I have been planning a trip to Banff, Canada for the past few months. I had budgets drawn up. Campground reservations while in the national parks. Ideas on how to spend my days, where to photograph the sunrise and sunset on each day I was there (and where I would be napping… in either a tent, teardrop or hammock!)
But then life happened, and I was offered a job for the summer I couldn’t turn down. I’m still in the process of canceling reservations, and am hopeful I get some refunds.
So instead of an epic teardrop adventure that would take me to two of the remaining eight states I haven’t yet visited, I am moving to Western New York for nine weeks to work with a ballet company at the Chautauqua Institution.
While it’s not Banff and the incomparable Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway or Jasper National Park, it is pretty special. After a summer of creating what I hope will be magnificent lighting designs, I am plan to do some New England traveling. Since I can’t see Montana and North Dakota (they were on the Banff route) maybe I can check off Maine and Vermont from my virtual list!
I’m really excited about spending the summer in Chautauqua. It’s a world renowned center for the arts, culture and learning, and I will be there. It’s in a picturesque setting, and close to many places I’ve never visited. And of course, I’ll have Louise, my faithful teardrop sidekick. The biggest deal breaker for me signing a contract was having a place to keep my camper while I am at work, because I want to make use of every single day off to explore my New York surroundings.
I also might get to take a photography class. Do some hiking around the lake. Learn things from some of the artists and intellectuals that come to Chautauqua ever summer. I know I’m a very lucky lady to get to spend a summer amongst them.
And I hear Southern Tier Brewing is nearby… so there’s that!
Plans change, but in my case, new opportunities can be even better than what was originally planned for.
Chautauqua or bust!
Teardrops & Ales 