| The Joys of Day Trippng and a Box to Go |
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| March 21, 2008 |
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Have you been outside? It smells like spring. It feels like spring. It looks like spring. And what exactly are we doing inside? Shame on you. Shame on me.
Yep, I know. You can't go anywhere because you have this 40-hour a week thing that pays the bills and your boss likes you to be at your desk. Your day off isn't today. Believe me, I get that part.
But you can get ready to go by starting a day box for day tripping around Florida.
The idea for a day box started when I spent ten months researching and writing the travel guide 50 Great Walks in Florida.
I'd throw things like suntan lotion, hand wipes and a hat into a cardboard box that I kept by the front door. After a few months of lugging the box back and forth to the car, I had a light bulb moment and realized why not get a sturdy crate and keep this stuff in the car all the time? Duh.
Here are my top ten things in the day box:
1. Suntan lotion. Don't leave home without it. Lather up when you arrive at your destination. Your skin thanks you in advance.
2. Hand wipes. So you and your kids couldn't resist the snow cone that ended up melting. Well, neither could I. That and the spilled coffee on the console are easily cleaned with wipes.
3. One water bottle, preferably stainless steel (this is a one-time investment. It is totally reusable). You read that right. One water bottle per person. The next step: buy a gallon of water from the grocery store (I like distilled). Fill water bottle from the gallon jug. No more stopping every 100 miles to buy water. No more piles of plastic bottles destined for landfill or the recycling center that can't accommodate the plastic already in the system. Mother Earth thanks you in advance.
4. Compact binoculars. Not just for birding. Great on historic walks to bring second story architectural details up close on old Victorian homes or for viewing along lakes and seashore to bring sailboats and watercraft in focus.
5. Hat. Preferably with a broad brim. Sun, especially in the summer, can be brutal. You often see old-time residents carrying umbrellas opened to keep off the sun. That's a bit much for me, as it only leaves one hand free.
6. Umbrella - preferably the compact traveling kind. Trust me, it will rain. You will be glad you have a small compact umbrella to put in your backpack or purse.
7. Sunglasses. Wear them. Beats squinting. Yes, you need both sunglasses and a hat. I like two kinds of sunglasses and carry them both. The yellow ones for grey and foggy days, and early mornings, make contrasts greater. The polarized ones are great for bright sun and being on water.
8. Folded laminated guides to trees, birds and plants. There are general guides and local guides. Look for them in state parks and bookstores. For example, a guide to Central Florida birds. It will open with accordion folds and show you pictures of what birds you are likely to encounter. Pretty cool. Cost is usually under five dollars. I like this better than carrying big hardcover and soft cover guidebooks.
9. Hand towel or full towel. To wipe off the sand between your toes , sweat off your brow and a myriad of other uses.
10. Stuffed animal. Surprised you, didn't I? Mine is a soft, cuddly teddy bear (see photo). He comes out of the box and sits in the passenger seat or the back seat depending on how many people in the car. Every car needs a stuffed animal. This is your listener. Drive down the road and you have someone to talk to who doesn't talk back (unlike passengers). My bear has heard a lot of my stories and my whining. Besides, if you don't have something fun in your day box, what fun is it?
Now that your day box is ready, add the extras that you'll know work for you - perhaps granola bars, a pair of comfortable driving shoes after you've walked all day in your walking shoes and a pair of warm gloves (nice to have in cold weather).
When you arrive at your destination some of the stuff, depending on weather and location, will get taken out of the day box and put in your purse, daypack or fishing vest. I use a fishing vest to hold snacks, water bottle, notepad and camera stuff. Leaves both hands free.
Meanwhile, before you can get going, while sitting at your desk or working in the house, daydream where you'd like to go on your day trip. Somewhere within two hours of where you live is a good start - don't even think about house chores you should do on your day off. Day tripping is top of the list.
Spring is calling. Let's answer the call - then share where we go! |
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| Lucy's day box with some things showing - stuffed animal, compact umbrella, suntan lotion and laminated bird guide. |
| Credit: Lucy Beebe Tobias, VISIT FLORIDA Authentic Florida Expert |
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