Dr. John Gray, author of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus," published an article titled, "Keep the Mental Excitement Alive in Your Relationship," on the Web site www.thirdage.com. In the article, Gray described four types of chemistry – mental, emotional, spiritual and physical - which, he says, "inspire partners to feel attracted to each other."

Working couples are vulnerable to chemistry burnout. Their busy, fast-paced lifestyles barely leave them enough time to ask each other, "How was your day?" over a late dinner before falling exhausted into bed. My girlfriend Greta and I have been a couple for five years and both work.

Each August, we schedule a trip together that we feel reignites the four chemistries described by Gray. Last week, we took a six-day, seven-state, 2,451-mile trip to explore four of our national parks. A driving trip means lots of time together in the car for conversation that can strengthen a couple's mental chemistry, defined by Gray as "when partners feel very interested in each other's thoughts and perceptions about life." We discovered things about each other's past that surprised us both, which will lead to understanding each other better.

A trip also encourages sharing. We alternated driving, listened to music and worked on crosswords together, and enjoyed the excitement of new experiences.

On the first day, we drove 11 hours to Saratoga Springs, Utah, to stay with Greta's daughter and her family, who moved there two months ago from Rancho Santa Margarita. On Day 2, we arrived in West Yellowstone, Mont., in time to get fishing licenses and head to the Gallatin River.

One interest Greta and I share is fly-fishing. She has her own waders, is handy with a fly rod and can tie a leader to a fly line and a tippet to a leader. We made it to the river in time for the late-afternoon insect hatch and had a stretch of the river to ourselves. She pointed to fresh tracks in the gravel at the river's edge. I said, "Deer tracks." She said, "Sure, Tom, I know bear tracks when I see them." Yellowstone is home to black bears and grizzlies. We fished while keeping our eyes on the woods for furry visitors.

When we entered Yellowstone National Park, we were handed a map and a yellow flyer that read, "Warning. Many visitors have been gored by buffalo. Buffalo can weigh 2,000 pounds and can sprint at 30 mph, three times faster than you can run. These animals may appear tame but are wild, unpredictable and dangerous. Do not approach buffalo."

Around mid-day, our hearts raced when a herd of buffalo stopped traffic and walked among the cars while crossing the road on their way for a dip and a drink in the Yellowstone River. In another spot, we photographed three elk feeding five feet from the car. When you exit Yellowstone to the south, you enter Grand Teton National Park, where our emotional chemistry, which Gray defines as "caring about each other's feelings and happiness," got a boost.

We stopped at the historic Jenny Lake Lodge to inquire about a room for the night. They had one cabin left, at a price tag that would normally send us down the road. We looked at each other and said, "This is our special treat; we'll take it." From our front porch, we sat in pine rocking chairs, sipping wine, looking at the majestic Teton peaks in full view a half-mile away. With the moon peaking through, there wasn't a more romantic spot in the world.

A five-course gourmet dinner, trout fishing, and a 3.5 mile round-trip hike to Taggart Lake, at the base of the mountains, topped off a dream stay in the Grand Tetons. Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah was the third park we visited. It's beautiful and unique, but road construction created dust and delays that distracted us from the beauty that Bryce offers. From Bryce, we drove to Zion National Park, a couple hours away. Gray says, "Spiritual chemistry means you feel connected on a higher level." In Zion, we stood arm-in-arm in silence looking up at orange, red and peach-colored 3,000-foot cliffs, truly marvels of nature. It would be impossible not to feel a spiritual presence and togetherness in that national treasure.

From Zion, we returned to Orange County. And the one chemistry I didn't mention –physical, defined by Gray as "attraction to each other's physical appearance" – well, let me just say that a trip like the one we shared bolsters that.

All four chemistries were definitely rekindled.

Already, we're planning our next trip.

READER COMMENTS

Joe, ex-Huntington Beach resident and dater, now living in Los Angeles: "Meeting for coffee isn't a date, it's a meeting to decide to have a date or not. Too many wackos, weirdos, freeloaders and other undesirables out there to waste time and money on; I've learned to prescreen first." Response: But it's taken you so many years to learn that.

Leslie, Huntington Beach: "I've met so many great single guys. I don't understand the problem. It's all about presentation." Response: And a positive attitude, which you have.

Sandi, Tustin: "Have you ever done a column on breaking up a relationship? How about doing one? I just had a not-nice experience." Response: Share it with me and I'll share it with readers.