September-October Recap

 Right Now..

I'm listening to the wind howling at a campsite just outside out of Kingman AZ.   We are 18 days into a western road trip- and so far so good.    I realize that I never got around to recapping September- and now the end of October is coming up....time clearly flies while you are having fun.   And fun we have been having.

I'm loving that these past two months have allowed me to connect with people and places in ways I've not been able to do during this time of year for...well, pretty much since the first Thing started school in 2000.   The school calendar dictated when we could wander- and never was September a time to explore- and October usually  allowed for just a week for Fall Break-where the weather was less cooperative and I was on the weary struggle bus that comes with the first quarter of a new school year.  

But not this year- connection was the goal- and boy was it achieved!

Our first connection was when we traveled to Virginia to join our friends - L&L Sweetapple

as they celebrated their daughter getting married.   

the happy couple..

the trip was a great opportunity to connect with forever friends.

meet some new friends...

savor some good whiskey

and even sneak in a quick trip to the beach...

scored a bonus connection when we discovered through social media that another friend was also visiting the Williamsburg area

Next connection was with nature.    Leaf peeping was number one on my Fall wish list.   For years- I would see the great fall pictures- taken by either Hubby or friends foolish enough to tackle the weekend crowds- and think "some day when I retire".  

So I set off to ensure that some day was now- eager to see and experience Colorado high country color first hand.   

My first attempt to see peak color was when I grabbed my bestie and we headed up to Steamboat.   We thought we'd timed it right (9.18) but only saw splashes of color. 

that's ok- we still found some bursts of summer lingering at the Botanical Gardens

We also saw what the museum docent claims is the largest water color featuring Western Art

*in Colorado? in the world...the details were vague

But the museum was well curated and made excellent use of an old Armory

in Craig, CO 

We found unexpected beauty in this catholic church- 

filled with over 60 stained glass windows

and even snuck in a short hike to a lovely waterfall

Hubby and I would continue to connect with nature...

A Sunday drive in the San Luis valley...

and some camping in solitude that is the San Luis State Wildlife area.

The rest of September flew by in a blur...

there was a memorial for a sweet friend 

who's kind heart and champion of the underdogs will never be forgotten

there were September birthdays to be celebrated..

surrounded by gorgeous flowers-

and tasty treats..

and a sweet young bride to be showered with neighborhood love

Ah, but what about October?   Fear not....

there were more parties to be hosted...

birthdays to be celebrated...

leaves to be photographed...

again..and

again...

hosting an overnight guest

and showing a visiting friend a new place to shop

I'm feeling like I should wrap up this recap before the laptop battery times out.   

But first- a quick recap of our trip thus far.   Yes- we are on the road- headed to California to check in on the Chang side of the family.  

Yet in typical Dom and Martha style- we are getting there at our own pace.

Why race to California when first there are...

 eclipses to be experienced...

Thankfully a friend knew what he was doing...

photo credit- E. Morcom

because we sure didn't know how to photograph this ring of fire..

there was a state park to be experienced..

last time I tried to see Gooseneck State Park- I fell and fractured my foot..

it took 24 yeas- but victory was mine

a natural bridge to be admired...

an iconic view- to be photographed- from the safety of the shoulder...

unlike these fools..

However, unlike Mr. Gump who declared at this junction in the road he was tired and ready to go home- our adventure is just getting started...

So until next time...

May you be blessed with a perfect traveling partner...

A scenic view or

or two...

taking time to enjoy the view..

while getting your kicks along the way...