tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51436578117222127262024-03-14T01:14:34.650-07:00Bill and Deb's Excellent Adventure - Part DeuxDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-13615485609175147122016-05-23T08:38:00.001-07:002016-05-23T08:38:25.455-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-62633837174125868882016-05-23T08:32:00.002-07:002016-05-23T08:43:38.649-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">As our adventure is winding down to an end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I reflect on how different this experience
was to our last adventure back in 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The highlight for me I would have to say was seeing so many
National Parks – the hikes and scenery were spectacular – seeing the wildlife
up close and personal in Yellowstone was magical and Yosemite<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was somewhat of a religious experience and
definitely an “ah ha moment.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another way this adventure was different was that I had more
alone time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the reason for this
is that we moved around so much and we never really got settled enough to
connect with people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I search for the
lesson in this - as you all know I believe everything happens for a reason and
every person is brought into our life for a purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have come up with the conclusion that my
alone time taught me - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I already have everyone
that I need in my life and it gave me time to reflect and give thanks to each
of those people – I have images of phone calls home and catching up with the
important people in my life – most of these calls happened from the most beautiful
locations – and now that I look back it was that beauty that brought those
faces to mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So thank you for the part
you each play in my life and our adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I look way back to the beginning of our adventure and the time
we got to spend with Steph, Lou, Payton and Ethan and I will always hold that
time dear to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Princess P and
E-man are at such a perfect age to build memories with – and we had so many
days together and so many special things we did together -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">They reset the child in me and I was able to bring that
forward with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It allowed me to see
everything as new and magical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
awakened all my senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also taught
me to let go of the serious adult in me and not be afraid to use my imagination
& let go and be silly….I had fits of giggles with them that have continued to
stay with me right up until last night!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am thankful for my time & talks with Ted and for the
night of fun in the box seats at the Calgary Flames Game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am so thankful for our time with Lance, Christine, Anna
& Maria – Bozeman was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
loved camping out in their driveway and taking part in all their family meals,
movie nights and backcountry skiing together – they each played a huge part in
getting me ready for the rest of my backcountry ski time and boosting my
confidence and ability to be in the backcountry!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so great that we also got to spend a
week with them in Utah in March in that incredible ski house – I know there are
move adventures to come with the Riek family!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We loved our time in Lake Tahoe with our friends Jim and
Chuck & Jan (we missed you dearly Karen.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We loved skiing & playing in the snow with Jim and Woody. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was great to have a little break from the
trailer as Jan was having no part of us sleeping outside</span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We enjoyed many delicious
meals together prepared by Jim and learned a few tricks by watching him in the
kitchen – Chuck and Jan prepared a departing breakfast and care package for us that
kept us full for days</span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thank
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It seems only fitting that we spend the last leg of our time
in Cape Cod which is one of our most favorite places to be and with some our
most favorite friends – and once again we are exactly where we are supposed to
be --to walk beside our friends in the loss of their puppy Woody and to help
Janice and Jerry with getting Jan’s mom moved and settled into the nursing
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bill and Jerry enjoyed playing in
the Ocean and built a new outdoor shower --I enjoyed listening to them argue
like my 2 favorite grumpy old men--Walter Matheau and Jack Lemon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jan, Karen and I enjoyed our favorite pass times-- shopping, long walks &
listening to music – dancing to Prince and just<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>being together – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look forward to
seeing my mom, my Aunties and all my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I look forward to returning to work, getting a haircut &
color, my wardrobe & slipping on a great pair of shoes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I feel such a sense of warmth with the thought of home and
what that now means to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Milage:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">States visited:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Photo:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-66341802566710832742016-05-18T14:23:00.003-07:002016-05-20T15:16:00.199-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Rpv3G5oNCobbm5t4h1aeG6mVDOLAAP8LPTr_mky3KJ_MjOA7JD5_Q-fqSX6IjlMNR4s_uVh1VJz3YNx6Urz5sswKb3ZwhhGU-1oqgJQ4rnrRyhgZpkLhaRGNN-EuvJZd-4akkK1C9JY/s1600/IMG_0048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Rpv3G5oNCobbm5t4h1aeG6mVDOLAAP8LPTr_mky3KJ_MjOA7JD5_Q-fqSX6IjlMNR4s_uVh1VJz3YNx6Urz5sswKb3ZwhhGU-1oqgJQ4rnrRyhgZpkLhaRGNN-EuvJZd-4akkK1C9JY/s640/IMG_0048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our friends Janice& Jerry, Karen & Jim. So great to be in Cape Cod!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-64855932706358718612016-05-18T14:17:00.004-07:002016-05-19T07:45:34.766-07:00<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">April 29-May 12, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We have making the yearly trek to Cape Hatteras for the past
19 years – my relationship with Hatteras is definitely a love/hate relationship
– we have made some of our very best & like-minded friends in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hatteras and have weathered out some pretty
big storms on the island and life together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2JBvyB6M5gQ5eXJACGVs87_kBwiYVU9sBz_c201XdwVxUHWBPIxI4E-2fGX3Z0p3Z8QOhLpFlpX-DZN954cwewNhrUOR6GoLJiiltNjUh22K4kkx-ps9fmuke0nqpSIwrbW4CWN8Qng/s1600/IMG_9976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2JBvyB6M5gQ5eXJACGVs87_kBwiYVU9sBz_c201XdwVxUHWBPIxI4E-2fGX3Z0p3Z8QOhLpFlpX-DZN954cwewNhrUOR6GoLJiiltNjUh22K4kkx-ps9fmuke0nqpSIwrbW4CWN8Qng/s640/IMG_9976.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This year was very different and I guess when I reflect on
the reasons for the change and the many missing faces – I remember the loss of
our dear friends Bob, Charlie and Esther.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The physical change in the island is much like the changes
in our lives – every year a piece is missing or not quite the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that is what happens over 2 decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have held on to each other thru cancer
scares and divorces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have traveled to
celebrate weddings and tried to help friends with young kids continue to make
the trek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVG5ppywTnFnjtG-oUtRwzSh4xgOx8iju90A04n6No8JPO7S53X6oxhUW-4yDj-6YxIE2jNaNd0etdCdR2cqujKpBsFwITpTSCPaaXjX9myV6VtZZgmwM5Zxw0KEROyxGOm3eio26n3U/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVG5ppywTnFnjtG-oUtRwzSh4xgOx8iju90A04n6No8JPO7S53X6oxhUW-4yDj-6YxIE2jNaNd0etdCdR2cqujKpBsFwITpTSCPaaXjX9myV6VtZZgmwM5Zxw0KEROyxGOm3eio26n3U/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This year things were definitely different with our gang not
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did enjoy some meals and fires
with our friends Nil and Anne from Quebec.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We love hearing about all their incredible adventures – They are both
retired kayak guides and have travelled to many remote parts of our
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They enjoy backcountry skiing
and are big kiters – we might vacation with them next year on the West Coast
for a hut tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMiIBjWHhl9AzBzoCCg3GCsPxhlc5w0K0ZRO-weH799rkd6flTt3KDfS3mhFcsGTp9jsxXZhhJave3lB2nehj99Plpiz-Wda5b_qnptyOMnf78J-taois2BsMBK7MfbHfltxfu_6D_r4/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMiIBjWHhl9AzBzoCCg3GCsPxhlc5w0K0ZRO-weH799rkd6flTt3KDfS3mhFcsGTp9jsxXZhhJave3lB2nehj99Plpiz-Wda5b_qnptyOMnf78J-taois2BsMBK7MfbHfltxfu_6D_r4/s320/IMG_0022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also joined the River Rats for a few fires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gang is from New York and windsurf in
the Hudson River – that is how they got their nickname.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
loved spending time with Marty who is 82 and still windsurfing and in the
