Travel doesn't always work out as planned, I found that out the hardest way on the trip I just went on with my dad to Anchorage, Alaska. Right from the start, on the drive to the airport when I had car trouble, I knew something was doomed about this trip. Making the best of the awful weather, my sickness, my drama at home, and travelling with others was a lot to overcome. If you know me personally, and even I am sure you can see this in my online presence, then you know that I am a positive person. I always see the silver lining. I pride myself on wearing my heart on my sleeve but not letting anyone break it, and though I give love easily, if you aren't deserving then I take it away just as quick. I know my worth.
Alaska taught me lots about myself. It taught me patience with both my parents. I usually travel alone so travelling with my father, and I'm sure this would have been the same for whoever came with me, was difficult for me. Do not read this wrong, I enjoyed the one on one time I got with my father. But it was hard not being able to go do whatever I wanted when I am so used to travelling on my own. I like sitting and observing, I like getting up early and going somewhere wild. I felt restrained and that was difficult.
Alaska taught me that sometimes travelling in the off-season isn't worth the money saved. The weather in the Fall in Alaska is anything but ideal. It rained the whole week, and all anyone could talk about was how nice it was there all summer. I felt as if I couldn't do the hikes I wanted to do as the views wouldn't be there, the scenery wouldn't be as good, and again I felt like my father wouldn't want to hike in the rain.
Separation should make the heart grow fonder, and it truly teaches you who cares. When away it is those who ask how it is going, who think about you while you're gone, and ask you when you get back how your trip was, those are the ones who matter. Being apart shouldn't stop love or care or friendship. And time shouldn't either, Alaska taught me that as well.
A lot happened while I was away and even more happened within the 24 hours after I landed back in Toronto. But there are memories from that trip that I will never forget. Memories I will share with my father and I will bring with me through my life and cherish forever. Some laughs, sunny spots for hikes, delicious breweries, and long road trip talks. The bad will fade and the love will remain, and I guess that is the silver lining that belongs to this dark and gloomy cloud. Thank you to all of those who stood by me through this rough time and who kept me company from home through text while I was struggling to hold it together across the continent.
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