Sometimes the Journey Is the Wait
Not every trip is about exploring a new destination or checking another place off our bucket list.
Sometimes the journey is about simply being there for someone you love.
This trip took us north to Flagstaff, Arizona, where our daughter, Caitlynn, was competing in a skating competition. While the competition gave us a reason to travel, we quickly discovered that the moments between her performances would become just as memorable as the event itself.
Instead of staying in a hotel, we loaded up the RV and headed for one of our favorite campgrounds in northern Arizona. Cooler temperatures, fresh mountain air, and a few days with nowhere we had to be sounded pretty perfect.
Finding Our Home in the Pines
We arrived at Flagstaff KOA and were welcomed by an incredibly friendly staff.
Originally, we had reserved one of the standard pull-through sites, but the campground called us shortly after making our reservation to let us know one of the patio sites had unexpectedly become available.
Of course, we couldn’t resist.
The site looked beautiful on the campground map, and backing into it didn’t seem like much of a challenge.
At least…
That’s what we thought.
Once we parked the coach and started the automatic leveling system, we realized just how unlevel our site actually was. The front of the motorhome climbed higher and higher until Tracey could barely reach the entry door.
We laughed.
Adjusted.
Moved the coach back a few feet.
Tried again.
Same result.
Even our neighbors couldn’t help but smile as they watched us try to outsmart the hillside. Looking under their coach, we realized they were in exactly the same situation—with boards under their jacks and their front wheels hanging in the air.
Sometimes you simply have to accept what Mother Nature gives you.
Once camp was finally set up, we enjoyed dinner outside beneath the tall pines before settling in for the evening.
Sleeping with the windows open and breathing cool mountain air was a welcome change from the Arizona desert.
Learning to Slow Down
One of the greatest gifts camping gives us is permission to slow down.
There were no schedules to keep.
No meetings to attend.
No pressure to rush from one activity to the next.
We slept in.
Enjoyed breakfast at the Kamp Kitchen.
Walked through the campground admiring other RVs and dreaming about what our future full-time setup might look like.
It’s funny how retirement changes your perspective.
Instead of asking, “Where are we going next?” we often find ourselves asking, “Could we live in something like that?”
We spent the afternoon listening to music, relaxing outside, and simply enjoying the cool weather—something we don’t experience nearly enough back home.
Sometimes doing nothing turns out to be exactly what you needed.
Good Food and Great Company
One of the best parts of traveling is discovering local restaurants.
Coach Jaime and her husband invited us to lunch, along with another skating family, at MartAnne’s.
It was our first visit, and it definitely won’t be our last.
The food was fantastic, the conversation even better, and Tracey declared his michelada one of the best he’d ever had.
Those are the kinds of discoveries that never make the travel brochures but somehow become some of your favorite memories.
Later that evening we joined several skating families at a cabin tucked away in the pines.
Parents visited around tables filled with snacks and wine while the girls laughed, baked cookies, explored the woods, and enjoyed time together away from the ice rink.
Meeting new people is one of the unexpected blessings that travel so often brings.
Proud to Cheer Her On
Saturday morning arrived much earlier than anyone would have liked.
Alarms sounded.
Smoothies were blended.
Hair and makeup became the morning’s priority.
Fortunately, “The Hair Lady,” Kimberly, was available to work her magic once we arrived at the rink.
Every skating family knows that behind every performance is an army of people helping everything come together.
Caitlynn seemed unusually nervous that morning.
She wasn’t completely happy with her performance, missing an axel and slipping during one of her spins—something that’s normally one of her strengths.
As parents, though, our perspective is a little different.
The scores matter.
But not nearly as much as the courage it takes to step onto the ice in front of judges and a crowd.
No matter the outcome, we’ll always be proud of her.
It Takes a Village
If you’ve ever been involved in youth sports, you know things don’t always go according to plan.
Just as we were heading back to the rink for her synchronized skating event, Caitlynn realized she’d left her tights and boot covers back at the RV.
Cue the panic.
Thankfully, Kelly from Discount Skatewear came to the rescue.
Within minutes, Caitlynn had everything she needed.
Crisis averted.
It was another reminder that communities like this look after one another.
Celebrating Together
After the competition we gathered at the beautiful mountain home of one of the skating families.
Fire pits glowed beneath the pine trees.
Pizza disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.
Kids ran through the woods while adults shared stories and laughter around the fire.
It was one of those evenings that felt effortless.
No one wanted it to end.
Heading Home
Sunday morning came much too quickly.
We packed up the RV, pointed it south, and made the drive back toward the Valley.
Traffic was heavy.
The drive felt long.
By the time we arrived home we were exhausted.
But our hearts were full.
This wasn’t a trip filled with famous landmarks or exciting attractions.
Instead, it reminded us that some of the most meaningful journeys happen when we simply show up for the people we love.
We came to watch Caitlynn skate.
We left with new friendships, wonderful memories, and a renewed appreciation for slowing down and enjoying the moments between life’s biggest events.
Sometimes the journey isn’t about the destination at all.
Sometimes it’s about being present when someone you love needs you most.