Reflection

I have been traveling away from home for two days shy of 10 weeks. During those 68 days, I have not ironed any clothes, pulled any weeds, or vacuumed any floors. I have not driven a car (nor a motorhome, for that matter) or awoken to an alarm clock. I have not weighed myself nor looked in a full length mirror. I have not missed doing any of these things AT All!

During the past 68 days, I have not sewn on my sewing machine nor done any quilting. I have not arranged a vase of fresh flowers nor tasted a Maryland tomato. I have not visited a hair salon nor indulged in a pedicure. I have not watched a television program (except for seeing a short portion of the Olympics without sound in a bar and watching the Raven’s game last night in the hotel). I have to admit, there were times I missed these things A BIT.

For the past 68 days, I have not visited with family or my Maryland friends (except for the wonderful time with Jack and Judy). I have not hugged my children. I have missed these things A LOT.

But enough about what I didn’t do…let’s recap what did I do during those 68 days…

I’ve traveled in our motorhome over 7,000 miles through seven states and two Canadian provinces. I’ve visited six American national parks, six Canadian national parks, and many national forests and state parks.

I’ve hiked over 150 miles up and down mountains, through rainforests and subalpine forests, around lakes, and along the Pacific Ocean. I’ve walked on salt flats and in the cities of Portland, Oregon and Salt Lake City, Utah.

I’ve seen many kinds of wildlife including bears, elk, bison, antelope, and Rocky Mountain sheep. I’ve delighted in the beauty of snow-capped mountains, fields of wildflowers, erupting geysers, simmering mud pots, and smooth, colorful river stones.

I’ve been in awe of massive glaciers and towering waterfalls. I’ve seen amazing sunsets and slept to the sounds of the ocean surf, train whistles, and complete silence.

I’ve savored regional cuisine and met people from around the world. I’ve shopped at 14 quilt shops and bought a 10 pound salmon right off the boat.

Wow!

Of course, all of this would not have been possible without Bill, my tour guide extraordinaire. Except for three hikes he took on his own, we have been together 24-7 for 65 days straight! And yes, we are still speaking to one another. In fact, we are more in love than ever. As Mark Twain said, “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”

A good time was had by all.

Bill and I both realize how lucky we are to have the time and resources to experience this kind and extent of travel. We have many wonderful memories of our trip that will continue to give us pleasure for years to come.

“Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat Conroy