September 12, 2021
The Ultimate Road Trip: The Andersons’ Travel Journal – Chasing Adventure and Dreams
The Ultimate Road Trip
“Inspired by Nissan Pathfinder, writer Chris Atwell has written a series about the fictional Anderson Family and imagined the adventures they might have on a summer road trip with Pathfinder. The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this article are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, or entities is intended or should be inferred.”
A Pathfinder Vacation Adventure
The Anderson Road Trip has taken a southern turn. After driving their all-new Nissan Pathfinder through central Pennsylvania, they are headed deep into Maryland to the picturesque Rock Creek Regional Park. There are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from within Rock Creek’s 2,000-plus acres, but Darryl and Denise have a particular bucket list goal in mind, and their 12-year-old, Janae, wants in on it! Janae has her say!
_________________________________________________________
The drive from our last stop in Pennsylvania to Rock Creek in Maryland was about three hours. I had one mission during the ride. Mom and Dad were planning on doing the zip line obstacle course at the park. It was on their so-called “bucket list.” Fine. The thing was, they weren’t sure it was safe for me to go along. Please! I knew I could wear ’em down.
I mean, Mom and Dad probably planned on three relaxing hours cruising in the Pathfinder exploring the navigation tech; they were chatty about the Head-Up Display, a totally sweet feature, I must admit. It lets you see all the info you need to drive right on the windshield, so you always keep your eyes looking ahead.
Anyway, when I could get a word in, I had to remind them that their little girl isn’t just one of the top athletes in middle school. She’s also the debate team captain. I used those stats to prove why I should tag along.
Mom said the park would have age requirements. I checked the website using the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot, and it said kids need to be 10; I’m 12. Dad came back at me, talking about a height requirement. I checked that too. You have to be 4’7”. I’m 5’1”. Next! “You’ve never zip-lined before.” Mom again. “They give beginners a half-hour course at the park,” was my comeback.
We went back and forth like that for a few more miles before I figured out that my parents never had any intention of leaving me behind. They just liked hearing me make my case!
Once we got to the park, everyone dropped the debate and had fun. I was a little nervous in the beginning. You don’t start that high off the ground, but high enough! And it’s only the harness keeping you up there. Dad says I screamed a little when I launched, but I think he’s making that up. I was all about that zip-line once I got started. It was a two-hour course, but it felt like 20 minutes!
Everyone left the park happy; Mom and Dad were in such a good mood they even let me play my favorite K-pop in the car and not through my headphones! I love our new car and all its cool tech. I didn’t even hate telling Mom and Dad that they did a good job picking the Pathfinder (LOL).
Oh, and props to Rock Creek, but could we find a higher and faster zip-line course next time?
Next: Darryl and Denise plan some grown folk time.
WI-FI Hotspot: Feature availability is dependent on vehicle model, trim level, packaging, and options. Trial included with vehicle purchase. Compatible connected device and wireless network may be required. Refer to connected device’s owner’s manual for details. Late availability for some features.
