My Bucket List
August 12, 2018
Like most people, I first heard the term “bucket list” after I saw the 2007 film that starred Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two men who were facing terminal illnesses; both had a desire to complete a list of things to do and see before they died. The term “bucket list” may have been new to me, but I’ve always had a list (albeit unwritten). My list almost exclusively has included places I want to see and photograph during my lifetime. My mother says that I was born with the “wanderlust” gene; she’s probably correct.
I thought most people had some such list, but imagine my surprise after 39 years of marriage, to learn that my husband doesn’t. Seriously, who doesn’t have a bucket list?? Upon disclosing this revelation, he quickly assured me that he wants to help me complete my bucket list and has asked me for a list of places I want to visit, so that we can “plan” for those trips.
Here’s the thing – my husband is a planner. Me – not so much. Let me rephrase that – I’m relatively skilled at strategic planning for work projects, but I prefer to keep an open mind and want more spontaneity on vacations. The reason is that my most memorable times have been those that deviated from the planned schedule and led to spur of the moment detours.
I know my husband wants me to give him a list, but that’s hard for me because my "list” has changed over the years based on new experiences and meeting new people who tell me about places they’ve visited. My recent trip to Bryce Canyon is a good example. Ten years ago, it wasn’t on my list, but then I saw photos from my friend Sue’s trip there, and I was mesmerized. So, Bryce Canyon was added to my list. Like me, my list is constantly evolving.
The other thing is that my list is somewhat dependent on the people who are my traveling companions. It’s not just about the destination, but the individuals with whom I share the experience that are important to me. Case in point, South Africa is at the top of my list, not because it is a beautiful place, but because my best friend spent her teenage and early adulthood years there. I want to see South Africa, but I want to see it with Carolyn and her husband, and through their eyes. South Africa wasn’t on my list prior to meeting Carolyn, but now it is.
In an attempt to give my husband something tangible that he can print (who am I kidding, I’ll have to print this for him) and hold in his hands, I’m attempting to compile a “written” list. So, Stidham, here is my “current bucket list.” There are a few caveats. The biggest caveat is that this is being created on August 12, 2018, and it could change 2 months or 2 years from now! Aside from #1, this list is in no particular order.
South Africa (specifically Cape Town) and other cities/places in Africa for the above mentioned reason. Caveat – I want us to travel there with Carolyn and Dave. I do not want to visit South Africa without them. Period.
Big Bend, Texas – I love my adopted state, and I want to spend time here visiting sites that I haven’t seen, as well returning to some of favorite Texas sites. I’ve visited several places already, but haven’t made it to Big Bend yet, so that’s on my list along with Palo Duro Canyon. I also want to revisit Texas beaches and the Texas Hill Country, as often as possible.
Northern Lights – People who read my May 28 blog entry about “Collecting Memories,” will know this is on my list. I don’t care where I see them – Alaska, Iceland, Finland, or some other place – I just want an opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights.
European River Cruise – My friends, Mary Ann and Jodie, took a river cruise through Portugal, and came home raving about it. I don’t really care about the destination, but a European river cruise has been on my list for a while.
Camino de Santiago walking tour – This is another perfect example of something getting added to my list when I learned about it. Recently, I noticed Facebook posts from my colleague, Nayi Nunez, who appeared to be hiking in another country. Several weeks later, when I saw her at a meeting, I asked her about her trip. She told me about the Camino de Santiago trails, where individuals from across the world have come for centuries to walk these European trails. The header on the website (https://caminoways.com) proclaims “Camino de Santiago, a Journey for the Soul.” You have a choice of easy to difficult walks, as well as guided or self-guided. The easier tours allow you to walk 8-12 miles per day, typically on flat surfaces. When you reach each daily destination, your hotel room is waiting. The next day, your luggage is transported to the next daily destination, where it is waiting at the hotel when you arrive. No camping, and no carrying heavy backpacks. Nayi chose the Portugal Coastal tour. I’m not sure which tour that I would pick, but this sounds fun and adventurous.
Road trip across the U.S. – Recently, your sister pointed out the Cruise America recreational vehicles (RV), which offer RV rentals. You can count me in, Cindy, but it may have to wait until we’re both retired!
Cinque Terre with my BFF and our daughters
Many, many trips to our cabin in northeastern Oklahoma with you, as well as some trips there with my girlfriends
More snow skiing trips with Sue, and any other friends and family
The last thing on the list is not a place to visit, but something that has become increasingly important to me. I would really like to experience family gatherings regardless of the location that are drama-free.
So, there it is. At this moment in time, these are the places and things that I believe will result in moments of awe.