For a photo collection of trip go to Artbygordon.com

After Christmas this year, my son and I drove to New York. It has been a long time coming as with Covid, and the lockdowns it was impossible.

I drove to Texas from New Jersey, 37 years ago; it was a three day drive, leaving the only home I ever knew.

The difference between the road trips of the past and this year; this year it was all about purpose. Driving to California, also on 40, -first time to the Grand Canyon, with a very close friend, catching up with the present, reliving the past and sharing thoughts on the future. Not as much scenic interest, more shared wisdom.

The next trip to Tucson; finally meeting a client who’s become a great friend even if we had never met until this year. The trip was about gaining great wisdom, learning more about writing and time to meditate in the desert.

The third and final trip to end 2021: a trip to New York with my son. We talked for hours about everything from growing up, to life in the military; he’s in the army.

In New Jersey, I introduced him to my childhood home, even Tommy’s Pond where I first fell in love with fishing. We visited my fathers’ and grandparent’s graves, we reconnected with family and walked through the city of New York while navigating the subway.

There is a distinct difference between traveling alone with no connection to your life and connecting with people on a long trip. The road becomes more of a supportive role instead of the main focus. The road can get a bit monotonous even as much as it is intoxicating.

When I travel alone, it is more about the beauty and passion of my art and love of nature instead of the connection to myself with friends and family: each have their own integral perks.