On Vacation....But Not Quite!

"It's not in the destination, but it's in the journey to get there."

Perhaps you have heard of the saying "It's not in the destination, but it's in the journey to get there." Or something similar to that. That is what a vacation is! We begin by imagining where we would like to go, what do we want to do, what can we experience or learn while there, where are the best eating places, and will there be nice places to stay in? So our vacation has already started! The benefits of that vacation has already started too. You FEEL the excitement and the anticipation, you aren't trying to find excuses to think about all of the grueling activities that are often associated with it, right? Just the fun stuff! But you really do feel good after a planning session. AND you never left home! It was all in YOUR IMAGINATION!

I would like to share some of the vacation I am on -- in my imagination. This will become a reality vacation later on this year.

Where do we want to go?

I've always wanted to experience some of the most talked about beauty that occurs in the Fall. The foliage colors of the eastern USA!

Fall is my happiest time of the year. I feel all good and warm, cozy! I get to wear clothes that are so comfortable. I can bask in the sun and feel it's warmth and not get burnt! The temperature are great too. Fall is my happy time too, because I celebrate happy things during that time, like my birthday and my wedding anniversary. So this vacation is somewhat like another "2nd honeymoon". My husband and I celebrated our 25th in Branson, Missouri - where we were looking for the foliage change but alas, it was too early there.

The Baker House

Some of the places I wanted to visit had to include the seaboard fishing towns. Talk about the photography opportunities!  And the shopping in cute, quaint little shops! We shall stay at the Baker Bed and Breakfast too. This B&B is in the town, within walking distance of several attractions, and shopping.


"The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Music"

In traditional Austrian costume, the hostess.

All my life, I've always wanted to see Stowe, Vermont. Ever since I saw the movie "The Sound of Music" and read the book by Maria Von Trapp, The Trapp Family Singers, I wanted to meet this Maria! I learned from the book that she lived in Stowe, Vermont at a Lodge where guests can come and see the family perform traditional Austrian music and enjoy the beautiful scenery that so reminded them of their home country. Now is my chance! The Lodge is still there even though Maria as passed away. It is in the hands of the family, some of whom, still perform there. As a side note, one of the daughters came to Wichita to perform for Catholic Charities and had a large turnout for her. Sadly, I didn't get to go. 

The Von Trapp Lodge

We will be up north into New Hampshire for some really great and awesome views to. Near North Conway, near Wildcat Mountain. I'd best be sure to have the camera out and ready!

" 'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free...." ~ shaker melody.

On the second half of the trip we will be in Lake Placid  and Pittsfield. The Winter Olympics was held once in Lake Placid and it seemed like a great place. I am not sure what I am going to find there. In Pittsfield/Hancock area, the history is rich with the Shaker communities that live near by. We may want to visit the Shaker Round Barn - Shaker farm.

Still looking for sights of historical essence, but we may need to wait until we get to Boston or it may have to be when we first arrive. Two areas of interest to see - mostly of historical value. The Maritime port history, and of course, Paul Revere and the beginnings of our nation.

Lots of things to look at an plan and organize went it comes to doing a full blown vacation. You have to be able to imagine how your trip will be - mentally. You after to think about the value of what you want and how much it going to cost. You will want to budget as you go and prices change, will we be prepared?

In Conclusion:
After doing this blog, after planning the hotels and visiting websites to choose the activity, do I feel like I went on a "mental" vacation? I sure do. Was there excitement in the planning? Yes, there was. Do I feel eager for the future? You bet! Have I been on the vacation yet? Physically in Boston and New England areas seeing all of the beauty? Nope, well, but in a way, I was. Again, mentally. This goes to prove the saying "It's not in the destination, but in the journey", the point of this is important.
We often assume that if we never venture and reach our destination, we have failed in the doing or the lack of even getting started. Whatever are our dreams, deepest desires to achieve, we must plan, research, imagine the outcomes, before we even reach the destination. In so doing, we have actually participated in a unique way in actually being there. Don't be afraid of the journey. It is just as important, if not, more, important than reaching the final destination. The joy of the journey may be enough if we never reach the desired end. Take the initial steps towards your dream, you will begin to live it!