This past weekend featured one of my favorite events of the year - Junk Jaunt. Now I understand that not everyone in the area is a fan. There is lots of traffic and jaunters have been known to make sudden stops and turns (not me, of course).

Since its inception, Jody and I - along with our daughter and grandson - have missed very few of the annual treasure hunts. It is hard to believe that Junk Jaunt has been around for 21 years now! It encompasses nine counties and more than 35 communities, highlighting two of Nebraska’s beautiful scenic byways. There are 500 miles (approximately) of junkin’, garage sale fun awaiting those brave enough to take the journey. Which, by the way, is totally impossible to conquer in three days. Believe me - we’ve tried!

We take Friday off of work, pull the grandson out of school, and hit the trail bright and early. This year our jaunt began in Arnold, then took us to Merna, Broken Bow, Ansley, Mason City, Litchfield, Sargent, and Taylor. That was day one.

After spending a not-so-restful night at a motel in Loup City, we hit the road Saturday morning with stops in Loup City, Ashton, Farwell, St. Paul, Elba, North Loup, and Scotia before landing for the second night in Ord. While there, we enjoyed a really good supper at the Legion Club (I would recommend the chicken fried steak).

We didn’t get up and around quite as early on Sunday, as the fatigue was already starting to set in a little. We finished up the Ord sales on Sunday, before heading to Arcadia, then back to Broken Bow, where we hit a few more on our way toward home.

My grandson, Roman, has been jaunting with us since he was in his mom’s tummy. I have fond memories of him in his car seat, eagerly watching for the colorful signs pointing to a sale, and hollering “Junk Jaunt!” from the back seat when he would spot one.

A few years ago, we established a tradition. On our last stop of the jaunt, everyone MUST buy something. That has become one of our favorite parts of the trip, as sometimes that last sale is pretty picked over, and all that remains is true junk. But you must find something - anything - to purchase.

This year that final purchase was much easier than most years, as our last stop was right here in Callaway. Brandy Mason had a wide variety of goodies to offer, and we were all able to find something without even trying very hard!

Once again, we returned home with the back of the van loaded full of treasures. You know what they say… one man’s junk is another man’s treasure!

I’ve had several people ask if we found lots of good stuff, to which I typically respond, “We found lots of stuff.”

But here’s the thing. For as much as I love going through all the stuff, chatting with all the people, trying food in different towns, my favorite part of the Junk Jaunt by far is the memories I am creating with my loved ones. I know my daughter and grandson will one day reminisce on the stories and laughter we shared - so much laughter - far more than any of the items that were purchased.

And to me, there is no greater treasure.