Winter he is a ski instructor for disabled skiers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was Marty’s first year back to Hatteras
since losing his wife Esther in 2013 – I watched him go out with all his gear
on a light wind day and was worried about him as he struggled lifting the sail
and heavy gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat eagerly by our window in the trailer and
watched him for a good hour before finally the wind picked up and lifted his
sail and away he went – I jumped up and down and clapped in excitement for him
and maybe even had a tear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He got his ride – and he definitely still has
it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also spent some time with our friends from North Bay who
rented a house – Dave, Kim, Agnes & Gerry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We even found some Astorville friends at the campground Claude and Lise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Meeting a new friend always brings joy to my life – thank you
to our new friend Craig from Squamish BC who is currently doing his residency
in Burlington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bill and Craig enjoyed some surfing and SUPing
sessions and a few short road rides. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great
to spend those few days with Craig – sharing meals and nightly fires - thank
you for biking at my speed and for letting me draft you - and for watching the (Unidentified) fireflies
with me –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not done with my
recruiting efforts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope you come and
see how beautiful North Bay is – you are welcome any time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-91327321222268753442016-05-02T14:44:00.001-07:002016-05-02T15:10:27.552-07:00<br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">April 25-May 1, 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">5 days on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>First 2 days weren’t very productive as Monday we had pretty bad jet lag
from flying all night and the time change was kind of messing with us and then
Tuesday we came to a sudden hault as a wicked storm rolled across Kansas - We
arrived in Hatteras on Friday late afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We enjoyed the drive across country – as the miles flew by; <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois,
Tennessee and North Carolina – the prettiest part of the drive by far was
Western North Carolina.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed the
Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We passed the time by listening to Martin Sexton – played
some air instruments – for Payton and Ethan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Replayed Martin Sexton’s version of Purple Rain quite a few times as we
still mourn the loss or Prince.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did
watch the movie twice in Maui – and Bill has remarked that my hairdo looks a
lot like Prince’s guitar player Wendy – not a good thing –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
80s were a scary time for my parents when I decided to dump MJ for Prince.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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We had a long talk to Steph and the kids – heard a more
about their trip to Mexico – all the animals they saw, the lazy rivers they
rode and some of the shows they went to – which they have re-enacted for us in
a video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ethan says he has been
practising his moon walk and it is pretty good, but he needs a little more work
on his lean – and according to him “it is not impossible!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he quickly had to let us go because he
wanted to pack up and sleep in the RV for the night – nothing like camping in
the driveway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Payton enjoyed her trip
and is patiently waiting for her easy bake oven recipes to arrive as we were a
little tardy on the Birthday gifts this year… <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzhqvqK1v_K_E8S8uJsh7F7lsyL8mL1_bBebEua_dXACVT24KzFv0UOT5Qv365MbBXE6vrfFViK5s5CNt7RCA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<o:p></o:p> </div>
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And unfortunately we got some very sad news on our drive
here - that Karen and Jim lost Woody – they had brought him to the vet for a
simple dental procedure and something went terribly wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are so heartbroken for our friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span>
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We were all together in Tahoe last February when they had to
put Nimbus down and we were all so excited for them and their new puppy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
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When Jim went to pick the puppy out for Karen for Christmas–
he took his time watching all the puppies and it was Woody who picked him by
walking over to him and sitting on his foot – Woody was an exceptionally smart
puppy and I believe he knew if I go home with this guy – I will have the best
puppy life possible – I will be able to play in the snow and run on the beach
and never be left alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
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We are so thankful for our time with Woody this March and we
will never forget him chasing us down the mountain and through the snow as we
skied, our nightly walks and all the kisses and cuddles we received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had never met a dog so full of love.</div>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It has been really hard on everyone – so we are sending love
and healing hugs to our dear friends Jim and Karen. Also to Janice , Jerry & Amy who
will miss Woody's visits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> See you in a couple weeks. xo</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I like to think there is a puppy heaven and Kona, Nimbus,
Moon & Josie are all there to take care of Woody. <o:p></o:p></span>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-51300840607673258302016-04-28T11:26:00.000-07:002016-04-28T11:26:15.554-07:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">April 24-28, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a great flight back to Denver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flight was a little shorter coming back;
6 hours 40 minutes with the jet stream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t carry my flashlight and poodle noodle with me;
although, the thought did cross my mind.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I sat beside a young mom and her 9 month old baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her husband and her two other children were
sitting a few seats up from us and dad had his hands full because their little
girl had a broken arm and wanted her mommy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was glad to help out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She let me hold the baby a few times to give her a break as her arms
kept falling asleep from holding her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
finally got the baby settled and we raised the arm rest between us and put a little neck pillow on my lap and let
her lay across the both of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smiled
to myself as mom was finally able to get a little sleep herself – they had to
fly from Maui to Denver – Denver to Dallas – and then a 7 hour drive to their
home in Missouri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I helped her gather
her belongings and get the baby into her snuggly so they could run to catch
their connecting flight -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>she was very
thankful – little does she know she helped me with my airplane anxiety by allowing
me to help out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing sweeter
than watching a baby sleep so peacefully<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>- I kept retrieving her soother when she spit it out and I was able to
let go of my obsessive thoughts of plunging into the ocean without my poodle
noodle and flashlight.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love seeing young families travelling together – we met
another couple a few days before we left- at the condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were from Saskatchewan and had 5
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had decided to surprise their
2 teenage daughters with a trip to Maui – they didn’t tell them until they got
to the airport, nor did they tell the 3 younger ones who were staying home with
Grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just wanted to experience
a vacation with their teenage girls while they still thought it was cool to
travel with mom and dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We loved seeing
the girls playing together in the pool and giggling around the condo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked forward to hearing their stories in
the evening of all the great places they snorkeled and where they went
sightseeing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They got along so well
(reminded me of the Mathias girls).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Things went very smooth at the Maui airport with Bill’s gear
and we were charged $150 less than when we left Denver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are more familiar with windsurfing gear
than Denver; although the ticket agent asked if we had oceans in Canada – yikes
– <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were picked up by our friend Dave from the Front Range
Shuttle Service (yes we had to get the executive shuttle again</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">) He was enjoying the
