Marking Miles on the Map

February 12, 2019

Crossing over the Texas state line indicated a near end to the final chapter of this journey. Entering our home state on the far west side also means we will spend the night at the end of Andie and Key’s driveway just as we did when we departed Texas. We’ve missed our children. ZaZu is content getting spoiled by Andie and Moxie is ecstatic to have Sephira and Chinook to wrestle with her.
We’ve seen the beauty of the North Pacific Ocean and its inhabitants as we traversed its shoreline and deep waters. Explored desolate desert trails and stood entranced by its quiet stillness. Witnessed Moxie and ZaZu discover snow and their attempts to process strange new scents each time we arrived in a new location. Inhaled salty air, exhaled sweet scents of creosote, all while left breathless at each sunrise and sunset we were allowed to witness. We are but a speck in this world.
We were fortunate to overcome the few mechanical issues we encountered and count our blessings over the endless accident free miles we’ve covered. Most importantly, we learned it takes both of us to plan and navigate, especially when we are exhausted. Knowing when to offer a suggestion or take a step back, breathe in silence and trust in the other’s intentions was key. It’s compromise, patience, communication, love, faith, and trust (mixed with a dash of frustration) that have made this trip what it has been….and we would do it all over again. 😊 Be blessed y’all!

February 2, 2019

Last night we boondocked in a Walmart parking lot in Ridgecrest. We called it a day when our ETA indicated our arrival at Death Valley National Park would have us arriving after dark. This allowed us to regroup and restock our groceries, paper goods, and dog care items. It’s also a good time to ensure everything is in working order in both vehicles.
While winding down I started to think of random and sometimes funny things that have occurred in the last couple of months. We’ve tasted new to us fruits/nuts and they are delicious; persimmons, blood oranges, cara cara oranges, dragon fruit, and red walnuts. California has state parks every few miles or so with different views of the ocean and great hiking opportunities. A $10 day pass affords entry to all the state parks from sunrise to sunset the day of purchase.
Another option offered in various California state parks is Enroute Camping. When one is enroute from one destination to another and only requires a safe place for a single night but has not secured reservations and the park is full; a spot can be purchased in an overflow lot with no hookups at a reduced rate. This option is available for arrival after 5pm and checkout is 9am. One evening we had an entire group area to ourselves.
We have a new appreciation and respect for farmers, field workers, truck drivers, and anyone involved in agriculture. Life and livelihoods flow through their hands.
Most people respond to a smiling face and kind attitude. When you are traveling and need assistance, directions, or tips on great things to see or do; speak to locals with a gentle spirit and genuine interest. It’s a great way to meet good people.
I’ve decided if we come home with a damaged or missing side mirror it will be considered a badge of honor. Vidal’s driving skills on these narrow, scenic, two-lane roads up and down mountains, maneuvering tight switchbacks, and accessing almost impossible gas pumps has been nothing less than phenomenal!
Each time we think we can’t see anything more beautiful than the last mountain view, deep valley, sandy beach, rocky cliff, glowing sunset, or grand sunrise, God proves us wrong.
For a man who is insistent about “trust your instruments” while navigating vessels or automobiles he sure can stir up aggravation in even the most patient of souls. I’m the one reading the maps and instruments; why does he find it necessary to decide, “I think I want to go this way instead”?
I’ve learned to just smile, breathe, and have quiet conversations with the dogs, myself, or Jesus. It is, after all, his unquenchable desire to explore which has created our many adventures and discoveries. We’ve found ourselves in some very interesting situations before. Andie made me laugh the other day when she said, “I know one day I’m going to get a call and someone is going to tell me that you and dad pulled a ‘second hand lion’. I’m not saying I want it to be anytime soon but I’ll know it’s true and that y’all were having the time of your lives.” I’m with you, Sweet Pea, I hope it’s not anytime soon but I sure hope some of our gypsy spirit remains in you and your brother.
We know how unbelievably blessed we are to have these experiences. We’ve met amazing people who’ve shared their faith, strength and kindness to us in many ways; our hope is we’ve done the same. Be blessed y’all!

