8 Comments

I've been whitewater rafting and rock climbing but in eastern US; nothing big like Colorado or Utah and not by myself. I've driven thru rainstorms and thunderstorms with low visibility but usually close to home (less than hour). Although there was that one time on the way home from work in a snowstorm, took 3 hours but it was rush hour, so no one was getting home soon. My biggest adventure was taking a bus trip up to Tronto on my own back when I was in my 30's. I had never been anywhere by myself where I didn't know anybody yet alone out of the country. Hey, it was big deal for me back then. (There's a whole backstory - too much to go into here.) I had so much fun and would not hesitate to go anyplace by myself again.

Expand full comment

I love solo travel! Stop, go, eat, don't eat, take a side trip -- whatever you want. You're the only one to please.

Expand full comment

You're amazing.

Expand full comment

Nothing specific comes to mind as a challenge. Remembering the isolation (the unending kind) is a killer for me, but finding connections can be tough.

But I'm getting whiny. Once the reach beyond my comfort zone is made, all the rest flows easily.

Hope your Thanksgiving (my newest fav holiday: being appreciative of all I have, in many ways) is wonderful.

And may we all have easier syntax and comforting times.

Expand full comment

I rode my motorcycle solo from Oregon or California, across the United States and back several times. So I've had plenty of adventures and challenges. One was in Alabama when I miscalculated the time darkness would envelope me, my riding buddy, and the road. We were on a two-lane road trying to get to our motel to meet some of our sister cyclists. In the lead, I prayed we'd be safe as each turn and dip came up. She sat back following me, thinking, "I'm sure glad Annis knows where we're going and she's leading."

Expand full comment

I’m anticipating the most challenging journey of my life now, such as it is. Of course, there is navigating my health issues, family issues, losses, but this is a very particular thing coming up. It’s by no means the most challenging thing ever, and if I’m lucky, there will be other challenges. But on December 23, I will, with any luck, be hurtling down the QE2 highway from my home to my momma’s home, four hours south of

The challenge is my travelling companion. My elder uncle is driving, as usual, in his little car. Here’s the heart of it: he smokes like a chimney, cigarettes, that is. December 23 will be 120 days since I quit smoking. Cigarettes, that is.

I’ve gotten a promise out of him that if I even ask for a cigarette — even a puff, he is to punt me out of the car and leave me in the snow. I have no intention of asking clearly. But can I do it? I’m sure if I pulled a tear or two out, he’d give me one. It’s only four hours. Eight with the return trip. Surely I can do this.

It remains to be seen. I don’t want to start again. My ever sliding health kind of depends on it. That’s not stopped me before. I will do my best and take along my tricks - little nicotine inhaler I never use any more, coffee, gum, licorice.

We shall see. I’m praying to keep my wits about me once I’m engulfed in smoke in a small, high speed tin can!

Expand full comment

I believe you can do it. Don't let your uncle's smoke derail you.

Expand full comment

Thanks, Sue.

Expand full comment