ROAD TRIP!

It's been more than a year since I went anywhere of note. As previously posted, in 2020 I cancelled trips to Spain ... England, Ireland and Scotland (one trip) ... and three trips to Texas (my brother turned 60 and my sister turned 65 last year, plus I didn't make the annual Christmas trip). I'm sitting on two airline credits and a strong desire to travel again. It's been three months since I lost Georgie; after three months of grieving and reflecting, I've made the decision I do want to have another canine companion. About 3 weeks ago, I went through a thorough vetting process and was approved to rescue/adopt a dog through National Mill Dog Rescue in Peyton, Colorado near Colorado Springs. This is the organization that rescued Georgie from a puppy mill. One of NMDR's sayings is: "Sometimes the best way to honor the life of the pet you lost is to save another."

There have been extra moving parts to planning a trip this month:

1. I swapped shifts with another employee and so am not losing any work hours during the trip.
2. My employer says I won't have to quarantine when I return because ...
3. I've had both vaccine shots and as of today, it's been two weeks since the second dose of Moderna vaccine. Theoretically, I'm at peak protection ... and because ...
4. I'm driving alone and staying in a hotel room alone ...
5. I've been saving up to make such a trip.
6. Any dog I adopt from NMDR will not be housebroken or leash trained, so I'm gathering together what I need for any eventuality ... belly bands, pee pads, small crate, etc.
7. Because it's still early March, I could experience very different weather situations, so that requires some thought and prep.
8. I haven't been to Colorado Springs since I was 11 years old and on a family vacation. Even if I don't discover a new companion, I'm treating this trip as a vacation! I have my lifetime National Parks Pass packed; I plan to visit the Air Force Academy and perhaps Pike's Peak and Garden of the Gods.
9. To my great delight, I get to see my friend Maggie (she's the person who took Georgie in when his owner in Sweetwater, TX died. In May 2018, I drove to Fort Worth to meet Georgie; we were inseparable until his death December 21st, 2020). Maggie and her significant other Greg are driving up to Peyton, CO from Texas and will be arriving the same day I do.
10. The AAA rep I consulted suggested I add an hour to my drive and go further south before heading west. I'm taking Interstate 35 to Kansas City, MO and then Interstate 70 west to Colorado Springs. It's more miles, but simpler and safer. Safety first is my choice!

I leave this coming Thursday morning, March 11 and will return on the 17th or 18th, back in time for my birthday on the 22nd! Hopefully, I'll have bonded with a dog and they'll be with me to celebrate! So, that's the plan. ROAD TRIP!