January 15, 2019

We arrived in Quartzite, Arizona three days ago a few hours before sunset. We rolled into town as one major gem and stone show ended and another is to begin this weekend. There is a large RV show expected to begin at the end of the week, which locals quickly informed us would increase traffic and people congestion ten fold. Add to the mixture an RTR (Rubber Tramp Rendevous)event occurring in the desert. Think Sturgis but for RV’ers of all types and sizes.
There are at least 1000 people boondocking, tent camping, and/or van dwelling in the main RTR area. There are seminars of all types being held and people with all kinds of skills and intrests eager to share their knowledge with anyone willing to take a moment to listen. The outer edges of the main camping sites, also scattered in the desert, are pockets of like-minded people which have formed group camps. We’ve seen signs for camps for single women, Bohemians, artists, schoolies (converted school buses), and another near us is compromised of a group of men (and their wives) who used to drive 18-wheelers for a living for the same company. Every lifestyle and personality can be found here and it’s an amazing site. If one is determined to camp they will find a way and a self contained motorhome isn’t required. I’m amazed at some of their ingenuity and resilience.
The amounts of swap meets, flea markets, and free standing vendors all over the city is an adventure of its own. We spent an entire day perusing and didn’t even manage to cover half of it.
There was no sunrise to view this morning as it is gray and rainy. Off road trails are muddy and slick; therefore, we’re switching gears….and bathing the dogs, cleaning the motorhome and doing laundry. Ordinary, mundane but necessary tasks. It has given us a day to just stop, relax, watch a movie, and once again give thanks for this moment, this day, our lives.
There goes that gentle nudge again telling me there is beauty and blessings to be found even in my every day life. Go find yours and be blessed y’all!

January 13, 2019

Traveling without a time frame or particular destination has its distinct positives and negatives. Four days ago was a prime example of a negative. We had been on the road for approximately five hours and knew it was time for us to start formulating a plan for the evening. We decided a boondocking spot would be sufficient. The nearest one was approximately 50 miles away. The map indicated a scenic route over a mountain and into the city of Safford, Nevada. As we made a left turn to begin our ascent the road sign indicating “No 18-wheelers or large vehicles recommended next 27 miles” should have been an indicator of the adventure to come with our last 2 1/2 hours of daylight. The snow covered, thin shoulder of this two-lane highway or its occasional ice covered blacktop didn’t compare to the bovines who very casually lapped at the melting ice in the center of both lanes! I came to the conclusion they are highly educated as their non chalant attitude at our shrill honking barely garnered a flicker of their dark colored lashes. Road signs every mile or so sublety remind us they have the right of way. Oh what a life.
No, it wasn’t any of this that caused the negative tone of our, okay my voice, to show itself. It was responding for the umpteenth time to Vidal’s question of, “How much farther to STafford?”
“SA fford, two distinct syllables, there is no “T”, okay!!” was my retort.
His calm reply?
“Ok, we’re both clearly tired, that last few miles were a bit rough in the complete darkness but we’re off the mountain, we’re safe, and we just need to find the Walmart and call it a night.”
I didn’t want to laugh because I was tired, annoyed, and irritable but I had to admit he was right. Did I ever tell you I don’t do well on long travel days? 😂
We reached Sedona a day later and spent two amazing days exploring old mine towns and off road Jeep trails. All is well that ends well. Every day with your spouse or love of your life will not be perfect but it’s worth working/talking/compromising through the rough tines; and yes, laugh a little also. Better to work as a team than alone. The adventure is always worth it. Be blessed y’all!

December 11, 2018

Over the last 29 years of traveling back and forth to south Texas I think we’ve utilized most alternate routes from the usual I35 south to San Antonio, followed by I37 to Mathis. Many times we did it for the change of scenery, other times to avoid the never ending construction on I35. No matter the route chosen we always made the 6 to 8 hour-drive in one day. Elias and Andie were excited to see their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends. Honestly, Vidal and I were usually homesick and just as anxious to get home.
Since Vidal retired, however; our pace is neither hurried or deliberate. This trip has been no different and allowed us an overnight stop in San Antonio. We had a nice visit with an uncle and aunt we had not seen in some time and an evening enjoying the Christmas lights and nightlife on the Riverwalk.
Our visit with family gave me pause. Why have we let the time between visits be so long? Even though we think of our loved ones who live far from us often, why haven’t we written a short note, sent a text, or made a quick call just to let them know they were on our mind and we love them? We, I, need to do better.
I’m feeling sentimental; so looking forward to this visit home.

