I grew up in a family of five on the Gulf of Mexico in South Texas. My parents moved us from Canada in the early 90s, the first in generations of Canadians to permanently relocate south of the border.

But we stayed close to our extended family, and it was always a priority to visit them. It goes without saying that road treks from Texas to Canada are long and involved. In my memory, they were times filled with interesting and educational stops (we were home schooled-education bled into every moment of life), beloved family memories, and dips in mountain springs to stay sane…because it wasn’t until high school that our vehicles had air conditioning!

Children are impressionable, no more so than when parental opinions are involved. This phenomenon has been an incredible blessing in my life because my parents are amazing human beings. Their likes, dislikes and beliefs have influenced my life in countless ways-big and small. Love for the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of their legacies. It was part of our family road trips whenever we were anywhere nearby on our route north. [Read more…]