I know the feeling. As I age I lose stamina so staying put is more comfortable. At least driving is still easy.
Yet I admit I am less enchanted. "Been there, seen that," seems to be more common. And so much of the US civilization looks and acts the same. Only the scenery varies at times. But that is why I travel.
But after three Florida SE coast vacations, including Key West, I lost interest. And the only reason I went is because it was February. The cities suck, and the beach is hot, with inadequate facilities. I do even like swimming, even in a calm pool.
After two vacations to Colorado, and two vacations which included Colorado, I have already seen a lot of the state. Except the southwest. I love the state but there is less of a draw than before.
I have been to Yellowstone/Tetons twice. I love it, but not much new to see there, anymore. I have been to Glacier, the Grand Canyon, and drove through parts of southern Wyoming and northeast Utah. I have vacationed in northern New Mexico. I should go back.
I also still want to see the Pacific, Cascades, and Sierras, but those are long flights! I had booked a trip to Yosemite, via SF. But Covid forced me to cancel.
Then I got sick and almost died, and was left disabled, using a walker. I can walk slow now, but no hiking anymore for me. If I can't drive I don't go.
To get to all those places out West, I often had to traverse the Central Lowlands and Great Plains, places I would never have seen otherwise. So much open space!
And I have visited a lot of the spine of the Eastern Divide, and the coastal areas. Those are much closer. Still, I have seen a lot so the magic is fading.
In my neighborhood, I go to some places so much I am now pretty bored with them. I try to make random turns and sometimes am rewarded, but usually loop to familiar roads. Then I get tired and have to drive back when all I want to do is nap.
I am sitting in my car now at noon on a Saturday. I just had a breakfast I have eaten many times before, and am trying to decide on what path to drive on, all of which I have driven on many times before. Or should I just go home?
I cannot wait to retire and move. Of course after a few years I will be bored with the new place, too.
I hope you can travel more!