rest of our story and the drive went by quickly as we exchanged stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think he gets a kick out of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even came to see our trailer and said “you
are kidding – you must really like each other!” when he saw what we have lived
in for the last few months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Christian Brothers were glad to see us and had actually
thought we were going to be back last Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They had even dug our trailer out from an ice storm – they told us when
we didn’t show they just laughed and said “I bet they heard about our weather
and are staying another week!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortunately in all our confusion getting off the plane we
forgot the crate of chocolate macadamia nuts we had bought for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a lost and found report in with
United – what do you think our chances are of getting that back???<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am working on a back- up plan – maybe
ordering some more from Maui.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well that’s about all – oh ya except that we got caught in a
giant storm in Topeka Kansas – you might have heard about it on the news – it
was pretty wild – we have never seen lightening or hail like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did have to stop at a rest stop for a few
hours along with a bunch of truckers – we were able to make it to a Wal-mart,
but between the thunder, lightning, jet lag and time change we watched episodes
of the walking dead (which was exactly how we felt) - until 2:30am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today we blew thru Kansas, Missouri & Illinois – just
right at the border of Illinois and Indiana – looks like we are heading to
Hatteras and then to see our friends Jan, Jerry, Karen & Jim in Cape Cod,
if they will have us</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-46103281549606840042016-04-23T22:16:00.000-07:002016-04-23T22:29:10.753-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNqx7vAZ4GeFZAgBwmMbUA5jAcJ-oSeDGmwJcLCKGiHy33_qIIRZUQ1GvoMYSEMBlx2V6ig-AO4DpjhdurWGvjb_7T-3LY8kBCtzhh66DMEjgXYw2uN1Fg1GZTEqoB1igZpGLTIsxH20/s1600/IMG_9975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNqx7vAZ4GeFZAgBwmMbUA5jAcJ-oSeDGmwJcLCKGiHy33_qIIRZUQ1GvoMYSEMBlx2V6ig-AO4DpjhdurWGvjb_7T-3LY8kBCtzhh66DMEjgXYw2uN1Fg1GZTEqoB1igZpGLTIsxH20/s640/IMG_9975.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mark Twain once said - "I went to Maui to stay a week and remained five. I have never spent so pleasant a month before, or bade any place good-bye so regretfully. I have not once thought of business or care or human toil or trouble or sorrow or weariness, and the memory of it will remain with me always."<br />
<br />
We took this photo from our condo the night of the full moon. It was beautiful.<br />
It is always so hard to leave this island - but we know we will be back soon.<br />
<br />
(Bill and I jokingly started a little point system shortly after leaving home as we are in such close quarters and it is just the two of us 90% of the time so the way this works is +1 when you do something nice for the other person and -1 when you are not so nice:) --so it was great to be here for 3 weeks and know Bill couldn't joke about putting me on the bus.) Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-87167113278749463022016-04-20T00:45:00.001-07:002016-04-20T01:00:57.865-07:00A few more days in paradise....<br />
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We made the road trip up to Honoloua Bay - to the pretty wave.<br />
<br />
Bill was hoping to share this wave with you - Jerry.<br />
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We spent some more time in Wailea also - I was tired after my shop and needed a little rest -- I figured the Marriott was a good spot to put up my feet.<br />
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Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-54044674218965663912016-04-17T21:55:00.002-07:002016-04-17T22:03:29.222-07:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p9x_jAIgETr0e09nHiOriW2gQcngH6ftrEaRaM8WGIRZuyA7ELAVjmPpNmbL286JU4fAf2A-5u2YwXa73eS4aVDaFO7xYif-t6tGNQygY5lG7JJlk8DmyAPCb9CA4o2_eFjF5V3FsIo/s1600/G1198252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p9x_jAIgETr0e09nHiOriW2gQcngH6ftrEaRaM8WGIRZuyA7ELAVjmPpNmbL286JU4fAf2A-5u2YwXa73eS4aVDaFO7xYif-t6tGNQygY5lG7JJlk8DmyAPCb9CA4o2_eFjF5V3FsIo/s320/G1198252.jpg" width="240" /></a>We have been enjoying typical Maui weather - <br />
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Bill has been having great morning SUP sessions and nice trade winds in the afternoon for windsurfing. <br />
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Bill got taken out by a gigantic wave and it undressed him. Ripped his long sleeve shirt right over his head.<br />
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We have been trying to fit in a few snorkels also - although, the water has been a little unsettled and pretty big surf for me:)<br />
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We took a drive to Honolua Bay today and watched some local surfers.<br />
We also took a walk along the beach of the Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea - wow!<br />
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I have been enjoying morning runs and some good books.<br />
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Glad to hear the weather is warming up at home!<br />
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Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-34416145817566717412016-04-14T23:55:00.002-07:002016-04-15T00:06:37.355-07:00<br /><br />One thing that happens over and over while you are visiting a Hawaiian island is that you are wished Aloha by locals – you receive very warm smiles, and witness their happiness through their laughter, love of the ocean and their total commitment to family. <br /><br />I love going to the beach on the weekends and watching the locals celebrate by bringing their tents, barbeques, volleyball nets and their entire family including a comfy chair for Grandma. They play music, games, give high fives and just have a lot of fun! <br /><br />This has always intrigued me and I find myself wondering why are they so happy?<br /><br /> – is it because they can count on the weekends having beach worthy weather? <br /><br />-is it part of their make up or hereditary?<br /><br />An example of an ALOHA greeting-- I was running down a remote beach the other morning and came across a group of Hawaiian guys fishing – for some reason Hawaiian guys can be very intimidating looking – most of them have a very stern face and they are usually covered in tattoos including some facial ones – and I was kind of nervous approaching them and wasn’t too sure which side of the fishing lines I should run on – as I got closer to them I made eye contact with one of them and his face lit up with a beautiful smile and he greeted me with a warm ALOHA as did each of his friends one at a time.<br /><br />So I started doing some research on what the definition of Aloha is and was surprised to learn that Aloha Spirit is actually the law….couldn’t we all benefit from this law?<br /><br />Wishing friends and family ALOHA today...<br /><br />The Aloha Spirit Law is an existing law "on the books" in Hawai`i. It acknowledges that The Aloha Spirit was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawai`i."<br />
<br />All citizens and government officials of Hawai`i are obligated by law to conduct themselves in accordance with this law, while performing their duties and obligations, as well as in their day-to-day living. Likewise, those visiting our fair islands are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with this Hawaiian law.<br /><br /> [§5-7.5] "Aloha Spirit" <br /><br />(a) "Aloha Spirit" is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, "Aloha", the following unuhi laula loa (free translation) may be used:<br />
<br />Akahai, [ah kah hai'], meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness; <br /> Lōkahi, [LOH' kah hee], meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;<br />Olu`olu, [oh' loo oh' loo], meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;<br />Ha`aha`a, [hah' ah hah' ah], meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;<br />Ahonui, [ah hoh nui'], meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.<br />
These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii's people. It was the working philosophy of native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii. <br /><br />"Aloha" is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. <br /><br />"Aloha" means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. <br /><br /> "Aloha" is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence. <br /><br />"Aloha" means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-21568148468874677302016-04-12T23:03:00.002-07:002016-04-12T23:29:32.469-07:00<br />
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I have been feeling guilty about being in Maui when my family and friends are having a very hard end to the Winter season, so I have been holding back photos, but I have been getting emails and complaints about the lack of activity on our blog.<br />
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I really wish I could hire a plane and take over the condo building we are in and bring you all here to experience this with us - and I promise if I run into Oprah while she is visiting her Maui home - I will ask her if she could make this happen.<br />
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We have been enjoying plenty of sunshine (sorry). Bill has been having great morning surf sessions and the trade winds pick up around 11:00 and we head to the windsurfing beach.<br />
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I have been enjoying morning runs on the beach and I finally got in the ocean this morning to snorkel. I like to snorkel on top of the water. Bill prefers to walk on the bottom of the ocean.</div>
