Sometimes the Best Journeys Lead to Family
There are places we love to visit because of the scenery.
There are places we return to because of the food.
And then there are places we visit for one simple reason…
The people.
This trip was all about family.
Almost a year earlier, our oldest son, Chris, his wife Rachel, and our two granddaughters had packed up their lives and moved from Reno, Nevada to New Braunfels, Texas. Since then, we’ve found ourselves making the drive east every chance we get.
This trip would be a little different.
Not because of where we were going.
But because of how we planned to arrive.
Planning a Father’s Day Surprise
Chris and the girls were spending Father’s Day weekend camping and fishing in Texas.
Behind the scenes, Rachel and I had been quietly coordinating plans, trying our best to surprise Chris by showing up at their campsite a few days earlier than he expected.
At least…
That was the plan.
Like many good surprises, ours didn’t quite go according to plan.
Somewhere during one of our text conversations, Rachel accidentally let the secret slip.
Chris now knew we were coming.
So much for the big surprise.
Still…
Knowing we were coming wasn’t quite the same as seeing us pull into camp.
Hitting the Road
We left Arizona Thursday evening and pointed the motorhome toward Texas.
Our first overnight stop was one that had become familiar over the years—a Walmart parking lot in Deming, New Mexico.
Years ago, we’d stop in Deming to spend time with Tracey’s Aunt Genie before continuing east.
Although she now lives just a few minutes from us back in Arizona, our travel tradition has remained the same.
Sometimes traditions stick around simply because they feel familiar.
We found a quiet place to park, walked all three dogs, wrestled with our satellite receiver one more time (it was beginning to feel like a permanent travel companion), and finally called it a night.
Morning would come early.
One More Day on the Road
Friday started the way so many of our travel days do.
Coffee for Tracey.
Smoothies for both of us.
Three excited dogs ready for their morning walk.
Then it was back on the road.
Traveling with three little dogs certainly adds a little excitement to every stop.
By the time we pull into a rest area or gas station, they’re usually piled somewhere around our feet, in our laps, or squeezed into whatever tiny space they can find between us.
Getting out of the coach quickly becomes a carefully choreographed dance.
Rachel continued sending us updates throughout the day, including a map of the campground and our campsite number.
The anticipation grew with every mile.
The Best Welcome We Could Have Asked For
Late Friday afternoon, we finally pulled into the campground.
As we approached their campsite, there they were.
Chris.
Rachel.
And our two favorite little girls.
The moment we stopped the Jeep, the girls came running as fast as their little legs could carry them.
There really isn’t a better welcome than granddaughters running into your arms.
Those hugs instantly made the long drive worthwhile.
While Tracey worked his usual magic backing the motorhome into our campsite, I climbed into the Jeep with the girls.
They eagerly filled me in on everything we’d missed since our last visit, talking over one another with all the excitement only grandchildren can create.
It’s one of my favorite sounds in the world.
Camping with Family
Before long, camp was set up.
Slides out.
Jacks down.
Utilities connected.
Air conditioner running.
Dogs walked.
Finally…
Vacation could begin.
We joined everyone beneath their awning for burgers, cold drinks, and easy conversation.
Chris and Rachel had dinner waiting for us, and we surprised the girls with their very own child-sized picnic table.
Needless to say, it was an immediate hit.
Watching them proudly sit at “their table” made us smile.
Sometimes the smallest gifts bring the biggest joy.
As darkness settled over the campground, the girls headed off to bed while the rest of us lingered outside just a little longer.
Talking.
Laughing.
Catching up.
The drive was behind us.
The next several days would be spent making memories together.
Exactly the reason we’d made the trip.