2014 was kind to us in the way of travel. Steve had his normal hockey travel schedule, which in 2014 had him bouncing on and off buses from Ontario to Texas and back. And when he was on the road, I had my own road trips down to my parents' house on Lake Huron. Despite being only 3 hours west of Toronto, it was a welcomed "vacation" from the busy city life. Missing our Alaskan adventures, we disconnected and went canoe-in camping in Algonquin Provincial Park. And last, but definitely not least, thanks to all of that crazy hockey travel the past few years, we were gifted with enough air miles to fly us back to Alaska, with a quick pit stop in Seattle on the way home.
Seattle, the [Un]Rainy City | Seattle CityPass Review
Now that hockey doesn't dictate our schedule 8 months of the year (which I'll admit, I'm still a bit sad about), I would love for 2015 to be filled with many small weekend trips and staycations.
Here is where I hope travel will take us in 2015...
Collingwood, Ontario - As a hockey player, my husband was focused on one sport and one sport only every winter and was never able to go skiing or snowboarding. This winter, if we ever get enough snow in Ontario, we're hoping to change that. The mountains in Collingwood may not be what we were used to in Alaska, but at just over an hour from Toronto, we'll take it.
Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario - We had such an amazing time on our canoe-in camping trip to Algonquin last summer that we plan to make it an annual event. Just hoping we can convince our urban friends to trade in their iPhones for the sounds of loons and a crackling fire for a few days.
Family Cottage, Ontario - It's sad to think that in the past 5 years, I can count the number of times I've been up to our family cottage on one hand. I'd like to make a trip or two up this summer, maybe even throw in a little scuba diving at Fathom Five National Marine Park if I'm lucky.
If time and funds allow, I'd like to take a few trips outside the Ontario border...
Panorama, British Columbia - If time and funds allow, I would love to go back and visit my sister in BC before her gypsy soul takes her on her next adventure. Maybe throw in a little skiing on a real mountain as well. But, if I don't make it back out there, I will just make sure to kidnap her when she's home in May so that she can't leave again.
Montreal, Quebec - I'm kind of embarrassed to say I have never ventured east of Ontario. I would love to road trip to the East Coast of Canada one day, but until then, I think a weekend trip to Montreal will have to do. At just over 5 hours drive from Toronto, it makes the perfect long weekend trip. Plus, we're planning on working on our French, so its very fitting.
Nashville, Tennessee - This trip may not happen for a few years, but I can dream.
And one guaranteed trip that I am beyond excited for...
Mystery Family Trip - My dad is retiring this summer, and to celebrate he's taking my mom, us kids and our significant others on a mystery vacay. They have done such a good job of keeping it a secret that I don't even have a sniff of where we might be heading. Which is also driving me nuts.
Sadly, the only thing that is not on this list is Alaska. But we'll save that, and our pennies, for 2016.
What's on your travel wishlist for 2015?
Linking up with Runawaykiwi, Around the World in 80 Pairs of Shoes and Adventures of a London Kiwi.
