Side Adventure

Today I am at the airport. I’m on my way to Idaho for my grandfather’s memorial service. It may not be the best circumstances, but it still feels good to get away. It feels good to be there for my mom. It feels good to see my sister for a bonus time this year. It feels good to get to see the mountains again. And, it feels good to pack a bag.

Adventures come in all shapes and sizes and this one is a little different for me. I am still going to make the best of these five days. The last time I saw my grandpa was on my 30 day road trip adventure. Somewhere in between the craters of the moon and the hot springs in Oregon. Going to grandpas was always so peaceful. He was a quiet man mostly. There was always just something about sitting out on the front porch sipping coffee and looking out at the mountains not having to talk to be able to share the moment. Idaho is such an underrated state. I think he knew that. He took us to breakfast at the diner he ate at almost every day. It was so good to see him laugh and flirt with the waitress. The time I saw him before that was his 75th birthday. Always that rough stubbly kiss on the cheek when he hugged us hello. These are the things I remember most. His cats over all the years, him feeding his little dog table scraps, the homemade bread grandma always made, and his hands. They were the hands of someone that has worked hard and lived a good long life. They trembled sometimes, but were always strong when they needed to be. Yes, this trip will be hard, but I’m going to make the best of it. He would like that, I think.

So, today is the flight and then the 2.5 hour drive to his house. Tomorrow is the memorial service and a rodeo. Sunday is a little road trip to Jackson Hole, WY and the Grand Tetons. Monday is the military service. Tuesday is back home for me.

Stay tuned for all the adventures of this little unexpected trip. Sign up for email alerts so you won’t miss a thing. Follow me on Instagram for all the great photos: @carriewanders.