REFLECTIONS

Sunday, May 6....Ridgecrest

Son Ed commented on my first post, below, asking what do I wish we'd taken and what do I wish we'd left behind.  Here goes:

What I did not need to take:  (Earl will have to speak for himself)

Skirt and dressy tops and jacket

Dressy flat shoes

Flip Flops (hostel was the only place we shared a bath)

Laundry line...everything dries fast on a radiator or a towel warmer

2nd pair of walking shoes...I used them but not necessary

Sewing kit 

Hair Dryer (most places had them)

Cotton socks

Glad I took:

Some duct tape wrapped around a pen

Scissors (in checked bag)

Spork (combi spoon, fork, serrated edge)

Computer for blogging

Tights to use as underlayer...perfect weight, not bulky, dried fast

Wool socks, needed another pair

Starbucks instant coffee...which is very fine Arabica grounds, not freeze dried

Wish I'd taken:

Business type cards with our name and email on them

More wool socks

Better rain jacket, I ended up using Kate's

2nd umbrella, hard to share my small one

Cell phone that worked in UK...ended up buying one in Scotland.

We had a car for most of our journey, so luggage weight and amount was not the crucial issue (except all B&B rooms are upstairs).  

Another reluctant traveler.....

Thanks for asking, Ed, because I've been meaning to reflect on those special things that happen just when you need them to. Plus the people and events that seem to be planned to increase faith that no matter where on earth you are, the Lord will test and bless you.

1. Sunshine amidst rainy season

2. Friendly folks at info booths...airport and all over

3. The Snowies who invited us in when our car broke down

4. Fun young tow truck driver, got us safely to Glasgow airport

5. Andrew at Avis in Glasgow, had been told to give us smaller car, but when he saw three of us with luggage, upgraded to nice diesel Pugeot. Then helped us extend rental in same car for a week.

6. Bowman Bus company on Mull Island, found and delivered our jackets we'd left on board.

7. Iona Hostel, John, can't say enough good about his gracious hospitality.

(and thanks, Cat Gipe, for recommending it)

8.  Ian, the beadle-or church officer- at Dunkeld Cathedral. Could do a whole story on him. He was there late to open church for a concert. Took both Earl and I back into museum to talk about his work there as a stonemason. Showed photos of his opening the crypts after a flood for the first time in centuries to find gold studded coffins of royalty, not been seen since for centuries. Let us stay for the concert rehearsal, the music resounded of the high beamed church and warmed our souls.

9. "Jane" as Anne Brennan called her, the British-voiced navigation system on the Peugeot.  None of this nasally "recalculating" when we'd goofed up. No, Jane would say in melodic British accent: "If possible, make a u-turn"; and, "At the next roundabout, take the second exit", as though she was suggesting scones with our cream tea....

10.  Thank you, Lord, for the trip. Although Earl and I have traveled, it was always on PCS orders, or for work, business, family connections, or very local, short breaks.    Hats off to all of you, especially Peggy! who take off for journeys to far away places, with exotic cultures and traditions.  It takes energy, money, patience, and sometimes perseverance to see the world.  

We are so glad we went and hope to travel more. One can easily grow into that recliner, get old and lose the sense of adventure we had when younger.