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<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-69683144322719917102016-04-07T20:29:00.002-07:002016-04-07T20:29:37.976-07:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bill and I found this Beautiful Bell Tower while in Bodega
Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t post this while we were in Bodega Bay as my Dear friend Lisa and her beautiful daughter Mariah were on their way to
Italy and I didn’t want them worry about this story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ran by it each morning along a path towards the
ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we would approach the area
there was a stillness in the air – we wondered what the bells symbolized and it
wasn’t until our last day there that we walked towards the bells to see if
there was a story we could read.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The memorial is dedicated to children everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was inspired by the death of seven year
old Nicholas Green of Bodega Bay, who was shot by highway robbers in Italy on
September 29, 1994.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All the bells were donated, mostly by families, schools and
churches in Italy to express their sorry and appreciation for the decision of
Nicholas’ parents Maggie and Reg Green, to donate his organs to seven
Italians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They symbolize the continuity
of life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The centrepiece is from the Marinelli Foundry, which has been
making bells for the papacy for a thousand years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This bell, which has on it the names of
Nicholas and the seven recipients , was blessed by Pope John Paul II.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The memorial was designed and built by Bruce Hasson of San
Francisco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-11830634067028583802016-04-06T11:59:00.001-07:002016-04-06T11:59:26.566-07:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">April 4, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We received an excited phone call today from the Christian
Brothers – they asked us “are you ready for some good news?” as they were
taking our engine apart they found a broken valve spring – they replaced it and
our van is running perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is
only going to cost $700 compared to the several thousand they had
anticipated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>PS We added some photos to the New Mexico portion of the blog.</strong></span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-66784087673303054332016-04-03T22:47:00.001-07:002016-04-03T22:47:44.834-07:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">March 31, 2016</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We stopped at a Starbucks to book a flight to Maui for April
2 - in a town called Pueblo Colorado - and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>within 30 minutes of leaving the Starbucks we hit a blizzard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried at several exits to find a place to
park – and were denied – all the parking lots had no overnight parking or RV
parking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were on our 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th </span></sup>attempt
--on an off ramp when our engine light started to flash and the van began to
shake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were lucky enough to land in a
grocery store parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is now
dark out and the snow is coming down sideways – we go into the grocery store to
try and get online to see if we can figure out what might be wrong with the van.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggest to Bill that maybe driving through
New Mexico in a full on dust storm with a million little tumbleweeds blowing
across the highway might have done something to our engine filter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went back outside and could see an Auto Zone store down
the road with the lights still on – so Bill walked up there and bought an
engine filter -- got the headlamp out and changed the filter with the snow and
wind blowing around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we started
up the van it was still shaking and the engine light was no longer flashing but
now staying on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
We spent the night in the parking lot and when we got up in the morning – the
van would no longer start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We found a
tow truck number and called -- they suggest we first find a garage as it was
going to be quite expensive to tow both the van and the trailer, so best to be
sure which garage could take us – now remember we are flying out of Denver
April 2 which is only 2 days away!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So amongst all this craziness I decide I still need a coffee
– so I go to the Starbucks counter in the grocery store and ask the barista if
she can suggest a good garage and she mentioned the Christian Brothers Garage
which is only about a mile away – it is 7 a.m and we look up the garage online
and learn they are open at 7 so we walk up there in a blizzard – discussing how
maybe when they see us (haven’t showered or changed clothes in 4 days – looking
a little homeless now for sure) and hear our story they won’t be able to say no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It didn’t even cross my mind at the time their name being
Christian Brothers – I just thought that was their last name – when we entered
the garage we were greeted with a very warm welcome – we had their full
attention and they quickly assured us they would do everything they could to
help – they offered us a warm drink – and quickly began helping us make a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They drove us back to our van and jump
started it – to save us a huge towing bill – we drove the van up to their
garage with them following us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They took our van in right away – made some phone calls to
arrange a hotel for us to stay in and kept reassuring us that
everything was going to be ok – even though our anxiety was building about our
flight – we made some phone calls from the waiting area and found out at this
point our trip was non-refundable – we could pay to have our flight changed,
but not our accommodations<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>due to the
fact that it was booked at the last minute -we had to pay for the condo in full.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We spent the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>entire
morning at the garage – making phone calls and getting updates on the van – at
first they thought it might be bad gas, (that would have been a blessing) but
as the morning went on and they got further into it – they realized it was the
engine – and there was no way this could be repaired in the time we needed to
get to Denver to make our flight – the owner offered to take us back to our
trailer that we had left in the parking lot of the grocery store – but after
hearing that we needed all the windsurfing gear that was in the van for our
trip he decided that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>maybe we could put
the van back together in order for us to very slowly drive it to the hotel
unload our boards and summer bin of clothes that we needed access to and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pick up our trailer from the grocery store
parking lot on our way back to the garage – he graciously offered to keep our
trailer in his lot while we travelled – they began clearing <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a spot for us to park the trailer. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Away we went driving our vibrating van at 20km an hour to
the hotel – yes it is still a blizzard out – we are once again warmly greeted
by Savannah at the Marriott who knows our entire story and is more than willing
to do anything for us – she gave us a great deal on the room because let’s face
it we are not looking like Marriott people at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We begin to unload all of Bills boards, sails, booms, mast,
wetsuits, snorkeling gear, summer bins and we are spread out across the wet
snowy parking lot and getting a few stares as he unloads and I carry one thing
at a time up to our 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> floor room – via the stairs as I can’t seem
to jam the surfboards into the elevator. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Luckily we had already stopped and bought the bubble wrap
and cardboard to pack up the boards – it doesn’t take long to fill up our hotel
room – we bubble wrap the boards and take all the sails into the hallway and unroll
them <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and pack them up – moving a few
times for hotel guests – and curious kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I quickly do up all our dirty trailer dishes in the Marriott
sink – yes for real – and we begin our shaky drive back to pick up our trailer
and get this van back to the garage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
stop at a red light and we are both holding our breath as the van shakes
rattles and rolls – when the light turns green and Bill hits the accelerator
the entire dashboard falls to the floor and I realize my Starbucks is still
standing upright – not a drop spills and we totally go into hysterics – <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We make it back to the garage safely and get our trailer
parked in the spot they have prepared for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We take our backpacks and everything we need out of the van
and realize we are probably going to have to make a few trips back and forth
