I'll soon be setting off on quite a big adventure. I haven't left town, or my house, much in the last couple of years (of course), and for a couple of years before that either. Once upon a time I had a goal to visit the grand canyon before I turned 30. Well I turned 30 this month, and in September...I am driving to see the grand canyon.
Is it a safe time to be traveling? No. There is this terrible balance between feeling like I should stay put, that it's safer to, that it's the "right" thing to do, and of course it is, but no one knows which day is their last, and I'd like to see the grand canyon before I go. So I am going to be driving west for several weeks this fall. I am fully vaccinated of course, and this will be a mostly solo trip in my car with a lot of social distancing and most of my non-driving time spent outside, but I still know it will seem irresponsible to many. I had already put my life on hold before the world stopped turning. I spent a lot of time in my twenties telling myself I didn't deserve to live fully, not just yet. That I hadn't proven myself worthy, of adventure, of companionship, of love, of life. I can't stay stuck forever, so I'm gambling a little, on a trip to see more of this planet before it's gone, or I am.
Like many I expect, I do fear I won't get to see and do (and write, create) all I'd like to in the small spark of time I will be allotted. There are so many things I cannot change.
But I can at least drive to see the grand canyon. May it be grand indeed.
Shoes: Bait Footwear
Hat, Bracelet, Belt, & Clutch: Vintage
Earrings: Old Navy (and quite old)
Long time follower, first time commenter. Not irresponsible at all...definitely go, don't feel bad about it, and take lots of photos. I work at a grocery store, and live in southern california. I've seen a lot of irresponsible during this last year. may i suggest roadside america app and find some weird roadside attractions.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jennafer! I'll definitely check out the app! I need one of those but for thrift and antique stores ha
DeleteLove the cutout detail, simple yet interesting. I have to watch your video about the bodice block pattern and find the time to create my own... and shamelessly copy that idea :D
ReplyDeleteThank you Katha! Do it!!!
DeleteAs someone who does a fair amount of camping, our national parks have experienced a surge in visitors over the 2020/2021 season. To avoid unpleasant surprises on your trip you may wish to make any reservations far in advance.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/travel/crowded-national-parks.html
Thank you for the heads up! I've been watching a travel vlog couple adventure around on youtube and they give good tips on avoiding the crowds too. Since I'll be traveling alone and am not used to hiking, I'm almost glad there will be plenty of people around in case I get myself into any trouble. Luckily I've got all my nearby hotels booked already at least! And a horseback ride booked too for near canyonlands in Moab. Alas I do not camp myself, maybe a glamping safari tent one day, but even that would be a stretch for me 😅
DeleteIt sounds like you've got it covered, enjoy your trip and post lots of pictures.
DeleteLovely dress! The subtle texture is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're getting to go on your adventure! I don't think it's irresponsible, you've done everything you can to be safe and careful. Eventually, you just have to go for it and there's no time like the present.
Thank you Flynn! ❤
DeleteI'm so sorry it took so long for you to feel worthy of adventure. We all are, from the day we are born.
ReplyDeleteA few recommendations to keep it safe, don't dine in, and stay at Air BNBs, or outdoor access motels where the rooms have their own AC unit. It's really air circulation that is key. If you do find yourself in crowds, even outdoors, wear a mask. There was recently an outdoor wedding where six vaccinated persons contracted the Delta variant. Like others said, National Parks have experienced a massive surge, because they are open and outdoors. So you could experience a long wait. There are also several places within the Grand Canyon that require a bus to get to, since it's so large. Best of luck!
