"Go to the beach?" responded another roommate, Bob.
"Nah, that's crazy," responded the third roommate, Will, "the beach is three hours away and its already seven o'clock."
"Hey," I interjected, "we could do it."
Two hours later, the four of us were packed and piling in the car to leave for Myrtle Beach. This is the life of a 19 and 20 year olds.
First off, I have to thank my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Lee for allowing us to stay at her beach condo for the weekend on only a 3 hour notice! Our excursion would not have been possible without them! We arrived Saturday at the early hour of 5 in the morning and at least I was up and running on the beach by 10 o'clock. Our day was well spent basking in the 70 degree sun on the beach and then relaxing on the balcony while watching some college basketball. It was a perfect way to get away from the college life for a couple of days.
The freshman and sophomore years of college are two special and interesting years of life. You're finally out of high school and able to make your own decisions, yet you're not slammed with the workload of a junior or senior. I mentioned exhibit A above, now let me mention Exhibit B below.
December 30, 11:00 AM
I am currently scrolling through the ticket listings for the orange bowl between Clemson and Oklahoma that is to played in Miami, FL on December 31 at 4 PM. Only 26 hours until kickoff and we were 11 hours and 800 miles away. Although tickets were surprisingly cheap, there was no way I could possibly make it to the game right? Wrong. Remember the early years of college rule. I first developed a plan that included myself and friend Taylor leaving in 2 hours and sleeping in the car on the way there and back. We would only be gone for a short day and a half. Mom and Dad liked the idea. It just so happened that Taylor had family near Miami that we could stay with.
December 31, 7:00 AM - Game Day
We arrive at Taylor's relatives house, take a short 5 hour nap and make our way to Sunlife stadium. Exactly 24 hours before, the both of us were sitting at our respective houses without the slightest idea that we would be watching the orange bowl the next day. Our trip was spectacular! We witnessed Clemson win the orange bowl, watched the ball drop in downtown Miami, went fishing and explored the northern part of the Florida Keys. We ended up staying in Miami for 3 days. Again, I have to thank Taylor's relatives for entertaining us for three days on short notice.
I can't think of another time in my life that I will have the time that I do right now and also the fitness to go on spontaneous trips. College has taught me to be proactive and have an open mind. Every adventure starts with an idea. All it takes is a little planning for that idea to turn into a reality. Here's to making the most of the next year and a half.
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