from the hotel to the trailer to get everything we need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for the rest of the day we march back and
forth the mile between the hotel and garage – <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had another good case of the giggles as we carried our
packs dangling with gear, rolled up foam mats, a huge roll of bubble wrap, and
Bill was carrying his SUP paddle which I am sure puzzled the drivers along the
busy roadway as it continued to snow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are we really going to be able to pull this trip off????<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finished up our packing around 8:30pm and finally stopped
to have something to eat at a restaurant and sit for a minute few minutes to
figure out the rest of the logistics of this trip – like how are we going to
get the gear to the airport. We had called a shuttle service earlier in the day
that had promised they could accommodate us – but when they double checked with
the driver of the shuttle and the measurements of the gear – they decided they
could not make this happen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The owner of the garage had offered to drive us and the
manager at the Marriott also made the offer, but we felt that was a lot to ask
after everything they had already done for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we called back the shuttle service and they
set us up with an executive shuttle – so just us the driver and our gear. (in
case you haven’t heard Bill is kind of a big deal). <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So we went to bed still wondering if everything was going to
work out – our heads swirled with questions like:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will our gear really fit in the executive shuttle? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we get to the airport hotel will that shuttle be able
to accommodate us with their private airport shuttle? (which they said on the
phone they would be able to) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will the airlines really take our gear or will the screw us
at the last minute? (we spoke to 3 United employees via phone and got 3
different answers)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had already called the airport hotel and asked them if
the airline doesn’t take the gear would they be able to store it for us and
they said no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">April 1 & 2, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up early after a restless sleep – walked back up to the
trailer to bring back a few things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Popped into the garage to drop off a trailer key in case of
an emergency – <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Realized when we checked the trailer that the pipes were
frozen as it got a little colder out last night than anticipated – we jacked
the furnace up and sat in the trailer trying to warm up the pipes and thaw out
the pump – our holding tank is also full which I am terrified could crack and
leak into their parking lot, but this late in the game nothing we can do about
it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our original plan before the van died was to stop and empty
the tank and fill with antifreeze and park the van and trailer at the oversized
parking lot right at the airport and that way if the airline refused our gear
we could quickly return it to the van – that dream died last night </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our executive shuttle driver showed up giggling as he loaded
our gear into his shuttle and piled the three <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>9 foot board bags on top of the seats that
usually house passengers and said “boy I can’t wait to hear this story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are you doing in Denver with
surfboards?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next 90 minutes flew by as we told our story to the
driver who is a retired gentleman that runs a charity organization for pearl
harbor vets who are still living and for the families of the deceased of the SS
Arizona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says he drives the executive
shuttle just to hear people’s stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He gets us to our hotel in a timely and safe fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We check in, get settled, get something to
eat. We decide to do a practice run to the airport.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We take a photo of the gear and jump on the
shuttle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The driver assures us the gear
will fit in the large shuttle they use in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see a couple of ticket agents who give us
different opinions – we are frustrated, but at least we feel like all the gear
will go – we just might have to pay more than we want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel like we have our bearings – so we go
back to the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go to bed early – and hope for the best in the
morning.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our friend Jerry calls us at 5:00am – to chat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
says he waited until 7 his time</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(thanks
for the wake up call buddy)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We decide since we are up – we might as well catch an
earlier shuttle to give us a little wiggle room in case things don’t go
smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
As we exit our room with the surfboards we see a sign on the elevator - it is
down – so we schlep our things downstairs one at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We line the gear up outside on the sidewalk
and wait for the shuttle – it arrives and the driver is smiling – I know I told
you yesterday it would fit, but I am not so sure now that I am seeing it – OMG
– he tried several ways to load it into the end of the shuttle and no go – he
says well maybe it will fit down the aisle on the inside – so we apologize to
the other passengers and totally stuff the shuttle with the gear. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Away we go…..<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We get to the airport and Bill leaves me standing on the
sidewalk while he goes inside to figure out how to get the gear up one flight
of stairs to the ticket agents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He comes
back and says it isn’t going to fit in the elevator – we can’t possibly carry
all this gear up the escalator – and you certainly can’t leave bags unattended,
so he goes in search of a porter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comes
back with a helper who smiles when he sees all the gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helps us get everything into the airport with
a huge dolly and explains he will have to catch the freight elevator up and we
are not allowed to go with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we
take one of the large 9 foot bags and he takes the 2 boards and our luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We get the large bag up on the escalator and
meet up with our new friend upstairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
explains that our check-in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>might be
handled better if we see the ticket agent at the unusual baggage counter –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>they took exceptional care of us – charging
us a very large sum of money, but at least no more hassles – she even sang
Happy Birthday to me – which totally made me tear up and realize I may be a
little bit lonesome….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You are probably wondering – why we would you go to all this
bother and not just rent gear when we got to Maui.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain – we have been to Maui several
times and unfortunately there is lots of driving and several different spots to
windsurf, surf and stand up paddle board – the last thing either of us feel
like doing right now is spending more time in a vehicle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is time consuming to have to wait for the
shop to open every day to get gear and you are charged by the day – I find
sometimes Bill doesn’t get gear as he doesn’t know what he needs for the day,
or on which side of the island we will be on – so the best plan is to have all
of your own gear in the van and wherever you are on the island you are ready.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So as I sit in our condo with the beautiful ocean view and
the breeze blowing through – I summarize the events of the last few weeks and
realize how our lives have been touched by several giving and caring people –
who all played a part in helping us make this trip happen – the extra mile
everyone at the garage went – by allowing us to park our trailer there,
offering us rides, arranging hotel rooms, saving us the large towing Bill,
offering personal vehicles and rides everywhere – holding our hand as we left
and saying – god bless – everything is going to be ok – I realize if we were
going to break down – it sure happened in a great little town - called Monument
Colorado – where we were met by Christian Brothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Half way through our flight – Bill handed me an airplane
napkin and on it he had made me a Birthday card with little drawings of all the
great places we had been on this adventure and in the middle was Maui – the
island that holds our heart – He said “it has been a rough couple of weeks, but
it hasn’t all been bad.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So true…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I waited in the outdoor airport with all the gear at my
feet - for Bill to go and pick up the rental van an elderly Hawaiian man