Thank you Janey ❤ Unfortunately I don't really feel safe in air BNB's while traveling by myself as a woman I guess (I have even bought a fake engagement/wedding ring set to wear to avoid any and all hassle hopefully), so I have booked hotels. Luckily many do seem to have window unit/individual AC's, which I thought was a downside, but now I see you're point so I guess it is an unintended bonus. Totally going to mask up anytime I'm around others, plus I realized I could wear a bandana over them for the full outlaw look anyhow. I'll be visiting the north rim of the Grand Canyon on my way back to CO, so if the south rim experience is disappointingly crowded at least I'll have that to look forward to 😅 I'm more worried about getting into Arches, since I have heard their lots fill up fast. I'm not usually one for early mornings...but alas this trip may change that! I'm getting a list going of alternative spots and state parks to check out too if the National Parks are just too overcrowded. Hopefully since I'm going after school starts up again at least some of the home crowd will have gone back to the grind. Pretty sure Sand Dunes NP here in CO is the only NP I have been to before, so even just a couple of overlooks looks is going to be pretty thrilling for me 😂 And lots of take out picnics for one in my future for sure!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful to hear that you are celebrating a wonderful milestone with such wonderful experiences. Getting to see the north and south rims will allow you to see the differences of the canyon, and having the arches to compare will I'm sure give you inspiration for a long, long time.
ReplyDeleteAs a visitor to the Grand Canyon south rim (in March, before crowds get heavy) and Zion, I found that early mornings give you plenty of time to venture these grandiose spaces as close to alone as possible. Also, the crowds tend to stick to the most popular trails/trailheads, so if you are willing to go out a bit further out (by only just a mile sometimes) you could find some nice solo adventures - I am always amazed at how many tourists prefer to drive around the parks versus walking the actual trails. If your lodgings have small refrigerators, would definitely recommend stocking up on some snack/lunch items at the nearby towns so that you can always be sure to have food handy - the eateries in Grand Canyon/south rim are few AND their supplies could run out. If you do want to sleep in a bit, check out the night "life" at the parks - most of them are light free zones and have ranger/astronomer lead talks at night (seeing the star show at Zion was just spectacular).
Beyond all that, as others have said, you really are planning well for this whole trip and life does need to continue, doesn't it? :)
I've just recently caught some of your videos and blog posts and I'm learning a lot - so thank you for continuing to post and share what you obviously enjoy doing. Have fun always!
I by sheer luck found your fabulous YouTube channel and now your blog. You are amazing. Have a wonderful trip and thank you for sharing your talent.
ReplyDeleteEven if the South Rim is crowded, the view is much more impressive. (Saw it from the North as a kid and was underwhelmed. Saw it from the South as an adult and was 'Oh I get it, WOW!') Safe travels. And as my son said, "Rocks, Trees, Scenery, oh, ah!"
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ReplyDeleteI love this post, sometimes you make me want to sniffle, Bianca. My piano teacher once told me, "Penny you need to get into trouble." I answered that I didn't know how. She was in her eighties. Imagine, a person of that age telling a person in their twenties something like that. It always amused and puzzled me. Maybe it's the same with you. Some of us love to be busy, alone with our craft and yet, it's hard to find meaningful connections and experiences and if they aren't meaningful then why bother sacrificing time away from the craft? That's always been my feeling. But baby steps and I think it comes together bit by bit as one wishes. I'm sure there are many out there who feel this way. Be kind to yourself, with happy thoughts and enjoy your trip. I can't wait to come along for the virtual journey!
ReplyDeleteAnother oportunity to wear your adventure/safari ish wardrobe!!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that dress is beautiful and fits you perfectly. Love it! And thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of sewing and clothing design with us. You are a very good teacher. I stumbled upon your YouTube channel maybe a week ago, and have learned a lot from you already, like the location and design of the darts may change, "but the fit doesn't change!"
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your road trip and the Grand Canyon; it had been on my bucket list for years to see it, and I finally made it out there in July. It did not disappoint! And no, I do not think it was irresponsible of me. The opportunity was there, and I took it, with safety precautions in place. Peace and blessings.
Have fun and take lots of pictures!
ReplyDeleteBeen to The Canyon many times. North and South Rims are utterly different worlds, one is not better than the other, just vastly different. DO try to stay at the El Tovar on the South Rim if only for one night. It's a fabulous piece of history. Even if you only have a meal (I could only afford coffee and a bagel!), eat in one of the dining rooms! Note that the High Desert is cold at night, even in midsummer, so pack a sweater and a jacket and good walking shoes.
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