serious the problem would eventually become. After all, we were staying in camp grounds that were mostly empty and otherwise were only stopping for gas. Once we were in Colorado we would be safe, so I thought. (OK, I agree I was a little slow on the up take) We pulled into Cheyenne Mountain State Park sometime around lunch. Set up the ORV, had a great view of the Springs, then called my son to make 7:00 dinner reservations at a restaurant in the Old Town area. We were good to go. By 5:00 the Governor closed all of the bars and restaurants. Plan “B”, we will cook at the site. Better anyway, since I didn’t have to drive.
Next day, the whole area was fogged in. We knew we were on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just could not see them. No problem, we will walk through the Garden of the Gods park. So, we are adapting. The next day we are going to Monarch ski area. Will be fun. By dinner time we learned that all ski areas are also closed. Now I’m getting worried. Maybe there is something to this virus. Alright, I’m getting just a little scared. During dinner we made the decision to head back East. Not that I am in the high-risk group or anything, that is for old people. Hated to say good bye to my son. Hated to disappoint my daughter. I just needed to get home to the Princess while the “gettin’ was good”.
The drive home was a lot more somber than the drive out. On the way my daughter learned that she lost her job via text. Must be the way it’s done now. Shouldn’t be. I enjoyed the one on one time with Meagen that I haven’t had in forever, will try again if she is game.
Dennis
