The blog of photographer Kim Ayres

Road Trip - 4th to 12th April

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When Rogan came home from his skiing trip in February, the one he’d paid nearly half of from the cakes business he set up, we asked him what adventure he’d want to go for next.

“A road trip with Dad,” was his reply.

This almost floored me with a combination of love, pride and worry about how we could afford it.

Almost exactly 7 years ago, I found out my mother had cancer. I leapt in the car and drove 500 miles South to see her. I also took Rogan with me. This might have seemed an odd thing to do, but he helped keep me grounded. The fears and emotions were so overwhelming, I knew that having to look after a 6 year old would force me to keep a grip.

For Rogan, it was great: he got to sit in the front of the car, change the CDs, and be in charge of the sweetie box. While we were there, all the adults made a fuss of him, and during the drive down and back, he had me all to himself. What 6 year old doesn’t crave the chance to sit in the front of the car with his Dad and go on a journey together? Clearly it left a powerful impression on him.

We did it again 7 months later. He got to meet and hold his 1 week old cousin. And it was the last time he saw his granny.

Although Rogan is now very much a teenager – large feet, periodic loss of coherent speech, and often found holding the fridge door open and staring at the contents – he can’t have reached the point where his Dad is the uncoolest person on the planet and everything I say is stupid. Yet.

Next year, of course, things could be very different, so if this was to happen it would have to be… let me see… summer… tricky… autumn… might be in Canada… hmmm… Easter? Yes, Easter holidays.

Bugger; that was soon.

After some planning, which included the idea that staying with relatives would be cheaper than Guest Houses, we decided on a route that would take in places from my childhood as well as a chance to meet up with my sister, brother, nephew and nieces, then up to stay with my father before heading home.


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16 comments

Anonymous said...

Some of my fondest memories are of road trips, just me and my mom.It is such a special gift- he must be so happy and he certainly is lucky to have a father like you!

Apex Zombie said...

Dang, that looks a pretty epic trip!

debra said...

What lovely opportunities for you and Rogan. I am so glad you were able to do this.

Unknown said...

So very cool. You are one good papa.

Sini said...

Cool!

Kim Ayres said...

Starrlife - when you have one parent to yourself, it always feels like a special treat, and that's multiplied by the number of siblings you have :)

FLG - not that epic - we're talking UK, not US...

Debra - so am I - it worked well in the end :)

Carole - I can be certain that whatever I do, he'll be complaining about me in therapy sessions 20 years from now...

Sini - :)

Unknown said...

Are you going to Twitter your trip?

Kim Ayres said...

C in DC - I'm already back...

Mary Witzl said...

I used to love road trips too -- the whole idea of them was even better than the reality, which was pretty good. I'm glad you had the chance to do this with Rogan: he will always remember it.

Leigh Russell said...

What great dad! And I love your description of a teenager, gazing into the fridge... just about sums it up!
If you need something to read on the trip, the first book in my series is out in June. Visit my blog if you're interested. Leave a comment and an invitation to my Virtual Book Launch will be on its way to you soon... (if I can work out how to scan my signature!)

Kanani said...

Those roadtrips are things to remember! I've done several across the desert with my kids. We always have good conversations and they're a great deal more relaxed than the airport hassles we're going through these days getting to Savannah.

I'm so glad the two of you had this time.
Just wait until he can start helping you drive!!

Kim Ayres said...

Mary - it was definitely a success :)

Leigh - I'm already back from the trip, but congratulations on the forthcoming book launch :)

Kanani - deserts - an essential component of a road trip. Unfortunately we don't have them in the UK. Too wet.

Jeff said...

Kim, I see your trip took you thru Leicester. When I was there I lived just east in Uppingham. I am feeling a craving to bring Jan and Nash over for a visit. I always chuckle at all the "Yanks" that come to the UK and never get out of London...what a shame.

peace my brother.

Kim Ayres said...

Well you have to keep me up to date with any plans, Jeff :)

Pat said...

I realise all over again how lucky I was that you both took the trouble to come and see me:)

Kim Ayres said...

How could I not have, Pat? :)

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