December 8, 2018

Lessons Learned While Preparing to Mark Miles on the Map…..We’re running a day late and a pile of chores behind preparing for our Christmas journey home. My phone alerted me we should have been in Bridgeport this morning enjoying a day of Jeeping with close friends. Instead, here I am in my usual frenzy of packing, cleaning, decluttering, washing, sweeping, packing, mopping, vacuuming, packing….you get the idea. I began to reflect on why today’s plans changed; in addition to a dear friend’s message I received last night, a couple of posts I read from high school classmates this morning, a phone call Vidal received from a beloved co-worker earlier, and how all of these events were connected. A heavy sigh escaped me, tears tinged my face, and my heartache matched those of our dear friends. We are missing our dads who’ve gone to rest with Jesus or we have just begun the heartbreaking journey Vidal and I traversed not so long ago with our own fathers.
I’m still packing and cleaning but not in a hurried state. I’m sifting through my memories for comfort, sharing my walk as a caretaker so another won’t feel alone, listening when words are inadequate and always, gently carrying their prayer requests in my heart.
I’m grateful I was forced to take a step back; I’m healing one memory and tear at a time. Be blessed y’all!

December 7, 2019

A return trip to north Texas wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t include a side adventure, now would it? In all the years we’ve traversed I35 and 281 north to south and back again we’ve talked about exploring the cities between Mesquite and Mathis. However, our excitement to get home to family and friends in south Texas, especially when our children were young and our weariness on our return trips usually sidelined those grand ideas. The last three years, absent small children and rigid work schedules have allowed exploration and discovery.
We were getting road weary and only a couple of daylight hours remained. Using a combination of our US Atlas, Texas map, and online resources we narrowed down our choice to Live Oak Ridge Park on the shores of Belton Lake. We have time only for set up and a nice walk all through this small, very well kept park before sundown. Belton Lake is a reservoir on the Leon River. We’ve never fully explored a river before so we spend the evening studying maps for our planned boat excursion.
Fishing success, at least for us, was non existent and gusty winds kept us from discovering the entire length of river accessibility but it was a fun day nonetheless. We’d hoped to stay a second full day and get back on the water but stiff winds made that decision a “no go”. Not a complete loss, as we enjoy a lazy morning of breakfast and movies and in a little while a bike ride and long walk. We’ll stay a couple more nights and monitor wind speeds. All is well that ends well when seeking and finding joy in the small pleasures of life. Be blessed y’all!

November 20, 2019

Coming home to south Texas almost always includes an additional jaunt to the Rio Grande Valley to visit Vidal’s sister and her family and friends we’ve made over the years. The bonus is a time honored journey across the border to Nuevo Progresso, shopping at the Mercadome Flea Market, and Sunday worship with the loving congregation of Primera Iglesia Bautista de Alamo.
It was so good to see the merchants of Nuevo Progresso busy and its streets lively. Street tacos always seem to taste better here and in honor of my father-in-law’s memory, we consumed our fair share at his favorite place, La Iguana. We’ve come to know a few of the business owners over the years and it’s good to see some of them have weathered the storms of an unsteady economy, wary American tourists, and the inevitable illness and age. It’s always heart tugging to hear of the death of one or the loss of a business of another. I believe this is what drives us to continue our visits here. We’ve been here when sandbags shielded soldiers at the entrance to the community, soldiers patrolled in heavy duty tanks, and once in particular when fewer than 15 locations were open and the streets were desolate. We’ll return again, if the Lord allows.
It’s no secret we are flea market junkies. 😃 San Juan boasts one of the best and it seems it’s always growing and improving. We’ve made friends here, also. Yes, I know big surprise. 🤷‍♀️ A few years ago we met a couple, who we discovered through small talk, with whom we share a couple of things in common. Our respective sons have chosen careers in law enforcement, their son is employed with Dallas PD. This year we learned they celebrated their son’s wedding just a few weeks before ours. Interestingly, they purchase appliances that have been returned to Kohl’s because customers were unhappy with the color, or size, or simply changed their minds. The appliances are not damaged but Kohl’s will not place opened/returned appliances on their shelves. We have purchased three InstaPots in the past and most recently a Keurig coffee pot for $25. Vamos a la pulga/let’s go to the flea market!
Our icing on the cake on these visits is Sunday School led by our brother-in-law and worship led by Pastor Alvaro Corrales. This church community has a very special place in our hearts. They have loved, guided, cried with, consoled, celebrated and prayed over our family for so many years. They included prayers for our childrens’ spouses long before we even knew their names, poured their hearts out to us when my parents and Vidal’s dad passed away, celebrated our victories, and quietly, gently kept us on even keel in troubled waters. We love you and cherish your friendship PIBA!
Love, spiritual guidance, friendships, and memories can come in many forms and from many places. Don’t overlook even the smallest ones. Be blessed y’all!

