Time to Start Venturing Again

Oh, how I longed for this view. Looking out onto an endless blue sky, flying high above the clouds. 

Seven and a half long months. The last time I was on a plane was January 27th. I remember because it was my mom’s birthday. And I was flying back from Florida after spending a long weekend with my parents.

My how the world has changed. If you had told me then that a butchered bat in a Chinese wet market had just spawned a virus that within months would travel the world from end to end— shutting down nearly every country on earth—and fundamentally changing our way of life, I would have called you crazy. Heck, I would have offered help putting on a straight jacket. Well that shows how much I know. So much for journalistic instincts. 

I won’t spend much time dwelling on how crazy life has been, or how burnt out I am after cancelling, not one, but four international trips planned for this year. After all, we’re all in the same boat. And really, we’re not. If my biggest problem are cancelled vacations, I have no problems. Through this whole 2020 mess, it hasn’t escaped me just how privileged I am. I have my job and my health. My family is healthy. The rest will sort itself out. 

Truth be told I feel a bit like I did when I got back from Everest Base Camp. Was that really a year and a half ago?? That in itself is mind-boggling. As is the fact I haven’t left the country since. Well, except for a trip home to Mexico City last December. But that doesn’t count, becaus well, it’s home. So much for She Ventures the World huh? 

Well, guess what? I’m back. And I’m venturing. Maybe not the World. Cause let’s face it, the World doesn’t want me right now. And that’s OK. It’s frustrating as heck, but it’s OK. Instead, after months of waiting for some miracle to befall us, I’ve finally booked a trip (And yes, it hasn’t escaped me that I’m flying on 9/11). 

I’m not cycling in Spain or France, road tripping through Italy, nor trekking across Iceland and the Patagonia. But there’s no use crying over spilled milk. Those places aren’t going anywhere. I’ll get there someday. For now, it’s time to do something I’ve been paying lip service to for a while. It’s time to explore my own country. 

Yep. That’s right. The girl who rarely travels unless crossing an international border is involved is ready to Venture the United States. And in true 2020, socially distanced fashion, I’m not going to New York or LA or Las Vegas. I’m off to the mountains. The North Cascade Mountains. And I can’t wait to get there.