In August of 2023, The Morning Call published a Your View piece I wrote describing my angst and aversion to air travel. At the time, a family trip was planned by my wife and daughter to southern Colorado. Immediately, my phobias as a “reluctant traveler” were on full display in front of family. I whined about time zones, security checks, rental car dilemmas, delays and the overall torment that accompanies me whenever I fly.

I put up some resistance; who’s going to watch the dog, we’ll never make our gate, can my bladder hold out? I said it then and will say it now, Oh, those pesky anxieties. I’ll admit, some were excuses made to stay home in the comfort of my own basement relaxed in a rocker with channel changer and beverage in hand.

Recently, my wife and daughter planned it all over again. This time, northern Colorado where we stayed just outside Steamboat Springs — nonstop from Lehigh Valley International Airport to Denver — a godsend. I was hoping the lessons learned two years ago had paid off. Funny the way time and experiences worth living change your perspective the older you get. There is a greater sense of appreciation and gratitude for the ones most close. Like a caring, upbeat, mildly manipulative, but always loving wife. She knows just how to steer me in the right direction. But on the second last day, I began growing tired of the constant hustle and bustle of being in and out of a rental car. That particular day the rodeo was in town (I always wanted to say that) an event my wife and I have never witnessed.

Alas, the “reluctant traveler” returned. My wife asked if I was excited to see the rodeo, I hemmed and hawed. Her snap response was clear and concise, “Look, we’re on vacation; your daughter, son-in-law, 16-year old grandson and 13-year old granddaughter want to go and I do too — so don’t make me mad.” I went and turns out the rodeo was a blast and we met some wonderful people. The kids too, took in the festivities like a new car smell, only for them it was more Rocky Mountain air mixed with just a hint of horse and cow dung.

This trip I was determined to, as a good friend texted, “Have a great adventure! Enjoy nature … be in the moment!” The advice she gave served me well when best-laid plans went awry.

For example, driving to and from Rocky Mountain National Park and behind the wheel for so many hours, my son-in-law was stopped by two seriously armed ranger police for speeding minutes after we left the park. Confused and unsure of where to go, we played the dumb-out-of-staters, and it worked. The officers let us off with a warning- as two teenagers giggled in the far back seat.

I’ve heard stories from skiing friends of awe-inspiring wonders the Rocky Mountains offer to those who live and visit there. I thought of the endurance and pioneer spirit it must have taken to settle and work such an unforgiving terrain.

From the beauty and engineering of Red Rocks Amphitheater completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, where talented musicians have performed for decades — to Steamboat Springs and a gondola ride up 10,000 feet to a ski area where my wife finally conquered her fear of heights. Beaming with accomplishment, we celebrated with a toast at the top followed by a spectacular lightning strike — from sky to ground — captured by my granddaughter. There was Fish Creek Hot Springs, hiking along Steamboat Springs Lake, fly fishing — and for the week’s grand finale — you guessed it, “hold on to your cowboy hat” the rodeo’s in town.

What l learned that week, besides the majestic sights and sounds of nature’s splendor or managing my own silliness; was meeting different people from different backgrounds with various political persuasions where ideas, opinions and dreams are expressed freely like the elk and antelope that run the open range.

As for the six eastern travelers heading home; memories are etched in hearts and minds knowing they found the best way to experience and appreciate the beauty of America — be in the moment.

This is a contributed opinion column. John Schmoyer is a retired U.S. history/American government teacher and department chair at Northwestern Lehigh School District. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author, and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. Do you have a perspective to share? Learn more about how we handle guest opinion submissions at themorningcall.com/opinions.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/08/28/opinion-vacation-gives-reluctant-traveler-a-different-perspective/