November 13, 2019

Our visits home to south Texas always manage to stir our hearts and touch our souls. It is here that my heart aches a little deeper than before as we drive past the cemetery where my parents and father-in-law are laid to rest. We will drive by here countless more times during our stay as it is on the way to my mother-in-law’s home and the pathway back into town. I’m reminded, as I sift through memories, that this same roadway, if driven in the opposite direction, leads to the lakeside property once owned by dear family friends where many memories were made during my childhood. Friends whom I still hold very close to my heart.
It is in this small town where I know if we make enough trips to HEB we will run into my parents’ friends, our classmates, and even family. A visit to a grocery store shouldn’t evoke deep sentiments should it? And yet, it does. When I encounter someone who I went to school with and I receive a joyful smile, it blesses me with gratitude for life long friendships, and when I spot family, I’m blessed with belonging knowing that no matter where I go, this is home.
We may wander far or remain here and get busy with life. We build our careers, raise children, build new friendships, and experiencing the highs and lows of our given journeys. Yet here, it seems to come full circle. We spend time “catching up” with our life stories with enthusiasm. As each year passes our tales evolve from new parenting stumbles, teen year angst, adding blessings as our children marry and for some of us the double blessing of grandchildren. Our book of life has matured and seasoned. We now find ourselves on the back side or in the midst of caring for our parents. Could we have imagined this so many years ago? Most likely not. However, I’m discovering that for me, that most difficult task was also the most rewarding. I witnessed my husband and our children step up in incredible selfless ways. I could not have offered the love, care, or time my parents needed without the defense of their helping hands surrounding me. Our children demonstrated their love for their grandparents through their actions and I sincerely do not fear for our care as we age.
This is home. I’m thankful for the memories that sting my heart. Those painful recollections force me to recall the precious ones. The treasured ones cover the sorrowful moments like a soothing balm. It is in this process that I’m left with strands of pearls. Be blessed y’all!

August 8, 2017

Standing quietly among the varied cacti in the desolate Chihuahuan Desert the stillness overtakes the senses. The cool, early morning air will give way to unyielding heat later. For now, birds are chirping, lizards, snakes, deer, javalina, and roadrunner are seeking their first meal. Creosote sage emits its distinctive aroma. Streaks of brilliant orange and red in the horizon usher in a glorious sunrise. An overwhelming sense of gratitude fills us as we quietly reflect on how small we are in this great vastness. It is hard to leave.
Time slowed, schedules were discarded, and adventures were had and have yet to be experienced. This isn’t goodbye; simply, see ya later!
There is so much to see, experience, and discover all around us. Take a moment to find your little piece of heaven today. Be blessed y’all!

