From a true geographical standpoint, the farthest I’ve ever traveled from home (the one I have here on Earth) is approximately 4,295 miles (Chicago to Honolulu). Which, according to the city distance calculator at geobytes.com, is an as-the-crow-flies estimate, so in all actuality the true distance is bound to be a bit more. Regardless, it’s long ways … about 1.8th of the way to the moon, to be exact.

Truth be known, I never used to be much of traveler, not in the nomadic sense anyway. Not because I didn’t want to see other places or discover new things, new people, new ways of being … but because when it comes right down to it, unless I thought I could click my heels together or have Scotty beam me somewhere, I didn’t—and still don’t—get too excited about the forms of transportation used for long distances. I like my feet on the ground. And, I am a wuss. So, there, I said it.

I mean listen, I understand displacement theory and I get speed and acceleration (I took physics in high school, duh), but when I look at an airplane or a multi-ton steel cruise ship, it just doesn’t make any sense that one can float, and the other fly. Fish are supposed to float. Birds are supposed to fly. Not gigantic, man-made transport machines. Am I right? Throw me a damn bone someone! I won’t even get started on the balancing act Thomas and his friends must have to keep their wheels perched “approximately” 1,435 mm apart.

To be clear, I do fly (recall those 4,295 miles from Chicago to Honolulu), more than most … but if I could avoid it, I would.

But cruise ships … nah. I saw the titanic. I don’t care what you say about radar and technology and science and blah, blah, blah … it’s just not for me. Really. There is not enough Dramamine in the world nor enough vodka to calm me enough to make me climb on board. Sail boats? Maybe. Maybe. Nut that’s a post for another day …

And so, at least I’ve been 1.8th of the way to the moon. So, until I get my own pair of ruby-red slippers, for now, I guess that will have to do. (BTW I am semi-planning a trip to Spain so if someone could put a good word in with Dorothy, I’d appreciate it.)

Today’s post inspired by The Daily Prompt: “You’re going on a cross-country trip. airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?” And for the record, I drove cross-country, from Oregon to North Carolina and once, is enough. Bus, hell no. Bike … eh.

Cover image created with Google AI.