How did my travel bug start?

 How did my travel bug start?

Growing up in a very large city, almost everything I could ever want was right there. Buildings, fabulous forest preserves, amazing parks, zoos, even a magnificent lakefront with beaches spread from one end to the other of the city.

On day, my father inquired what I wanted for my 16th birthday. A plane ride... ANYWHERE!

So, we flew a mere 45 min to St. Louis and we explored! Museums, the Arch, Meramec Caverns. So many interesting explorations that Chicago did not offer.

A few years later, I just turned 18, ready to graduate high school, just completed finals when my mothers friend asked if I would like to fly out to LA, spend a few days there and drive back to Chicago with his daughter.

UMMM, Yes, to the YES many times over!

Now, flying to a destination is a time saver, however, driving and exploring?!?!?! That adventure is what traveling is all about.

The drive from LA to Chicago took us through Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon, the Colorado mountains, Denver, driving along I-80 through Nebraska, Iowa and finally Illinois!

HOOKED!

Since that trip many years ago I have had the chance to visit and explore 47 states. Ok, ok, one I had zero choice but to fly. All 4 of my boys have shared along the many hours behind a windshield. Stopping to explore some very unique and exciting sights, sometimes to explore some really goofy sites.

But, the memories... Oh man!

Have great adventures!