approached me circled his own face and said “now you are at peace”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-37689832039901365652016-04-03T22:35:00.002-07:002016-04-06T11:32:37.338-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">March 28 & 29, 2016</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Well we made it to Gallup New Mexico and there are some
great hikes and mountain biking here, but they are having major sand storms.
The winds are blowing 100km an hour and within minutes you are caked in dust
and Bill is coughing like crazy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C1qnSXs356-GRN1Gss0WNABXAEq8M3FRPXHdG9b0G3s-tC2rF9BqF5r7JyiOdX1F5DjXXd0OhN96HQN0NckrwGSlKVfbB0xBeNBYeN6fseUUVwDwPtGnOqiisKwZDgZzuzWsHG2SILs/s1600/IMG_9510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9C1qnSXs356-GRN1Gss0WNABXAEq8M3FRPXHdG9b0G3s-tC2rF9BqF5r7JyiOdX1F5DjXXd0OhN96HQN0NckrwGSlKVfbB0xBeNBYeN6fseUUVwDwPtGnOqiisKwZDgZzuzWsHG2SILs/s320/IMG_9510.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
We went on a couple of hikes in the area and we were the only ones out
braving this weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Definitely no
crowds here and very camper friendly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can park at Wal-Mart, casinos, pretty much anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite cool – temperature around 10.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We really enjoyed hiking at El Morrow Monument. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I can close my eyes and imagine the comfort and refreshment
of finding water after days of dusty travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A reliable waterhole hidden at the base of a sandstone bluff made El
Morro a popular stop for hundreds of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ancestral Puebloans, Spanish and American travelers carved
over 2000 signatures, dates, messages and petrographs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We also saw the Ancestral Puebloan Ruins – between 1250 --
1350 AD up to 1500 people lived in the 875 room pueblo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We found some good mountain biking trails, but the weather
was just not going to co-operate – </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">with the high winds and dust storms.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We stopped at a Starbucks to do some more research on
getting a flight to Maui and we found out that Bill can’t bring his gear to Maui
from Albuquerque as it is an express flight to LA and they don’t take oversized
baggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We are thinking maybe if we drive to Denver – they can
accommodate Bill’s gear.<o:p></o:p></span>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-41148679749340512122016-04-03T22:32:00.003-07:002016-04-03T22:32:45.622-07:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">March 26 & 27, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Still trying to find a home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We drove through Sedona, it was wall to wall people not a parking spot
to be had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The traffic was backed up for
miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously no camp sites or
hotels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove to Flagstaff – Grand
Canyon also full. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up finding a
cheap hotel and spent the night regrouping – doing some laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plan was to do some research on line, but
after we checked in they informed us that their WIFI wasn’t working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thinking of trying New Mexico – maybe we can fly to Maui
from Albuquerque??<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-18274550499908861482016-03-29T16:40:00.002-07:002016-03-29T19:29:51.589-07:00<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Well looks like driving back to the coast
was a mistake….</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The Spring breaks here are staggered – they
start March 1 and end April 30 – the campgrounds are all full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We entered a lottery, but our name wasn’t
chosen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, we couldn’t get a site
until the middle of April and even then you would be jumping sites every day
and no availability on the weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am talking for 300km.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We wondered around aimlessly without a home
for a day and a half and for those of you that know us – we do not like crowds
or should I say -at least not around us - so we had a quick look at our one of
our favorite surf spots and the bodies lined up on the beach and we jumped back
in our van- which was the last thing we wanted to do after just spending 2 full
days driving here. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We headed out without a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped by a horse show to see if we could
stay there as we saw trailers in the parking lot , but you had to be part of
the show in order to stay – thought about buying a horse - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but didn’t know where we would keep it</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Tonight we find ourselves in the desert –
Joshua Tree – the campground is full – and we are on free forest land –where
there are no rules & no reservations required…..much more our speed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYMP5Iz7N7LST3SydarF7bW3uu9o8QTmUe7RpI1_G72puIXg7g4Dy2bJPap0VtWDnO8tZ0L_xz7sDCazTSOeejF-3vzDOCJjxSBFP3LWqno7WJKooyDXkqaX8z7elGvAdVNNZ6AscOPs/s1600/IMG_9480-Pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYMP5Iz7N7LST3SydarF7bW3uu9o8QTmUe7RpI1_G72puIXg7g4Dy2bJPap0VtWDnO8tZ0L_xz7sDCazTSOeejF-3vzDOCJjxSBFP3LWqno7WJKooyDXkqaX8z7elGvAdVNNZ6AscOPs/s640/IMG_9480-Pano.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We have no immediate plan other than maybe
trying to find an airplane to get on…..even that has become complicated with
our lack of cell service and nearly impossible WIFI time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned….<o:p></o:p></span></span>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-52095688173730857002016-03-29T16:39:00.001-07:002016-03-29T19:27:40.038-07:00<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">March 21-23, 2016</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We stopped in Bryce Canyon to hike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We choose the Fairyland Loop as it was the
longest hike 13km and the best plan to avoid the crowds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was blustery – very windy –
beautiful blue sky for the hike- but the dark clouds blew in during the last
mile of our hike and a full Winter storm hit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">All the campgrounds were full, but we
lucked out by staying at Ruby’s Inn - they opened up a couple of camping spots
behind the hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We had a very windy night in the trailer
and woke up to quite a bit of snow and icy roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left the trailer and visited some of the
look outs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By mid- afternoon the snow
was melting and we decided to make a run for the coast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-21152840397120468862016-03-29T16:37:00.003-07:002016-03-29T19:24:48.758-07:00<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">March 11-13, 2016</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Spent a few days hanging out in Salt Lake
City– doing our favorite shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went
cross country skiing in Solitude and spent an afternoon in Park City.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">March 14-19, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Annual Ski Test for Backcountry Ski
Magazine at Powder Mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Conditions were good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First few days we had fresh snow and the last
few days we had lots of sunshine.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It was really great to be back in the same
house as the Riek Family – thanks for hanging out with us.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-90145921434942171732016-03-12T11:14:00.000-08:002016-03-12T11:30:36.798-08:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">March 5-10, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Made it safely to Lake Tahoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stopped by the shop for a quick visit with
Jimbo and to pick up Woody – </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bill and I instantly fell in love with Woody – he is such a
good puppy – such a little love bug!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When we got to the house we were greeted warmly by Chuck and
Jan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had left us a perfect little
spot for our trailer, but they were having no part of us sleeping out there!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have to say it was a really nice break to move into the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved climbing into the
nice<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>big comfy bed, enjoyed the hot
showers<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and for those of you who don’t
know our friend Jim -he is an amazing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>chef, so every night dinner was out of this world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim is also the best ski guide you could have
in Tahoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has spent decades skiing at
Kirkwood and is a bit of a legend there…<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We had a pretty big storm the night we arrived and the next
morning while Jim was making his famous egg sandwichs – he mentioned to me that
