My husband and I scrimped and saved for three years to buy the car of our dreams. Here's my dilemma: We've spent a week every summer for the past 10 years at a friend's rustic cabin. The roads to the cabin are unpaved. We're going back this year. I don't want to jeopardize our new car on the gravel roads, but my husband doesn't see the big deal. Frankly, I've had enough with that kind of vacation. How do I get him to see it my way?
- Cabin Fever
In essence, an automobile is simply four tires attached to a chunk of metal. A vehicle's primary use is for getting from point A to point B, hopefully in comfort and safety. It sounds as if you married a practical man, with a car versatile enough for travelling to a restaurant, or taking on a camping trip. So many people believe it's necessary to buy multiple vehicles for multiple purposes, but modern cars are designed to withstand all kinds of abuse. The ability to endure bumpy roads and winter weather are in the DNA of modern vehicles, and they undergo rigorous testing before they leave the factory.
If you take your time and drive carefully to the cabin you may get the odd rock chip, but mechanically speaking there's no risk to your new car. Of course, there's always the risk of being sprayed with gravel by a passing vehicle. For the most part, however, all that's usually required is a run through the car wash when you're back home. You might want to believe that your new car is an investment, and that it should be hidden away in the garage. But the best use of your depreciating asset is for practical purposes. If a fear of harming the vehicle was your only dilemma, I wouldn't be too concerned. But it sounds as if you're done with the old vacation routine, too.
Maybe it's time for a chin wag with your husband. Statistically, most relationship breakups are due to a breakdown in communication. For example, have you told your husband that boiling water just so you can brush your teeth was something you enjoyed in the past, and that you're ready to move on? It's understandable that camping trips are less desirable as you get older. Most of us reach a point in life when we no longer wish to rough it. Perhaps you two could sit down and work out a holiday that includes paved roads and running water.
Relationships evolve, and hopefully so do the individuals in these relationships. Perhaps your husband has been assuming you want to carry on as usual, but maybe he'd secretly prefer a change of scene as well. Maybe you've both reached a stage in life where you want to enjoy a bit of pampering. Spending time together in nature is healthy and ideal, and taking a trip in the car is always a wonderful idea. Why not choose a new destination that combines the great outdoors with some of the comforts of home? Ski hills are high on the list of forgotten places during the summer months. Many winter destinations offer summer activities at bargain prices. You can stay at a luxury hotel for a fraction of the regular price, and hike, bike, ride the gondola, barbecue, boat, swim, and golf.
In the west, there are coastal ferries with wilderness destinations departing all the way from Washington state to Alaska. In British Columbia, for example, you can take your vehicle to Vancouver Island, then head north to Port Hardy, and catch a luxurious ferry up the breathtaking Inside Passage. While your car is parked onboard the ferry for the 15-hour voyage, you might wish to rent a cabin for relaxing. When the ship arrives at its destination in Prince Rupert, you could then catch a ferry to the Queen Charlotte Islands. It is truly nature at it's best.
Whatever your fancy, do tell your husband that you want to switch things up. You've upgraded the car, so why not upgrade your vacation plan?
Joanne Will