Good morning, and happy Sunday!
I originally planned to share this yesterday, but after a crazy road trip, I needed a day to go with the flow and recharge. I ended up sitting on the shores of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, editing this post. I didn’t even bring my camera—just my phone. I hadn’t planned to drive into the park yesterday, but while having lunch at Montana Coffee Traders, I remembered this spot from the previous week and decided, “Why not?” So, here I am, writing and editing with a view. If you’ve got work to do, might as well do it with a backdrop like this.
And this unplanned writing spot actually fits perfectly into this week’s post.
Plan All You Want, but the Northern Lights Have a Mind of Their Own
There’s something special about road trips. No matter how much you plan, the open road always finds a way to surprise you. Last week, two friends and I embarked on what they called a "manic" Pacific Northwest road trip. And little did I know, the highlight wouldn’t be the mountains or glacial lakes, but the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.
I’d never seen the Northern Lights before, and I had no expectations to see them on this trip. But as we cruised down the highway outside Banff National Park, there they were—unannounced and utterly breathtaking. We pulled over, stepped out, and watched the sky come alive with waves of green, red, and purple. It was a moment of pure awe and a reminder that the best experiences are often the ones you don’t plan for (a few days later I time-lapsed (check out the video) a second unexpected aurora over Whitefish Lake, one of the 6th strongest auroras since 1996.)
Watching the Northern Lights dance all night not once, but twice, wasn’t on the itinerary. It wasn’t something we could have scheduled or predicted. And yet, it became the most unforgettable part of our journey.
The Beauty of the Unplanned
This road trip was a masterclass in leaving space for the unexpected. Here are just a few of the surprises we stumbled upon:
Columbia River Gorge: If you've ever driven through Washington you know that the I-90 eventually weaves it's way along the Columbia River Gorge, and just before you cross is a stunning viewpoint. We pulled over to stretch our legs and take in the view. Out of nowhere, a fighter jet roared overhead, so close you could almost reach out and touch it. Two more jets followed, flying through the Gorge—it was absolutely breathtaking.
Glacier National Park: Meandering along Going-to-the-Sun Road, we parked at Logan Pass and wandered over to Hidden Lake. The views we found there couldn’t be captured by any photo—completely surreal. I’d done no research and we decided to park and wander...no idea what to expect.
Whistler’s Hidden Gem: Jess planned a hike, and I tagged along, knowing nothing about it. Next thing I knew, we were wandering through a beautiful forest and suddenly emerged at the edge of Cheakamus Lake, its turquoise waters hidden away from the typical tourist trails.
Banff’s Unexpected Turns: We didn’t realize that visiting Lake Moraine and Lake Louise required shuttle reservations. Without a plan, we grabbed tickets for later in the day and spent a few hours wandering. We ended up stumbling upon some of the most breathtaking vistas of the entire trip—places we never would have seen otherwise.
Each of these moments reinforced an important lesson: when we stop over-scheduling and leave room for spontaneity, we open the door to experiences we never could have imagined.
The Art of Embracing Spontaneity
This trip reaffirmed my belief in the power of spontaneity. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Stay Open: Approach each day with an open heart and mind. Say yes to the opportunities that come your way, even if they weren’t part of the plan.
Embrace Flexibility: Plans are great, but being able to pivot when needed is even better. Some of the best memories come from moments of improvisation.
Find Joy in the Unplanned: There’s something uniquely joyful about stumbling onto an unexpected adventure.
Trust the Journey: Detours and unplanned stops often lead to the most rewarding experiences.
A Question for You
When was the last time you left room in your life for the unexpected? How did embracing new experiences shape your journey?
Maybe it was a spontaneous road trip, an unplanned conversation that led to a new friendship, or a last-minute decision that opened doors you didn’t even know existed. I’d love to hear your stories of dancing with the unexpected.
Looking Forward
This is just the first stop on this adventure, and I can’t wait for more surprises along the way. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the unexpected shouldn’t be feared—it should be embraced. It’s in these unscripted moments that we often find the true wonder of life.
So, here’s to leaving a little space in our plans to dance with the unexpected. To stepping out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. Because sometimes, the best views come after the most unexpected turns.
Have a great week full of spontaneous adventures!
Becca
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