November 2, 2019

Last Thursday Vidal decided we were going on an impromptu camping trip and we would be leaving Saturday morning. We’ve had a crazy couple of weeks in the upholstery shop so I figured this is what had prompted the unexpected announcement.
I wasn’t quite sure whether or not to take him seriously as the garage and living room were full of unfinished work. I decided to play things out by ear.
Friday morning I proceeded with my usual routine. As I prepared to leave for my workout Vidal asked for my assistance. He had just completed a vehicle lean back and seat and needed help assembling the two pieces. Battling the weight of the lean back with one hand and a contrary bolt in the other; the push/pull tug-of-war created a tiny tear in the area of material that would ultimately be covered by the seat assembly. However, that solemn look I received made me fully aware of the meaning behind it. Vidal is a perfectionist with a servant’s heart. This particular job was for a customer who doesn’t have alot but he’d give you everything he owns if he thought you needed it. So, Vidal had put alot of extra time and attention into the job. He calmly and quietly said, “Please go to the gym now; I’ve got it from here.” Experience has taught me this is when I need to exit stage left.
I returned a couple of hours later to a luke warm greeting and two new upholstery jobs so I figured the camping trip was a “no go”. I went to my desk and settled in to begin completing paperwork I’d put off for several days. The day wore on uneventfully as we made progress on our respective tasks. We had dinner and went to bed neither of us mentioning Saturday’s plans.
Guess what? Communication is key and assumptions are just that, silent guesses. Why do I say that, you ask? Because I awoke the next morning to the sound of the ’65 Chevy being fired up. Curious as to why, I walked out to the garage. Vidal sees me, smiles, and asks, “Hey can you give me a hand? I’m going to move the car, bring the truck around and I need you to help me hook up the boat.”
I know what’s happening; we have to play this “move this to get that” game every time we want to move the motorhome out of the backyard to use it.
“We’re still going camping?” I ask. “I thought you were no longer in the mood to go after yesterday.”
He just grinned and said, “I’m over it, let’s go!”
Well, okay then. 🤷‍♀️
I laugh at myself as I gather plastic bags and begin to empty the refrigerator and pantry. I feel like I’m grocery shopping in my own kitchen. I try to make mental notes of things not to forget. In short order we are headed out. Where we are going, we have no idea. We’re headed east and we’ll figure it out. I pull out our Texas State Parks map and we decide we have to visit a park in which we have not put the boat in the water. We start at the Texas/Louisiana border and begin mapping westward from that point. Our first choice is Atlanta State Park; unfortunately, there are no sites available. Second choice is Lake Bob Sandlin State Park and they have availability. Mind you we are making all these choices via internet, Google earth maps and telephone conversations. The earth view of the boat ramp and my conversation with the park employee about maneuverability in the space shown doesn’t leave me with a great feeling but we opt for a two-night stay anyway. When we arrive and are able to see the boat ramp ourselves my gut feeling was confirmed when Vidal stated there was no way we would be able to launch the boat with the motorhome as the one lane available was too narrow and the angle too steep. First minor setback – ✔.
Keeping our disappointment in perspective, I suggested we explore one of the several hiking trails. Not thinking Vidal would take me up on my offer so quickly after setting up, I grabbed Zazu’s lead, stuck some dog bags in my pocket and off we went. A half-mile in he asks for some water. Uh oh, minor setback #2 – ✔
Back at camp we begin making dinner plans and decide we should make a fire this evening. Set up is coming along nicely until we begin looking for our camping chairs. We had used them at home a couple of weeks ago and guess what we forgot to put back in their proper place? Minor setback #3 – ✔
We start to see a pattern here and can’t help but laugh. In our haste to pack at the last minute and our lack of clear communication between us about our plans we are experiencing minor, unnecessary irritations.
Sunday finds us relaxing for the most part as Vidal began to feel under the weather. It’s nice to see him resting as this doesn’t happen often. However, I feel bad that this is what it takes to make him slow down.
Monday morning we perform our routine “break down camp” tasks. Vidal states he isn’t quite ready to go home as he hasn’t been able to spend time on the water. We decide we will start heading west and choose another park as we go along. Filling the fresh water tank as part of his routine is a task Vidal has performed countless of times. As he does this my job is to clean the bathroom and shower area. As I go about doing so, something about the “sound” of the way the tank is filling doesn’t seem right to me. I check for leaks behind the toilet and under the sink; it’s all dry. It still doesn’t sound right to me. I step on the flush lever to check for leaks in the seal. Water quickly fills the bowl from the bottom up. That’s definitely not supposed to happen! I turn off the water pump and hurry outside. I tell Vidal to turn off the water valve because something is definitely wrong. I explain the off sound I heard and what happened inside. He begins to check the water hose and realizes he hooked up to the wash out valve instead of the fresh water valve. Essentially, he was filling the black water tank instead of the fresh water one. That could have been a smelly disaster. Minor setback #4 – ✔
Back on the road we decide to drive through Cooper Lake State Park. It’s been a very long time since we last visited and we’ve heard improvements have been made throughout. As is usual for many state park entrances they are often located two-lane country roads. We missed our turn off and figured it was not a problem as the GPS quickly rerouted us to another turn off that would bring us back around to the proper road. One little problem, our two-lane country road quickly turned into a one lane gravel pathway. Our GPS indicated a left turn just ahead would get us back on track but our eyes told a very different story. Vidal stopped, walked down the path a ways and confirmed our suspicions; there was a dead end ahead. There was no way we could back up the entire way we had just traversed. So, next best solution? We unhitched the boat, pulled and pushed it around to face the direction in which we came then came the fun part. Vidal behind the wheel, me outside as his eyes for the blind spots, and we commenced what had to be a 50-point turn around. We managed to keep out of the mud and succeeded to turn the RV around facing freedom. We hooked the boat back up and in less than 20 minutes we had gotten ourselves out of a pickle. Minor setback #5 – ✔ Crisis averted, we get back on track. The boat parking area at Cooper Lake State Park is definitely more spacious; however, the lanes are a bit narrow for our comfort level. Vidal doesn’t want to stay here if we can’t put the boat in the water so we move along. Minor setback #6 – ✔
Lake Tawakoni State Park is next on the list. We are happy to find not only a huge boat parking area but a three-lane ramp. I immediately see “the grin” and know Dora the Explorer has made a decision. An impromptu two-day camping trip has just turned into four.
Tuesday begins quite foggy. Minor setback #7 – ✔ We have a late breakfast in hopes the sun will peak through by mid morning. As we gather our snacks and drinks for the day Vidal goes to the boat to retrieve the ice chest. Guess what didn’t get put back in its proper place the last time it was emptied? Minor setback #8 – ✔
The fog does lift a bit and we decide to make the best of the day ahead. Being in unfamiliar water, misty skies, and clouds reluctant to allow the sun to peak through keep us within eyesight of the dock. The water is calm, air is crisp, faint voices of others fishing carries over the stillness. This is it, these are the moments. Our souls are soothed by the rhythmic rocking of the boat.
Wednesday is our last and is always a slow one of cleaning our camp site, making note of what food and gear need replenishing or actually returned 😃, gathering laundry, and having a late breakfast.
We have had a Laurel & Hardy weekend; it happens. We have to laugh at ourselves and be grateful those minor setbacks were sprinkled with bits of joy.
Further reflection revealed there were subtle lessons to be learned as well. Foremost, we have to verbalize what we’re thinking. Allowing assumptions to interpret silence is risky at best.
Let’s be gentle with the hearts of those we love but speak truth to one another. Those instances of vulnerability build bonds that are not easily shaken; especially when tested by minor setbacks. 😃 Be blessed y’all!

