Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: BAGGAGE (02/08/18)
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TITLE: Overhead Bin | Previous Challenge Entry
By A Mattingly
02/15/18 -
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Exhausted with the demands of life, I welcomed the break and was excited to be packing for a trip to the west coast. Oregon was this year’s destination for our annual “Girls’ Week Away” trip. Perfect for unwinding.
Both being nature lovers, we prefer tents and hiking boots to hotels and spas. Have you ever tried adding a tent and camping gear to your usual two carry-on bags? I found it could be done with backpacking gear, and by wearing your hiking boots through the airport. What I failed to consider was, just because it could be done doesn’t mean it should.
The security check proved to be a bit tedious. It seems the single micro burner propane stove I put inside my metal cooking pot caused a little panic at the check point for a few minutes. After I pulled out the burner under close supervision, all was well, and I was on my way again. My friend flying from California had no problems boarding, but the small pressure cooker she stuffed in her checked bag resulted in a letter being placed in her luggage by TSA. It stated her bag had been searched. I must say all was worth it later as we ate gourmet meals at our campsite.
The time came to pack for the journey home and to leave this beautiful state. Bags stuffed and zipped, I released the expansion zipper to avoid a possible bag explosion. Maybe it would have been an easier journey to use a larger bag and just check it.
I rolled and bumped my way around the car rental return, maneuvered the shuttle to the airport and weaved my way through the elastic band switchbacks leading to the security check point. This time my bags and I were herded through the x-ray machines and spit out the other end without a search. Hating to be the one to slow the line, I gathered items from the tubs and tucked them under my arm that was holding hiking boots with laces dragging to the ground. My free hand then wrestled to get the two over-stuffed bags off the conveyor belt and on the ground before relocating my boots to the other armpit. The few steps to reach a nearby bench were awkward in my sock feet as I pulled one bag with each hand. I plopped down with all my stuff feeling as if I had just been tossed around in a salad spinner and dumped out in a bowl. The time spent lacing my boots allowed me to regain my bearings. All loose items were once again tucked safely away. I joined the flow of foot traffic as I headed for my gate.
The wait to board was short. The walk down the narrow plane aisle was a bumpy one with two over-stuffed bags. One thing not counted on when releasing the expansion zipper was my sleeping bag expanding inside! Upon hoisting the bag overhead, the realization, exposed to all onlookers, showed the expansion did not allow the bag to slide in properly. I shoved with all my might to get it in, then sat down quickly to avoid glares from the other passengers.
I decided not to entertain thoughts on how to remove the bag once we landed, until I noticed a collar-wearing priest taking his seat behind me. My thoughts went back to the bag lodged above. How many times had I heard sermons on how overflowing baggage makes life cumbersome? The same is true here, I thought, as I sat waiting for takeoff. Packing lighter or handing a bag off for someone else to maneuver through the airport would have made for a more pleasant trip.
Hours later when the plane landed, I struggled to pry my bag from the overhead bin. The priest sitting behind me, reached up and firmly pulled to remove the load. I expressed my gratitude for his help before turning to make my way out.
Goose bumps covered my arms. I took a deep cleansing breath. A week in nature and it wasn’t clear until now what should be done to refresh my spirit from the stifling demands life.
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Blessings~
(How did you like Portland's airport?)
I hope you were rested and will come back again. Maybe in your next writing we will find out what was cooked in the pressure cooker.