Occasionally, one can spend so much time in a virtual world that it is easy to forget the actual real and often breathtaking beauty that nature provides. After countless family trips to theme parks (where the only thing that is real is the second mortgage needed to pay for the visit) and an unfortunate bowling incident where our boys bypassed the bowling balls in search of the Wii remote, we have set out to find intentionally real family traveling experiences. 

While we haven’t achieved globetrotting status yet (working on that though) we have been fortunate to stack up some memorable family experiences. A bank robbery in Charleston, Surf Kayaking in Savannah, man in boxers versus angry raccoons in South Carolina, perfect star gazing in Shenandoah National Park, live Jazz at Perservation Hall in NOLA, and whitewater rafting in Nantahala National Forest remain a few of the most memorable.

Now that everyone in the family has a passport I was eager to travel abroad this summer. Dylan suggested we travel to visit “his people, in the land of majestic red hair” otherwise known as Ireland. Spencer will go anywhere that features activities that could kill him and/or put me in a mental hospital with worry. Think BASE Jumping in Switzerland or Running of The Bulls in Pamplona. Scott (just like me) is pretty much game for any location, but with one exception. While I search out amazing experiences in a breathtaking landscape he hunts a deal and if he can work in a road trip to torture his wife that helps as well.

Somehow we managed to tick off most of everyone’s wish list (including deals and a road trip) ultimately settling on a week in the Canadian Rockies including Banff and Jasper National Parks, and a week in enjoying the rugged Pacific Coast beauty of Vancouver Island, and few days in Seattle for a little food, family, friends and finally a work conference. 

So, here we go. The passports are packed. My Pinterest board is sufficiently full of breathtaking vista views and we are ready for next “real” adventure. Our expectations for a trip of a lifetime are high, let’s hope not too high.

Not What We Expected

We are here. Held briefly at the border crossing while they searched the rental and Scott nervously answered their questions. Dylan thinks they wanted our muffins. Spencer just thought it was cool that he could add “searched by border patrol” to his resume of adventures. 

Now, we are driving down the Trans-Canadian Highway, speechless. Nothing looks like what we saw online. Everywhere you look is another sweeping breathtaking view. The landscape is so much more…

Unable to articulate in words I will leave it at Dylan’s description. It really is like being trapped in a Bob Ross painting.

Oh, for those of you concerned that Dylan’s vacation wish was not met, while not among “his people of the majestic red hair” he has garnered an odd amount of attention from the locals and other tourists. “It’s a red head thing, mom.”

Until next time, happy camping.