August 7, 2017

Big-Bend-Ranch State Park your people, wildlife, and wondrous beauty have stolen our hearts. We explored this area eight months ago and could not have foreseen how a chance encounter with a park ranger would influence our future visits. Our conversation with this gentleman lasted a mere thirty minutes or less. However, his enthusiasm for the hidden gems found in off road exploration and hiking trails in this 311,000-acre park was evident. It was obvious we were missing out on a lot of natural beauty not having a toad vehicle for the motorhome. The hail storm in June that totaled both our vehicles gave us the final push we needed.
So here we found ourselves again in the Chihuahuan Desert with a Jeep in tow. We decided to reach out to this same gentleman once again; he and Vidal had exchanged contact info previously upon learning they had common careers.
To our genuine surprise, not only did he respond, he was on his days off. Upon learning we now had a means to travel off road he invited us to join him and his wife for a four-wheeling and hiking adventure the following day. You know that feeling you get when you meet someone for the first time and you just know you are going to be great friends? Yup, that’s what happened.
Keith, it was such a joy to meet Carrie. Thank you for your hospitality; we had so much fun and we look forward to future excursions.
I couldn’t help but think what a leap of faith it was for Keith and Carrie to share their off time with us. Keith spoke to us only briefly when we met him and Carrie had to trust his judgement about us. We’re so glad they did.
Don’t be afraid to show kindness to strangers; it could very well be God nudging you to new friendships and experiences. I know it’s difficult, we tend to be on guard for good reason. Listen to your heart and be blessed y’all!