he thought the backcountry conditions might be a little bit challenging for me
– the avalanche danger had changed from moderate to considerable – so the boys
promised when they got back from their hike they would take me somewhere more
suitable for me and the puppies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ-dwqk0voNB2qjHs0Yy5qCktMW-iqLuAa-Wni6tr10qaRKjDlGBJNHp2Bl-23huz6WpIaVQyp_UkzBOnUCPL-dvfrfq4hYEBGTFwXX4vytaO8D3SW-3V7AyJ1q7a2dTjHtbs_aGlqQk/s1600/WP_20160306_08_41_50_Rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNQ-dwqk0voNB2qjHs0Yy5qCktMW-iqLuAa-Wni6tr10qaRKjDlGBJNHp2Bl-23huz6WpIaVQyp_UkzBOnUCPL-dvfrfq4hYEBGTFwXX4vytaO8D3SW-3V7AyJ1q7a2dTjHtbs_aGlqQk/s640/WP_20160306_08_41_50_Rich.jpg" width="360" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">They had a great morning at Waterhouse and did live up to
their promise to me and the puppies – I had fun in Jim’s backyard, or as the
boys refer to it as Bremco Mountain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1FJcpuGZt_sviToPzfhT2KLKC5Fr5XExPjUv0a12rID86NOWbFOnnQCF34I68PDsHP46h3nu9ltjiYzWLVpV9aCKT3yLF0JD3QXhq3JGDOCBwrCh-Ve8rWwCGgo2UdAOmsgE4y4-tXw/s1600/WP_20160306_09_56_35_Rich+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1FJcpuGZt_sviToPzfhT2KLKC5Fr5XExPjUv0a12rID86NOWbFOnnQCF34I68PDsHP46h3nu9ltjiYzWLVpV9aCKT3yLF0JD3QXhq3JGDOCBwrCh-Ve8rWwCGgo2UdAOmsgE4y4-tXw/s1600/WP_20160306_09_56_35_Rich+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1FJcpuGZt_sviToPzfhT2KLKC5Fr5XExPjUv0a12rID86NOWbFOnnQCF34I68PDsHP46h3nu9ltjiYzWLVpV9aCKT3yLF0JD3QXhq3JGDOCBwrCh-Ve8rWwCGgo2UdAOmsgE4y4-tXw/s640/WP_20160306_09_56_35_Rich+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnq8zBPxO4ySyRVM_zqQhmjk7W87U9_WaZMk0VGCmVzoEQNAyxcbTL2w4-jKY7edqHFhj8qUFxPMzyhmVPl0Ai8vkDXnJ-K_4mlkfItqeUlr2zbxC5sRfYnw46TMxJce749HEz9who4VQ/s1600/WP_20160306_09_56_36_Rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnq8zBPxO4ySyRVM_zqQhmjk7W87U9_WaZMk0VGCmVzoEQNAyxcbTL2w4-jKY7edqHFhj8qUFxPMzyhmVPl0Ai8vkDXnJ-K_4mlkfItqeUlr2zbxC5sRfYnw46TMxJce749HEz9who4VQ/s640/WP_20160306_09_56_36_Rich.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTICCQuUsD9rnn-lNBTkMCw5WP65LoPHBzDO2SaFGQx7ocnbV0JyBpz7evUlK_0tFIEfefuhTJpCRMmd0ZeXMPI45Q6YmB1P8TCv4HkT92d4PX3aFUDSIJkjj8rXcvHbxTjXSfvlz8AQ/s1600/IMG_8946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTICCQuUsD9rnn-lNBTkMCw5WP65LoPHBzDO2SaFGQx7ocnbV0JyBpz7evUlK_0tFIEfefuhTJpCRMmd0ZeXMPI45Q6YmB1P8TCv4HkT92d4PX3aFUDSIJkjj8rXcvHbxTjXSfvlz8AQ/s640/IMG_8946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6pFACaojD3-2jIlKo2eH7SAPmXUBr4I1ySx3t2NN-P1y8W-JE-SBO5vE2JWiEgv4IU0PDUfm-pHPANudPDNuUCvu9GFurX95eRZkkXUu7xehg6x0lKodu3kJiK-VTWXQ7JjXaQF_N0Q/s1600/IMG_8963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6pFACaojD3-2jIlKo2eH7SAPmXUBr4I1ySx3t2NN-P1y8W-JE-SBO5vE2JWiEgv4IU0PDUfm-pHPANudPDNuUCvu9GFurX95eRZkkXUu7xehg6x0lKodu3kJiK-VTWXQ7JjXaQF_N0Q/s640/IMG_8963.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW4HryxDvTIli2zZUO7ZAG4jz_ttHwuamBqwlMqZUKhuFMTuoZoXkroqaLCCOoUw0IW2-z56Jtm4wEwVsZKsbB10WAtNDS30JKuo22aIPfbdDoZ0PE-BpRp15B5eTVtfcM3r19_ZwcmA/s1600/WP_20160306_12_19_33_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW4HryxDvTIli2zZUO7ZAG4jz_ttHwuamBqwlMqZUKhuFMTuoZoXkroqaLCCOoUw0IW2-z56Jtm4wEwVsZKsbB10WAtNDS30JKuo22aIPfbdDoZ0PE-BpRp15B5eTVtfcM3r19_ZwcmA/s640/WP_20160306_12_19_33_Pro.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBGYOCU9uar6o03kylyiOHiNpoHXcGqihxNhpk-1SN8nR2hXykTY7Kz2dcN8chsI-6RMSa3d802NKJcvWQiTVJOEgsJS-GATY0WUDo8yeNqvaGQQtEpcPQ_xyfCa1Dk-psUnJVhkmkIQ/s1600/WP_20160306_11_08_31_Rich+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBGYOCU9uar6o03kylyiOHiNpoHXcGqihxNhpk-1SN8nR2hXykTY7Kz2dcN8chsI-6RMSa3d802NKJcvWQiTVJOEgsJS-GATY0WUDo8yeNqvaGQQtEpcPQ_xyfCa1Dk-psUnJVhkmkIQ/s640/WP_20160306_11_08_31_Rich+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN5In8SqxZL8S5agmrwRVdTUWY-J-IMSJnj0j_YEqK_N_AJzS8SDSdTtgKy5-iJnJ5p5YZZI1pi-YL0aG-ATv8i9n6S0kridS48GwMuLCW_QJhmKGHXI1CjelDy8F23Ah3JbZAo6RrMU/s1600/IMG_9035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN5In8SqxZL8S5agmrwRVdTUWY-J-IMSJnj0j_YEqK_N_AJzS8SDSdTtgKy5-iJnJ5p5YZZI1pi-YL0aG-ATv8i9n6S0kridS48GwMuLCW_QJhmKGHXI1CjelDy8F23Ah3JbZAo6RrMU/s640/IMG_9035.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjhmsELHOcPUBKNA9P1Fq7gzYlkjjhfVRImSHPTO7K0XI11V-oY8pMA2CGbFzMJwvb4ZllLudW8HHyBMptAMADFyrsmNs4fCaI1LuiCF1LDvglii1ZDekPkMlXtnFZlR-LduIaVOZx9M/s1600/G0663834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjhmsELHOcPUBKNA9P1Fq7gzYlkjjhfVRImSHPTO7K0XI11V-oY8pMA2CGbFzMJwvb4ZllLudW8HHyBMptAMADFyrsmNs4fCaI1LuiCF1LDvglii1ZDekPkMlXtnFZlR-LduIaVOZx9M/s400/G0663834.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The second day we went up to Kirkwood – There was quite a
bit of fresh snow, but it was heavy and very challenging!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys were itching to hit the powder, so I
decided to ski on my own and practice some runs I found challenging – so we
split up for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jim and Bill did
some long traverses and hit some lighter snow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I quite enjoyed the day to myself and going at my own pace; although I
did miss Karen terribly and wished she was with me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJU4Uw3RdYaEGXXRsUmX_6Y6EkjeMe1Wk8K662qmZOoZYa-ndzHx9rs2ArlB9JgL36Y3583-d9mwxSBtDB1qBBq9ILXidrOZ8_PFaqeXk5MjPj3DxIWxJqXJbchay-ukrWhdoFXiVhJg/s1600/WP_20160307_13_20_29_Rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJU4Uw3RdYaEGXXRsUmX_6Y6EkjeMe1Wk8K662qmZOoZYa-ndzHx9rs2ArlB9JgL36Y3583-d9mwxSBtDB1qBBq9ILXidrOZ8_PFaqeXk5MjPj3DxIWxJqXJbchay-ukrWhdoFXiVhJg/s640/WP_20160307_13_20_29_Rich.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJneFBeyTrnX5TbqI4JT7JmqT16OwDrTqWRsxLi9a8lTPi_N6GYCAjd3NrTBl6ppWdpf_itMfXYL2BBejmpLGcFbkG6pO4g1ksSZgWyC4X3yNVulKRkqfLfL93zYYhriz0xNmZqX8NZzI/s1600/WP_20160307_13_20_30_Rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJneFBeyTrnX5TbqI4JT7JmqT16OwDrTqWRsxLi9a8lTPi_N6GYCAjd3NrTBl6ppWdpf_itMfXYL2BBejmpLGcFbkG6pO4g1ksSZgWyC4X3yNVulKRkqfLfL93zYYhriz0xNmZqX8NZzI/s640/WP_20160307_13_20_30_Rich.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">That evening we had a beautiful steak dinner and a delicious
cake as it was our 17<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> Anniversary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Day 3 the boys went back to Kirkwood as we were still
getting snow – they had a great day and came home tired as they hiked a not so
secret – secret spot a couple of times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t want to give it away</span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went into town with Chuck and Jan and
we enjoyed a nice lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jan and I did
some downtown shopping and stopped at Starbucks for a fancy drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ayn0ALDYGTsZh7TNwPmScUnui14B9KSV5h8CNuSWHqIFE0WusYlof0BGmy08nYszc9aa_zHOHFLDhuvcQM9IOPYNSUxR5EDuLRXHWx2OMpHzbXxGU77yQnc0ipXdQwYKHfnfgWLWRCE/s1600/WP_20160308_11_57_46_Rich+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ayn0ALDYGTsZh7TNwPmScUnui14B9KSV5h8CNuSWHqIFE0WusYlof0BGmy08nYszc9aa_zHOHFLDhuvcQM9IOPYNSUxR5EDuLRXHWx2OMpHzbXxGU77yQnc0ipXdQwYKHfnfgWLWRCE/s640/WP_20160308_11_57_46_Rich+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjoA6O4GMTD8Xdye1TLAvQndWpJqqM3Kmw1H05MS_PDo49rM_e7d02RaEqYDOS0xyg0EhreY0xXATdLDdAoG2HEsvyTtfjn8NuNI1in6BsEJ6mfOEHvN2zcwqEwKExSe6S5TvshqMLHk/s1600/WP_20160308_12_01_43_Rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjoA6O4GMTD8Xdye1TLAvQndWpJqqM3Kmw1H05MS_PDo49rM_e7d02RaEqYDOS0xyg0EhreY0xXATdLDdAoG2HEsvyTtfjn8NuNI1in6BsEJ6mfOEHvN2zcwqEwKExSe6S5TvshqMLHk/s640/WP_20160308_12_01_43_Rich.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We enjoyed our time in Tahoe so much – it was very hard to
leave Jim, Chuck & Jan and Woody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Woody even jumped in our trailer as we were packing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chuck and Jan cooked us a huge breakfast
before we headed out and Jan chased us down the driveway with a care package of
homemade banana bread, apple bread and cookies – we are so very thankful for
the friends in our lives and the part they each play in the building of
memories during our adventure.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-36221828121575004062016-03-06T15:07:00.001-08:002016-03-06T15:34:47.718-08:00<span style="font-family: "calibri";">March 3, 2016</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We decided this morning to head for Yosemite National Park –
it was on our list and this seemed a good a time as any to head there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We stopped by the information booth to pick up some maps and
to find out if there were any camp grounds open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elderly lady working the booth was
incredibley helpful and found us well prepared to do anything while in
Yosemite, so she gave us lots of options – she showed us the quintessential
photo in her office and told us that was exactly what we were going to see at
the end of the tunnel entering the park and she was exactly right – the only
way we can think to describe it is -- it was like something Disney put together
for a movie <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– we stopped to enjoy the
view and take some photos.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbV9JiLYjn3wYaXPeBNBs4Rj4p7h_mgo8kw6q2zyqvzdXU6pHk5IO0RteTa57i7UGUwwaEp4CxoF22krwXgDUMw9ywkXQ5iV5U58aP7BWE8Aa4jTkKmcohDwyLLQLEWsDajfNv5z7LJQ/s1600/IMG_8617-Pano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtbV9JiLYjn3wYaXPeBNBs4Rj4p7h_mgo8kw6q2zyqvzdXU6pHk5IO0RteTa57i7UGUwwaEp4CxoF22krwXgDUMw9ywkXQ5iV5U58aP7BWE8Aa4jTkKmcohDwyLLQLEWsDajfNv5z7LJQ/s640/IMG_8617-Pano.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We found our way to
the upper pines campground and got set up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We took a little drive to get our bearings and checked out
the shops and extravagant hotel – the Ahwahnee or what is now renamed the
