20 Days of Chill 2022: At the top of the bucket (Day 8)

Let’s go to the top of the bucket with one thing: Bucket lists. 

I always thought these were kind of corny. But as I started to age, I realized bucket lists were a huge part of life. They can be very useful when it comes to having goals, or dreams, or anything in between. Maybe it’s a big trip or two. Maybe it’s a fancy car. Maybe it’s something totally different. But having this bucket list can help one focus on an end goal. 

Now, the reality is, unless we all have disposable income to empty the bucket, most of us will never cross everything off our bucket lists. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t try. 

My list changes every so often. And, honestly, a lot of mine covers travel goals. There’s so much to see in this world that I’d really love to get out and travel more. At the same time, I like being home. Add Harper to that mix, and it makes it a bit harder for me to accomplish some of my travel dreams. Being Harper isn’t a lap dog, if she flew, she’d have to go cargo. Not for nothing, but I’m not stuffing my dog into a crate and letting them load her with the cargo. No way. No how. Not. Going. To. Happen. 

So, that means I have two things at the top of my bucket list. My number one hasn’t changed for several years – going to Iceland. I’ve dreamed of this place for years and had plans to do it in September of 2020. And, well, you know what stopped that. It’s still on my radar, and hopefully will be done in the next few years. Harper will have to skip that trip with me, however, as I just don’t see how I’d be able to bring her with me. 

Now, if we go back to Monday’s post and show me da money, well … that could change. But, in light of that, Iceland will likely be me and maybe a friend or two who wants to travel to Iceland. 

The other item at the top of the list is based on traveling with Harper. This is something I’ve thought a lot about as she continues to get older. At eight months, she’s becoming quite the explorer. She loves being outside and, for the most part, she likes to walk. I do not do off-leash walking, so she’s getting better on the leash. But as I’ve taken some geocaching adventures with her, I can see she really loves seeing new places. The smells and sights and just the different terrain. 

So, how can I work on that?

My idea of roughing it, in the past, is a budget hotel. I am not one to tent camp and such, so I always tend to get hotels when I travel. And usually, it’s something like a Marriott. I’m not a fan of dogs in hotels, though. While I know there are times that won’t be avoidable, I’m going to be one who tries to find different ways around it. I hate the idea of needing to crate her in a hotel room if I go out to dinner etc. But it would be necessary as I wouldn’t want to leave temptation out there, even as she ages and can be trusted more. 

The big question is: Where would I want to travel with Harper?

While “bark in the park” events are of interest as it combined Harper with my love of baseball, the odds are if I do those, it will be in places that are somewhat close to me. 

That leaves parks. 

I’ve long wanted to explore not only New York State’s vast amount of parks, but to go to National Parks. There are so many amazing ones and I’ve often seen people out hiking with their dogs at said parks. Therefore, I’d love to bring Harper along. 

To accomplish this, I’m starting to set my sights on something like a teardrop camper. I know what I want my next vehicle to be – likely a small to mid-size SUV – so it could be something to pull said trailer. It allows me to have a little more comfort while “camping” and gives Harper and I a place to be warm, or even cool down, when traveling. Some of them are 5-6 feet tall, allowing me to be able to stand. And some have the addition of things like a full bed, television, AC, and cooking areas. The price range is obviously quite large, so I’d have to think highly about the simplicity of use and what I need to do to get used to having something like this. Storage of it in the offseason as well. 

This trailer, as well as the traveling with Harper, has likely become No. 1 on my bucket list. The top of the bucket, you could say. This might be a couple of years away, but it’s something I’m going to try and figure a way to do … and make it so she and I have ways to travel and see the country. And maybe some of Canada as well, considering how nice many of the parks in that country are. 

First things first, though. She needs to get better at traveling (she sometimes still throws up), and we need to get out of Covid. Then … bring it on!

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

This post is part of the 2022 20 Days of Chill Writing Challenge hosted by A ‘lil HooHaa. Please check out the links (intro I themes) if you’d like to see the setup and  themes! You don’t have to do every theme if you don’t want to! And for those participating, take a moment and check out the other participants!

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