August 3, 2017

There are many places and experiences our family would never have been exposed to were it not for Vidal’s adventurous spirit. His unquenchable curiosity to discover what is “around the next bend”, “on the next block”, “down this trail or country road” has allowed for the discovery of beautiful sights and many memory making moments. Memories unfolding into stories our children still share and laugh about at the antics of it all, especially those that involve my fear of anything out of my comfort zone. 😛
Now in retirement and as empty nesters the adventures continue. Without strict time limits we let the map and our whimsy be our guide. We’re humbled to continuously discover and be a part of Christ’s creation. We’ve seen it in tiny bugs, desolate landscapes, breathtaking sunsets/sunrises, border town explorations, lake and ocean excursions, scenic drives, and in simply choosing joy in our daily lives. Every day may not be good but there is good in every day. Be blessed y’all!

August 1, 2017

Time spent with family soothes the mind, body and soul when we need it most. It’s a safe place to reaffirm who we are and what we believe. A place that validates our dreams and goals. A place where our weaknesses and vulnerabilities are handled with grace and strength. The uncertainty of the future is a bit less daunting knowing it only takes a phone call or text to “circle up the wagons” of family. I’m so grateful my parents and in-laws provided that for us. I’m blessed we are able to be there for our children. We’re humbled that our daughter has that support from her in-laws. What a gift it is to be a parent. Be blessed y’all!

July 15, 2017

After our road trip came to a pause (not an end; our gypsy hearts still have exploring to do) we were tasked with replacing my car and Vidal’s truck which were totaled during a hail storm while we were away. We were able to find and purchase two vehicles within seven days. God’s leading and Craigslist are beautiful things.
We had been in the planning stages of selling my car and looking for something we could tow behind the motorhome so the icy event just accelerated the process. In order to “hook up and go” certain equipment is required such as a base plate, tow bar, and ready brake system. Craigslist to the rescue once again.
We’ve driven south to Midlothian and north to Plano to procure parts. It’s not the distance we traveled that highlights this experience it’s the people we have met. Both sellers were couples in their late seventies/early eighties. They had made special memories over many miles and eagerly shared their experiences. Medical issues, diminished physical strength, and realization of slower reaction times led them to the tough decision of knowing “when to say when”. Neither of the couples seemed bitter about their new stationary way of life. Rather, the joy they expressed in recalling the sights they had seen, sharing their “must see places”, and gratitude for the “good days” was contagious.
We will encounter bumps in the road, detours of plans, and perhaps even get lost despite all the best planning. Take in the scenery, hold onto the memories, and let the good days carry you in the dark ones. Be blessed y’all!

June 30, 2017

Tuesday we traversed the state of Utah and stopped for the night just short of the Colorado state line. It was the first time on this journey that cross winds, driving rain, and small hail forced us to stop – twice. Our delays were rewarded with a sight that I’m certain my written words and photos will fall short in their description. In our lifetime we have seen many rainbows after storms. Some partial, others full, singles, doubles, faint in hue, and bold in color. This one was different. The end of this brilliant arc seemed to softly meet the field before us and greet it with a gentle kiss. An overwhelming reminder that God does not promise us a storm free life but He gave His word He would walk with us through it and carry us, if necessary. Be blessed y’all!