Majestic Yosemite Lodge and it is absolutely amazing – very grand!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-m9YG7PTIN3-OsyWm5ZAMODq0lRW8J7AF50813c3tVP0ZStEtplgoYeFVE5YIu_E5SATeIvagi2RfNd1uP8CudyVuirh8SLLlG5UoLCGjZ57x8WkJKBmZ8TrvpM60H6AkcDn5jWmFDs/s1600/IMG_8678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-m9YG7PTIN3-OsyWm5ZAMODq0lRW8J7AF50813c3tVP0ZStEtplgoYeFVE5YIu_E5SATeIvagi2RfNd1uP8CudyVuirh8SLLlG5UoLCGjZ57x8WkJKBmZ8TrvpM60H6AkcDn5jWmFDs/s400/IMG_8678.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We decided to start by hiking to the lower Yosemite Falls
which was very beautiful – it is North America’s tallest waterfall at 2425
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our timing couldn’t have been
better as far as seeing the waterfalls – I guess other seasons are not as
spectacular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we looked up to the
upper Falls and we decided that was where we wanted to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was already 1:00, but we decided to go
for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We hit the summit around 4:00 – climbing 3000 vertical feet with
over 100 switch backs – </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">One thing we learned quickly was if you want to truly
experience Yosemite you need to exert yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The view was like nothing I have experienced – I have seen
several waterfalls in our travels and beautiful mountain views – but never have
I been able to stand in 1 spot and have a 360 degree of pure raw beauty.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_FJroeQ601THdadRfZGC4_b42Xr_aekL9L2P39kv_rm5_oXZNsoHjN4jlVjvtWm1Bz3qz09xmyb0bZelDgGjf4Eetfbb6qMw4hl9wRQaMxd_sr4IlO2ESk9SJrTpvy-wI5rlUW6hDRU/s1600/IMG_8767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_FJroeQ601THdadRfZGC4_b42Xr_aekL9L2P39kv_rm5_oXZNsoHjN4jlVjvtWm1Bz3qz09xmyb0bZelDgGjf4Eetfbb6qMw4hl9wRQaMxd_sr4IlO2ESk9SJrTpvy-wI5rlUW6hDRU/s320/IMG_8767.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4kLOppbS_WZzEyWUTbin1IUr9w7-5a9CGBeuWBCgUaWuFJZQYVFJD4ql1258BV742sqGjeV2gZHj7GCThKM-iq9csLnx4-cnh1T3HYeZm4Zg1-k7z6Jmg51OEKIx7ww6Jwan82rdxNE/s1600/IMG_8805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_4kLOppbS_WZzEyWUTbin1IUr9w7-5a9CGBeuWBCgUaWuFJZQYVFJD4ql1258BV742sqGjeV2gZHj7GCThKM-iq9csLnx4-cnh1T3HYeZm4Zg1-k7z6Jmg51OEKIx7ww6Jwan82rdxNE/s320/IMG_8805.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";">There was such a sense of peace at the top – I slowly made
my way towards the edge to have a quick glance over the sheer cliff, 3000 feet
is a long way down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me a couple
of tries before I was brave enough to take the narrow staircase that led to the
final lookout – I thought to myself you hiked all the way up here – you are
going to be disappointed if you don’t face this fear….. and yes it was absolutely
worth it, but it did give me the willies.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am so glad I did it! I'm not done with Yosemite.</span></div>
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Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-5400357874465095652016-03-06T15:00:00.004-08:002016-03-06T15:00:35.847-08:00
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Meeting your neighbours is always fun at campgrounds –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We met our first neighbour James from Alaska and his big dog
Rufus – who loved to play ball with Bill and enjoyed sitting right next to Bill
as he did his morning stretches on his mat–some mornings when we woke up Rufus
was right at our trailer door – tail wagging –</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our other neighbour was a bit of a story teller and had lots
to tell as he was in the entertainment business for 40 some years – his
childhood was spent in Detroit and then he moved to California where he became
High School friends with Kenny Loggins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
pursued his dream of becoming a teacher, but left his teaching career in his
early 20’s to go on the road with Kenny and become his Manager – He also
managed Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac and he just finished working on the
music for the movie Point Break which he says “bad movie, bad music” very
humble man. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He also worked for David Letterman right up until he retired
– His job was to organize and catalogue recordings of all the musical guests
that appeared on Late Night with David Letterman -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stood around for quite some time
listening to his great stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
finished off by saying “yes, I have lots of great stories, but sometimes I wish
I would have stuck with my teaching career as some of my students still keep in
touch with me and invite me out for dinner and I like that I have had an
influence on their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I could
have influenced more young people had I stuck with it!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought he was pretty cool….and I could see why his students didn't forget him...</span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-10516444286859740282016-03-06T14:55:00.000-08:002016-03-06T15:33:36.801-08:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">February 26 – March 2, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We made our way to El Capitan State Beach in the Santa
Barbara area – we had visited this park on our last adventure and really liked
it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The campground was full, so they sent us up top to a parking
area on the cliff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful
spot – we slept with our door open and listened to the waves crashing against
the cliff – the stars were bright and you could see some oil rigs off in the
distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty amazing to open
your eyes in the morning to this view out the trailer door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bill surfed every morning right in the park – some mornings
he even rode his bike there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really
likes this point break – super easy paddle – very close to shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, the mornings were extremely
foggy so I wasn’t able to get photos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We spent some afternoons in Santa Barbara at Campus Point
where Bill enjoyed SUPing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also SUPed
at Rufugio State Beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">We enjoyed mid- morning runs together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I think we might spend some more time at El Capitan in late
March or early April.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If I would have taken photos this is what it would have looked like:)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-4013349613246152292016-03-06T14:40:00.006-08:002016-03-06T15:35:37.987-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just catching a nap!</div>
<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5143657811722212726.post-51532980123816729652016-03-06T14:34:00.000-08:002016-03-06T14:34:09.568-08:00
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It only takes 1 minute to connect with
someone……</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Going to the Laundromat can be such an
experience….you basically have two choices:</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>to go in with your head down and focus on the job at hand or</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2)
you can let your guard down and meet the people who are there for the same
reason you are…to get clean clothes…or maybe fate brings you together to teach
you a lesson or to give you a snapshot of how others live their life…</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was definitely time for us to hit a
laundromat while we were in Morro Bay – the laundromat wasn’t the cleanest one
I have been in, but it wasn’t the worst either…</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a young Latino family there doing
their laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom & dad with their
3 little girls and 1 newborn baby boy – I watched this family help each. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw several loving acts passed between them
from kisses to the baby- to helping mom gather the soap & laundry baskets.
All 3 of the little girls took turns caring for and feeding the newborn – while
mom was busy folding clothes and feeding quarters into several of the
machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in mind this was a
Thursday night at 8:30pm and I thought to myself imagine having 4 kids and not
having a washing machine….the things we take for granted…</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The girls shared a book and continued
taking turns walking the newborn around the machines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One little girl had her eye on Bill and
eventually climbed up on the chair next to him – don’t know what it is about
Bill, but kids flock to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bill asked
her what her name was and she answered in a quiet voice Carla – then Bill asked
her about the book she was reading – Goosebumps – I caught the mom looking at
us and smiling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carla continued to watch
us as we finished up our laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When it was time to go she watched us walk
to our van – I saw her leaning up against the glass and I waved….she quickly
put her head down and then she was looking at us again and I said to Bill she
wants you to wave to her, so he smiled and waved - her face lit up and she had
the biggest smile and wave for him... we didn’t get to know the rest of the
family’s names & we do not know where they live – but we are connected to
them in some small way..<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01759878539160248833noreply@blogger.com0