The Trip To ... Next Flight Out Is?



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It has been a number of years since I took one of my spontaneous trips but this weekend, it's just what the doctor ordered.  I have had a long spring and an even more challenging beginning of summer so I thought a trip was in order.  My plan is to leave work late afternoon on Sunday and make my way to the airport.  I've taken trips like this several times in the past and have enjoyed the experience immensely. 

Unfortunately, each time I have taken one these excursions, I have done so alone.  This trip too will be solo as my long-time navigator has gone missing.  I believe she was abducted but I have as yet to receive the ransom note.  I'm hoping that I will receive it sometime soon.  I miss her. 

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One of these trips found me arriving in Kansas City.  Another one was Atlantic City and finally a third one was Pittsburgh.  Kansas City was fun as I enjoyed a Royals baseball game; visited the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library; enjoyed shopping and dining at the Country Club Plaza and finally spent a portion of my time at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.  Also had the best barbeque that I have ever had in Kansas City.

The trip to Atlantic City was all about gambling.  Never even left Harrah's once to enjoy what little there is to enjoy in this shore community.  Stayed there, ate there and gambled.  Didn't lose any money but really didn't win any money either.  I had been to Atlantic City a number of times when I lived in South Jersey but this trip was exceptionally fun.

Pittsburgh was during football season but the Steelers were out of town.  Settled for a University of Pittsburgh game against rival, West Virginia.  What a great game I saw.  Ended up spending Saturday Night with a bunch of Pitt fans celebrating their victory. 

All three trips were spontaneous ones.  By spontaneous, I mean the destinations were picked for me.  Not picked by anyone in particular but by chance.  My itinerary for these spontaneous trips is quite simple.  I pack a bag along with a suit bag (never know what to plan for) and make my way to the airport.  Park my vehicle in long-term parking even though these trips are only a few days in length.  I make my way to the terminal and approach the first airline counter I come to. 

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Upon reaching the front of the line and the smiling, pretty face of the airline representative, I respond to her "May I help you?" with "I need one ticket for the next flight leaving Myrtle Beach."  She looks up now and gives me the once over.  She's thinking for sure that I am evading the law or just outright crazy.  I must admit that she may have the latter part correct. 

Upon relaying my spontaneous plans upon her, she smiles, thinks that's kind of cool and proceeds to tell me destination, departure time and cost.  I hand over my credit card, grab my ticket and off I go on my spontaneous trip to somewhere.  I suspect this trip will have to be handled slightly different than the ones previously as Homeland Security might want to question me on why I am taking a trip to somewhere by my manner of method.  Surely, I don't want to blow the whole thing by spending the weekend in some security room answering questions.

There you have it though.  I have no idea where I'm going.  Leaving Sunday afternoon for places unknown.  Should be fun.  At least this way I don't have to wait endlessly for a flight as I take the next plane out of town.  I've been lucky in the past but I suspect one of these times my luck may run out and will find myself somewhere cold and snowy. 

I won't allow myself to cheat the game by looking online to figure out departure times to more popular cities.  I also only accept direct flights not wanting to waste time with any connections.  Two flights leaving at the same time, I will flip a coin. 

From Myrtle Beach, the number of direct flights have increased over the years.  Who knows, maybe this time it will be Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte or some other fun city.  Keep your fingers crossed, I am.