June 27, 2017

We reluctantly left Glacier National Park last Friday and began our “long haul” journey to northwestern Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park. I’m not fond of twelve-hour drives as they usually mean we don’t start looking for a place to stop until dusk. By that time we’re all road weary and on the edge of grumpy. This particular evening was no different. We finally settled in for the night at a trailhead above the north entrance to the park. Once again the night sky did not disappoint. There is something to be said about a pitch black night dotted by stars.
In Colorado deer graced us with their beauty in the midst of towering aspens. In Montana a gorgeous lone wolf crossed our dusty path, a loon serenaded us sweetly, and deer crossed along the back yard without any interest in us. In Yellowstone three elk were our campsite neighbors, trumpeter swans floated seamlessly in ponds, a coyote made a quick appearance, an irritated bison chased us off a fishing bridge (no, I didn’t make him upset) and I finally saw a black bear! Family joke is that over the years we’ve been to Tennessee, California, Colorado, Montana and points between and I am always sad that I never see a bear. It was really late on our last night at Yellowstone as we were driving back to our campsite after sight seeing all day. The west side of the park is mountainous and has lots of steep grades and winding roads. Knowing wildlife roam freely throughout, we were being vigilant to their presence. As we rounded yet another curve an oncoming vehicle, traveling quite slowly, flashed his lights at us. Just beyond his tailgate was a juvenile bear strolling along the middle of the road.
This entire trip has been filled with exhilarating moments that have enveloped our senses and spirit. They have come at sunrise, mid day, dusk, and deep at night. I’m left to ponder, “What did we do to deserve to be a witness to it all?” Sit quietly, wherever you find yourself, and breath in His goodness. Be blessed y’all!

June 24, 2017

Seven days ago we left northwestern Colorado, traveled through Utah and Idaho, to our second planned destination in far north Montana. Our friends, Ramon & Maggie Rodriguez have a cabin that sits just six miles south of the Canadian border and alongside West Glacier National Park.
Cell phone service was virtually non existent during this time. Obtaining a signal was achieved by either 4-wheeling further up into the mountain range or a 20-mile gravel crunching, pretzel twisting drive to the closest national park visitor center at the base. Both options offered breathtaking views along the journey; however, the feeling of being disconnected from family tugged at my heart. For a moment I wondered if this is how Christ feels when He surrounds us with His presence and yet we remain detached from Him.
The terrain is rugged and remote and one would have to have a good level of self sufficiency to survive here, especially in the winter. I understand Ramon and Maggie’s love for the area as these trails, rivers, and mountain peaks have and continue to create precious memories for them. West Glacier National Park is intoxicatingly beautiful. It was very difficult to leave. Be blessed y’all!

June 18, 2017

Vidal and I were allowed to witness and be a part of a true example of extended family love in practice beginning in December 1989 as the Olivarez and Benitez families became one. Twenty-six years later young love, much like both their parents’ experienced, created another unity between two families. Key and Andie brought together the Bennett and Olivarez families.
It has been fun sharing two cultures’ experiences and hopes to expose one to the other. This week we had the opportunity to step into the world that has created many family memories for the Bennett’s. Jeff, Denise and Gabby thank you for showing us Colorado in a whole new way. Your generosity and hospitality are appreciated and your sense of adventure is contagious. We look forward to many shared discoveries. Be blessed y’all!!!

We’ve always enjoyed exploring and adventuring on road trips. When our children were young we would create an itinerary but with an abundance of flexibility. If we enjoyed an area more than expected we might stay an extra day or two, Balmoreah State Park comes to mind. If a location didn’t live up to our built up anticipation, we moved along; Lake Meredith is on top of that short list. It may have been due to driving fatigue and poor late night map reading skills but that had to be the most desolate area we’ve ever driven through and when Vidal’s not comfortable-it’s a definite “no go”. Long ago my mother-in-law nicknamed us “Los Ungaros” (gypsies) because she never knew where we would travel next.
Time, retirement, and empty-nesting hasn’t changed us much accept that now we are far more “fly by the seat of our pants” as it pertains to our next destination and/or making reservations. Ever since we discovered boondocking (completely self contained camping that does not require electric/water/sewer hookups) our options have increased ten-fold.
After an adventure filled week of hiking and off-roading via Jeeps and Razrs in the Gunnison National Forest of Colorado with our Compadres Bennett (our daughter’s inlaws), we decided to delay heading home and venture to Moab, Utah.
We are not nearly as experienced as the many off-roading veterans that surround us but it will be fun to explore this area and watch others display their skills. Cheers to adventures that take us a bit out of our comfort zone and the blessings that come with being able to say we survived same. 😀 20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. Explore, Dream, Discover and be blessed y’all!

February 2, 2017

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
The fog was oddly beautiful and comforting. It shrouded the amazing sunrises we have witnessed, however, we knew the source of our daily light was still there. Perhaps, the thick cloud of tiny water droplets was shielding or delaying us from something? Whatever the cause of the fog in your life; keep the faith, the Son is still shining.