Webster defines expedition in the following way: noun a journey or excursion undertaken for a specific purpose. I don’t quibble with that definition, but the word seems to carry more meaning as well. That additional meaning is why auto manufacturers and movie makers have included the word in their products. There is a sense of excitement and adventure associated with an expedition.
First comes is the leap of deciding to actually go. Where do you go on this great big amazing planet? What experiences and sights await you? Once you commit to going, there is preparation. Planning routes, stays, packing and all the logistics that comes with any epic adventure. Some enjoy this. I must admit that I do not. However the value here is that you’ve committed to going, breaking out of the routine and having an expedition. Our first expedition this fall was to the Florida Keys.
The Florida Keys are over 600 miles from our home. Although in the same state, they couldn’t be more different. Crossing the Seven Mile Bridge on a bright sunny afternoon, the late afternoon sun cast a billion diamond sparkles on the wind swept waters. All the familiar trees had long since disappeared and it was as though we were driving to the Caribbean.
We stayed in two different places in the Keys. Both had their positives and negatives. One was directly in the flight path for the Naval Air Station and every morning promptly at 0730 whether you liked it or not, US Navy Jets screamed over our campsite. If you weren’t prepared for it, you might end up wearing your morning coffee. The second place we stayed was the eagerly awaited Bahia Honda State Park. It has taken TWO YEARS to get a site here. The park is a sprawling state park with stunning views and unbelievable opportunities to snorkel, beach comb, fish, paddle board etc. There is one thing we did not anticipate however. Because the island is so small, it is impossible to escape the traffic noise from US 1. So sitting quietly in your campsite is simply not an option. That is a small price to pay for the unparalleled beauty of the place. The other worldly feel. Am I in the Caribbean?
I mentioned that planning and logistics are the first part of the expedition. Adventure is the next part. Learning about the world we live in, experiencing new places, people, food, customs and climates. All are part of adventures. As we age, “adventure” seems more difficult. Comfort and familiarity seem to be what the aging process naturally points us toward for a variety of reasons. The bang is worth the buck. Have yourself an expedition if you can.
Remember-you never know what your fellow human is going through.
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