123123 - Happy New Year!

Finishing out the year in southern Arizona has given us a chance to catch our breath, take care of a few repairs, and reminisce on the places we have been in the past several months.

I feel so fortunate to have been able to travel this past year, seeing amazing places and meeting some wonderful people along the way. Reflecting back at the highlights from the last 10 months, I find it hard to narrow it down to a few, but here we go...

The waterfalls and views of Lake Superior along the North Shore in Minnesota were a stunning beginning to traveling this year.

Camping on the shores of Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota for the Fourth of July gave us a chance to play in the water and relax along the shore.

Teddy Roosevelt National Park had expansive views and gave us the excitement of seeing Big Horn Sheep, Wild Horses, Bison, and Prairie Dogs.

Montana showed us alpine beauty through the clouds and rain at Branham Lakes, and sweeping views with wildflowers at Kendall Ghost Town.

The prairie initially seemed desolate, but spending more time there, we were able to focus on the small things and watch those darn cute prairie dogs whose dens were right next to our motorhome.

The waterfalls along Mesa Falls Scenic Byway in Idaho were spectacular and powerful, but still left me with a feeling of peace and calm.

Staying across from the Grand Tetons in Wyoming gave us fantastic views of the mountains from our front window, and although there was not much space between campers, we delighted in the company of those around us and made some lifelong friends in the process.

Utah had the stunning vistas and canyons of Flaming Gorge, San Rafael Swell, Cathedral Valley and Grand Staircase Escalante to make our spirits soar. Contrasting against the vivid blue skies, the golden aspen trees of Pando shimmered in the sunlight as the leaves quaked in the wind. The plastic feel of the trunks gave way to inner strength and calm the longer I left my hand on them.

The Pacific Ocean in California was my personal favorite, with its waves crashing onshore, the flowers and trees framing the views, and the lighthouses remaining vigilant against the night skies.

We have seen a plethora of stunning sunrises and sunsets this year. The colors have been vibrant and warm, with the sunrises welcoming us to another day full of opportunities and sunsets giving one last splash of excitement before resting for the day. Our favorite would be the howler-monkey sunrise that woke us at 4:00 am at Flaming Gorge.

Finishing out the year, I’d like to share a few of the places we have been that had lapsed from our blog. We apologize for their delay as repairs had taken priority from our posting.

While near Joshua Tree, we visited Bombay Beach, which was a popular vacation area for celebrities 60 years ago. Once a beautifully quiet destination on the Salton Sea, it became contaminated from pollution and agricultural runoff. Most people left and/or stopped going there once 95% of the aquatic life died, washing up on shore and filling the air with pungence. It has become a little bit of an artist enclave, with the beach having several works of art scattered around for all to enjoy. Since being there, news reports state that it may flourish again soon, this time in the form of Lithium mining.

A stop at Joshua Tree National Park gave us a chance to spend a little more time with Mason. He works there as a climbing guide. We hiked out to see abandoned equipment and vehicles from mining in the area, as well as the outcroppings of rocks, cacti, and Joshua Trees which give this place its name.

More recently, a late afternoon stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Sierras: a 75-foot cross and Virgin Mary Statue adorning a tiny chapel on a hill. A paved but steep road brought us to a limited parking area. We got a good workout climbing the multitude of stairs along the Stations of the Cross. Services are held regularly, with one about to start as we were leaving. It’s a very charming place, providing abundant views of Miracle Valley and the mountains beyond.

A couple days ago, we traversed the rougher dirt roads to Coronado Cave, Lochiel, and Duquesne: a route we ventured five years earlier. It was considerably less muddy than the last time, but equally enjoyable.

Indeed, the year has been filled with many wonderful places and sights, but there have been personal struggles that have held us back, too. I have been dwelling in a bad place for too long. It has taken such a strong hold that it affects my relationships, my daily life, and plans for the future. I hold on to my faults and failures, letting them drag me down, instead of learning from them and using them to become better. My issues and resistance to suggestions keep me from being understanding of Tom or helping him. That has to change. I want to be the person for him, that he has been for me.

There is no better time than the New Year to address this. I will eagerly make a plan to better myself, trying to do it without medication. I will set forth goals and be the catalyst to reach them.

Along with this, there will be some changes to our blog posts. We will be posting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with a focus on strengthening and healing the Mind, Body, and Spirit. One day will be about emotions, another about transforming physically, and still another about learning and growing intellectually. We are not abandoning the travel posts, but want to weave with the other thoughts. We will send a monthly newsletter to our subscribers. In it we will share our exact location and our plans for the upcoming months, among other news and thoughts.

Happy New Year Everyone! May the new year be filled with better times! Thank you for reading our Posts and following along with us.

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