I recently returned from a 6-day trip to the west which included a night at an amazing dude ranch and two nights camping and rafting 100 miles down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. What a majestic trip that reminded and taught me many lessons that are practical for being proactive.
As experienced travelers, we felt confident that we could pack appropriately but regardless, we studied various websites and pulled together a comprehensive packing list; clothes, pillows, waterproof phone cases, sunscreen, boat shoes, flip flops, duffel bags, sun-blocking hats and sturdy water bottles among other things.
We felt confident we weren’t missing anything and if we were, we could buy it or just deal without it.
Here is what I learned. I clearly need to give myself a pep talk before trips about patience and grace. When you are stuck on a raft with complete strangers for 3 days, there are going to be challenges that don’t really matter. Patience has never been my strong point and I was struck by the amazing poem recited from memory by our head guide on the last day of the trip.
If I had my life to live over again,
I’d dare to make more mistakes next time.
I’d relax.
I’d limber up.
I’d be sillier than I’ve been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances,
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would, perhaps, have more actual troubles but fewer imaginary ones.
you see, I’m one of those people who was sensible and sane,
hour after hour,
day after day.
Oh, I’ve had my moments.
If I had to do it over again,
I’d have more of them.
In fact, I’d try to have nothing else- just moments,
one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day.
I’ve been one of those persons who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute.
If I could do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.
If I had to live my life over,
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
and stay that way later in the fall.
I would go to more dances,
I would ride more merry-go-rounds,
I would pick more daisies.
– Nadine Stair
I also learned that sometimes going on a trip to support your better half is a really good thing.
Here is what else I learned; there are amazing people in this world that work on dude ranches and as river guides in the Grand Canyon. Hard work in the blistering sun putting up with city slickers can’t be easy. They also have a peace about them that is beautiful to behold. I learned:
- To shake your blanket and vest in the morning when you get up
- Don’t bring your pee can to breakfast
- Washing your hands can be a little overrated
- The Vegas strip is still pretty seedy and make sure you run early or late as the sun will crush you
- Absinthe was worth the money……..some of the restaurants weren’t
- Smoking is still allowed in many casinos…..that’s a shock
- The water is really cool in the Colorado River which is refreshing when the heat is over 100
- Buy the water-proof map
