North Coast Staycation

As is probably evident from the mere existence of this blog, I really love to travel.

I love it so much, in fact, that in the 18 months that I’ve lived on the coast, I’ve boarded a plane or taken a road trip every chance I’ve gotten. Most of the time, I’ve gone to the east coast to visit family and friends, but I’ve also made my way to Europe, Hawaii, Texas, and southern California since moving here.

That’s fantastic, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The consequence, though, is that I haven’t been in my own town often when my time wasn’t claimed by work and other commitments. By constantly thinking of where I can go next, I skip over the beauty that can unfold by choosing to stay, instead.

That changed this week. At the conclusion of five days off of work, I realize that I haven’t gone anywhere at all. I knew that I was choosing something of a staycation, but I anticipated small trips embedded into the week: to the city, perhaps, or up the coast to a legendary ice cream store. I thought about heading inland, to see friends there or to hike somewhere new, and I tossed around the idea of wine tasting, either locally or in Napa, where I’ve never been. I contemplated Tahoe or Shasta for skiing, or perhaps even Bend to see what that’s all about.

I did none of that.

Instead, I stayed home. I watched movies, read books, indulged in buying print editions of the New York Times to keep me company on coffee-shop mornings. I strolled through local stores, went for a run or two on the headlands, played with my dogs, and made dinner at home.

Several days, I walked through the streets and remembered the beauty of this town. As I walked, I imagined what it would be like to live in some of my favorite houses here. And when I returned home again, I lazily baked cookies, made yogurt, cleaned out the files in my desk, and still didn’t do my taxes.

Unsurprisingly, the week flew by. Now it’s, suddenly, a Friday afternoon again, and I’m beginning to think about what I need to have done before Monday rolls around. It’s lovely to realize I feel as refreshed now as I would after a week elsewhere. I’m happy I stayed.

(Never mind that I’m already in planning mode for my next trip away from this wonderful place.)