There’s almost nothing so fun as the last few days before a big vacation. The anticipation and planning, the excitement surrounding a new adventure after week and months of work! But maybe there is one thing just a wee bit more fun… telling your wife about another surprise up ahead!
Ten days from today, the trip across our beautiful nation will begin. I think back to the discussion of my Tortuga brothers taking another trip together. We originally had planned on taking another trip to the Florida Keys. I had mentioned that one day I’d like to go fly-fishing in Montana or on the Colorado River. The idea gained steam with my younger brother. Suddenly, our plans of the warm Florida sunshine turns into a cross-country excursion that involves hiking, fly-fishing, photography, and national park visits.
Planning For Our Stay in Yellowstone
We first had to agree on when we could do this trip. The three of us looked at our calendars and decided it would be from May 29th through sometime around June 8th. Certain circumstances came about and we lost one the Tortuga brothers to make this trip. We will definitely be working on another trip to include him again.
Now that the dates were secured, my younger brother went into action in finding a VRBO. He found one in Cody, Wyoming overlooking the Yellowstone River. He had to put down a deposit right away and then we had a couple of months before the remainder needed to be paid. This allowed me to pay a little each month so that I didn’t completely blow our family budget.
Budgeting For Our Trip
I am I semi-retired teacher working part-time. I started working extra hours by filling in as a substitute teacher for a half day to supplement my travel budget for this summer. This has allowed me to pick up an extra $300-400 a month. I have shared that I have cleaned out my closet and went through clothes that I haven’t worn for a while. I took them to Plato’s Closet in Chattanooga in hopes of making some good money on slightly used clothes.
This week, I took an old set of golf clubs to Mike’s Golf Shop to see if I could make some more extra money. I did. Walked out with an extra $300 in cash. I have taken on a new part-time job working at a local golf course. It doesn’t pay great, but the free golf and range balls is a perk that literally pays for itself.
One other area that helps with my spending budget for this trip is me writing articles for That Park Place. I have saved every penny that I have received from this experience of writing to go towards this adventure. After this, my writing supplement will next take me to Hawaii. I haven’t told my wife about this yet. Surprise!!!
Last Details Being Ironed Out
Yesterday, my Tortuga brother and I spent most of the afternoon planning the overnight stays before we arrive in Cody and for our trip home. Between the 2 of us, we took care of every night by using points from Marriott and Hilton Honors. I used points and cash to pay for the nights I reserved for us. By not using a lot of our points, it will allow my wife and I get a trip to the beach before another school year begins. Our final 2 stops will be in Denver and Kansas City. We will have to have some of that world famous K.C. Barbecue before heading home.
We both have talked about the weather out there. We are packing for 2 different types of vacation. While in the Dakotas, the temps should be mid 70’s for highs and in the 50’s for lows. In and around Cody, it should be upper 60’s and lows in the 40″s. Are you serious?!!!
We have talked about making a couple of last-minute runs to Academy Sports and Outdoors and Bass Pro Shops to resupply our fishing supplies. My fly rod was found Sunday so I’ll get it out to make sure it was not damaged in our move in 2020. Bear spray, bug spray, Yetis, sunscreen and medicine kit have all been included and ready to go. If you can think of anything else that we must have for our trip, please feel free to comment. We’d like to be fully prepared.
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You can also find me on Twitter @JohnGolf61 , on Truth Social @Patriot1967 and on Facebook as John Rolf. I look forward to seeing you there too.
Be blessed and safe travels!!!
