The Struggle

I was struggling to lift my awkward shaped trunk off the luggage carousel. Impatient people surrounded me waiting to get their own luggage, so they could begin their long-awaited vacation or finally arrive home after a long journey. Many unfamiliar languages were heard in my ear. The song “A Whole New World” could have been my theme song of the moment.

No one volunteered to offer me aid with the lifting of this awkward trunk. The blue trunk was almost my height and weighed at least half of my weight. It held all my belongings I was going to need for the next four months.

One of the luggage carousel's at the Orlando Airport

I needed to get that trunk from point a which was the luggage carousel to point b which was the Mears Transportation counter all by myself. It was almost impossible to carry because of its shape and the fact I also had my carry-ons in my hands. Questions of why I didn’t bring a trunk with wheels or why didn’t I have this shipped after I got to my destination flashed through my brain. Too late now because I was now in the predicament and needed to get out of it.

It was September 5, 1995. I was moving to the Orlando area for four months. No one volunteered to travel with me to make sure I got to Vista Way, my new home safely. It was up to me and only me to move that trunk all by myself.

I tried to carry it – NOPE. I could take a few steps at a time which means almost 25 years later I would be still moving that darn thing. I ended up doing a combination of pushing it and carrying it which was probably hilarious to see in the middle of the airport. Finally, I reached my destination. Now it was time to begin my real journey – my Disney College Program.

That probably 10-minute moment in the airport cemented the fact that I was on my own and that I could face anything that was placed in front of me during those next few months. At that point in my life, I had never lived away from home. For my first experience, I moved almost 1,000 miles away.

I can’t recall how I got the trunk from the drop off point at the apartment complex to my new apartment or how it got home at the end of my program. Those moments were insignificant because they did not symbolize my freedom and my realization of, I’m stronger than I think I am. It was also a time where I realized I couldn’t rely on my family to help me.

The Corridor I had to walk with my trunk - Taken almost 20 years later

Will's 14-Year-Old Trip - Day 2 - Springbank Park

The next morning, we headed out and went to Springbank Park. My reasoning for that park was because they actually have a Thames River flowing through the park. I wanted to say I've been to the Thames River. Okay, it's not the same as the one in London, United Kingdom but it'll do for now.

While we there, we explored only a small portion of this huge park. There were plenty of Canadian geese around the park. You have to be careful because they can be possessive.

There was also this couple who were feeding chipmunks. Will was all about being able to feed those chipmunks.

We also had fun with the black squirrels around the park.

Instead of me telling you about our time in the park, the photos will give you a visual about how gorgeous this park was to the eyes.

Walking down to the Thames River

Beautiful Sights 

All the Geese - The babies were so cute.

Feeding the chipmunks

I'll be brave and walk through the geese.

Join me next time, I share more of our trip. We'll visit Storybook Gardens which is located within Springbank Park. 

Have a magical day,

Traci

Will's 14 year old trip - Our visit to Sarnia

After Our visit to Port Huron, we crossed the bridge to Ontario, Canada.

Border patrol was easy. The only thing they asked Will was "Does your dad know you are going across international borders?"

His answer was "Of course!"

Across the bridge from Port Huron was a town called Sarnia. Yes, it rhymed with Narnia.

I had found out there was a children's petting zoo there. So, we immediately went to the park where it was located. However, once we got there we discovered the zoo was not open which was a disappointment. Will would have loved petting the animals.

Instead, we played at the playground/ park. Will, in his usual manner, found a frog to play with for a while.

Before we left Sarnia, I stopped and saw Lake Huron on the Canadian side. Will didn't want to get out of the car. He was reaching his breaking point of traveling. He wanted to get to London, so he could go swimming in the hotel swimming pool.

Enjoy the photos from the park at Sarnia.

Here are the photos from Lake Huron in Sarnia.

Driving to Londo - Yes, I was traveling 100 km per hour. Okay, that is about 62 miles per hour. I just had Will take a photo of my speedometer.

At the hotel

Join me next time for our visit to Springback Park and Storybook Gardens.

Have a magical day,
Traci