Introduction
We all need time away to recharge and refocus. The heat of summer begs for taking time for ourselves. Taking the time to get away can be both stressful and exciting. Like other aviation enthusiasts, the restorer and I have gone to AirVenture at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The weeks leading up to the convention and air show can be panicked and frenzied with preparations.
Section 1: Mentally Checked Out Before Leaving
What is realistic in the time before vacation? Staying focused on tasks at hand seems almost impossible when getting ready to go. What is realistic and what needs to be put off for another day? A recent conversation with another pilot based at our airport indicated his resignation and relief that his project would not be ready to fly to Wisconsin. His restoration is making great strides towards completion, but parts availability has made the decision for him. Changing gears earlier has allowed him to think about what products or parts he would now be able to get, as weight and balance do not have as much of an impact on a car as it does on airplanes.
The more that needs to be done before vacation and the shorter the amount of time before leaving, the more distorted the ideas of what is absolutely necessary become. Being ruthless with lists for what to pack and schedule is essential, but so is giving time to breathe, think, and evaluate along the way. Reality has a way of sneaking in during the process, showing what is nice to have and what is necessary.
Section 2: Planning: Wants vs. Needs
The vacation I envision is almost never the vacation that is taken. Trying new restaurants with friends and family without the worry of crowds is something that only happens with planning. Wherever the destination, being realistic about time and energy is necessary for planning and expectations. In my experience, having an entire vacation scheduled down to the last detail works in theory but not in practice. Planning one or two activities per day works for us, while noting other things for if weather or time allow.
Leading up to departure time, prioritization is essential. Keeping things simple works best for trips where space and weight are limited. Toiletries are replenished after each trip and ready to go when the next one rolls around. Even on the hottest summer day, I’ll have a sweater in my bag for indoors. Beyond that, allowing leeway for getting some new clothes during a trip allows for finding something that makes you smile or keeps you warm if there is a sudden cold snap nobody is prepared for.
Encouragement to be realistic with personal expectations is key. What is most comfortable for the trip and the group associated with it? Personal travel options such as car and personal aircraft lend themselves to flexibility. When flying, weather changes plans fairly often. Experiencing the moment as it is, rather than wishing it were different, can make way for some incredible experiences.
Section 3: Time Management
Getting ready to go on a trip, some people have everything laid out ahead of time with last-minute items ready to go in just before leaving, while others have a general idea of what is needed and somehow pack just ahead of departure. When traveling somewhere new, extra care for adding additional items is incorporated into the process.
When time and energy are limited, using time more efficiently can make a difference. Writing down everything necessary and any weight or space restrictions that need to be considered is helpful. Do the day’s conditions allow for everything to be brought, or do things need to be sent with someone else traveling in something with more payload or shipped ahead to the destination? Asking what activities during the trip are most important, then filling in experiences that would be great to do as time and energy allow, balances the moments to breathe while getting away from everyday life.
Section 4: Preparing for Oshkosh
Oshkosh is mentioned in conversations more often as the annual gathering approaches at the end of July. Summer storms are expected sometime during the course of the convention, so having a contingency available is crucial. Smoke from forest fires in Canada last year brought reduced visibility, along with a couple of storms that sent airplanes away either to their home or to the safety of a hangar at another airport. If flying into AirVenture, keeping close tabs on the weather can make all the difference.
Large, open spaces outside require mindful choices: staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and having hearing protection on hand for some of the aircraft participating. A small backup battery to charge phones and other devices can make the day easier.
Section 5: Balancing Ideal Plans with Realistic Expectations
Our focus over the past year and then some has been our airplanes. What we have wanted to achieve and what has happened are two different things. Progress towards our goals is happening, even if they are not when we would have hoped. While Sis is flying, we have not made the progress we envisioned making longer trips. What has happened has allowed for other projects to be addressed as well.
Being okay with taking a break and stepping back to breathe has allowed for more consistent progress toward goals overall. Allowing time with the first cup of coffee can be gentle reminders that not everything has to be done in this moment. This practice has personally made the difference between small progress or nothing at all.
Section 6: Allowing for Discovery and Relaxation
Life is what happens while making plans, but we need to have experiences to look forward to along the way. Being realistic about what can happen in a given time can allow for less stress and the ability to appreciate what actually happens. Time away from everyday life is a huge part of a vacation. Seeing a rainbow along the way, regardless of the surroundings, brings a smile.
Conclusion
Taking time away from the everyday to recharge is essential. Being realistic about what can happen both leading up to and during time away allows for more relaxation within the moment. Regardless of where vacation takes you, stay hydrated and wear sun protection. Memories are made when we are present in the moment. Regardless of how thoughtfully contingencies are considered, plans are not the same as reality. Being okay with what happens allows for enjoying the small surprises of life.
I would love to hear some of your favorite vacation tips or memories. If you’re not already subscribed, thank you if you are, please consider following the link below to get more of our journey.
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