tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44222698739567300632024-03-05T17:07:26.848-08:00Stock Family Trip 4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.comBlogger497125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-87600268708672456822021-02-05T08:27:00.007-08:002021-11-01T18:48:19.009-07:00Paco has fallen ill<p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our best friend and travel buddy, Paco, has fallen gravely ill with Kidney failure. We crossed each others' paths by chance, in 2016, wandering along a road in Nicaragua. Now we find ourselves wandering a different kind of road, one with a certain end. </span></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some people say all dogs go to heaven. But I believe, dogs bring heaven to us. Their licks on our cheeks, their paws in our laps, and their snuggles in our arms are gifts from a greater source. </span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The love and affection from a dog can sometimes conspire against our plans. When our 4 legged friend stole food from the kitchen table or trounced mud in our house from the rain soaked grass, he meant the best. He wasn't soiled to be dirty, he was connecting with nature to be happy. He didn't steal our dinner to make us mad, he was trying to save us the added expense of dog kibble. Paco proved that mud cleans up, frustration dissipates and those guilty eyes of his, accompanied by his high frequency tail wagging, were far more adorable than any silly misdeed. In the end, he was guilty, guilty of theft; for he stole our hearts. </span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether we have 2 more weeks or 2 more months together with Paco is a matter which is in God's hands. Right now I'm trying to teach my daughters the power of the present which is the greatest gift of all. Endless tomorrows are nearly as hurtful to our souls as dwelling on all of our would'ves, could'ves and should'ves of our pasts. To love now, in this moment, with no regrets and no worries, is our choice. Pure, raw, unfiltered love to the end will be Paco's final teaching.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pnh3fygd2EdB7pGpvvX7Pp1vgFokBa_sZCuUqXHW1h2HDxm49XSteHU2ry1E6vUQ4d1aQLr3O8nePshoLSwyQPDfej-dv7pVCAZ_3rmHjLihxLLBvqJ6jaa7Z2EJt4E3fAaNKEhUocY/s2048/TWWF7219.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pnh3fygd2EdB7pGpvvX7Pp1vgFokBa_sZCuUqXHW1h2HDxm49XSteHU2ry1E6vUQ4d1aQLr3O8nePshoLSwyQPDfej-dv7pVCAZ_3rmHjLihxLLBvqJ6jaa7Z2EJt4E3fAaNKEhUocY/w480-h640/TWWF7219.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisa1W13lqe7uTEOuzk7Z7R1l7MATTJLMcNUL1KekWy-UiXgDqergbhOlBqL4CeT58-Ug-N7S3P8YmP8moQzZaMGUgH-mFrbmlcqTGm5p6iUG7ddufD8RAR5ffVzyQuv5Hq8mdb2cikBzE/s2048/20180724_143122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-990615236225609632018-08-12T17:51:00.001-07:002018-08-12T18:33:30.544-07:00The unseen costs of tiny living Since losing our travel trailer, to the winds of change, we have noticed some quick impacts to our budget. For starters, renting homes for us is way more expensive on the front end, than in our old RV way of life. If you recall, in a recent post, I mentioned how the rural area job markets are booming. Well, this has a direct impact on short-term rentals, like the ones we need. Finding a place that can accommodate a family, with pets, and that are willing to take us in, is an expensive endeavor. For example, if we decide to stay here for two months, while attempting to buy a business, the cost could be northwards of $6,000 in rent alone. Compare that to renting an RV site for $500 a month and the answer becomes clear for those on a tight budget.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our temporary home which was recently declared total loss in New Mexico.</span></td></tr>
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One of the greatest things I loved about traveling the country and looking for a new community, to call home, was the average personal encounter in a RV park. I mean where else can you meet a retired CEO with a $400,000 RV while towing a Mercedes SUV parked only 5 meters away from a $10,000, older looking RV, which houses the working poor and everything just clicks? As we walked our dog through the many RV parks, we often noticed a "community spirit" among strangers. People were outside grilling and chatting, having a couple beers and kicking the proverbial tires, as it were. I realize that people were outside because the RVs are small inside. I get it. But the beauty about being outside is that it allows for chance interactions with your neighbors and with it, neighborly goodwill.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Camping with retirees was a great experience.</span></td></tr>
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Before I go any further I need to admit that I am writing this from the comforts of a suburban home, that we are renting, which is in a nice middle class neighborhood. My ears happen to be ringing from the deafening silence all around me. I am amazed, on this last weekend of summer, how quiet suburbia can be at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and it has been quiet for nearly a week. I truly feel for all of the children who should be outside playing, but aren't. Everyone needs to experience the outdoors, from the openness of the sky, the brightness of the flowers, to the thousand shades of green, in a tree's canopy. We need to nurture our souls with natural beauty, whether we like to admit it or not.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Natural beauty is something we all need.</span></td></tr>
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Okay, back on the subject, living in a small home has some advantages but not when it comes to shopping. Buying in bulk is a great way to save but only possible if you have a place to store the overages. RVs and other small accommodations are tight so you can only buy what you need, when you need it. Elise, is not only a wonderful wife, but also a great family accountant. Together, we have estimated that not buying in bulk costed our family anywhere between 60% to 80% or more depending on type of groceries and which state we were in. Laundry was another expense that we were surprised by. Most homeowners normally throw clothes into their washer and dryer, then fold the finished loads and forget about it. For many people, however, laundromats are the norm and for us, while traveling in our RV, it was the norm, too. Elise estimated our monthly laundromat bill was about $100. Multiple that by 12, for the months in the year, (for the long term RVers) and these expenses can really add up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezbANX8Q33A5W6fho0IF_7CRRdTs844agd37KW005gIFSEZzVq8-Cn_XC_y8Mq2GKIW-o1gkJmBaHdkUxhoFYqIJtp9xhcKUEIBWd2hGevh2tyN9PvfUxuKTyx2fcsTO6I-RhOS6b4rY/s1600/20180630_194158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezbANX8Q33A5W6fho0IF_7CRRdTs844agd37KW005gIFSEZzVq8-Cn_XC_y8Mq2GKIW-o1gkJmBaHdkUxhoFYqIJtp9xhcKUEIBWd2hGevh2tyN9PvfUxuKTyx2fcsTO6I-RhOS6b4rY/s640/20180630_194158.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We were fortunate to camp on our own terms while traveling the countryside. </span></td></tr>
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My wife and I are fortunate to not be effected by the higher expenses of RV life, and we now appreciate the plight of the working poor even more. Anyone can fall on hard times and many do so, all the time. Drugs play a big part of that, but so does divorce, medical bills and so on. While in western Colorado, we met a good looking couple with an adorable 2 year old daughter, at the RV park where we were staying. They were as sweet as could be and he was happy to talk about how busy he was at work. After a while, his wife had to run and grab a snack for their hungry and whiny toddler. She headed straight for a tent. Her wonderful and clean cut husband saw the sadness in my eyes and said, "That's okay, we'll get back on our feet soon enough." He went on to explain how they got to where they were, and truly it could have happened to any renter and drugs were not involved. They loved the RV park because they could camp for cheap and use the bathroom to prep for work in the morning. They were thankful and counted their blessings to have access to the RV park, when most would have been miserable. I deeply admired that family for supporting each other rather than castigating blame. They lived their lives filled with true love and forgiveness for each other.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoYHmPRP-PkKL1KDuNxc9yYpmujjpV2bwGf46bpjC5vgrElFWSXrsHoK-V1CBmt7s7N3_f3pMxu979ws52osXpBDvVmr0ES08X4RJloPrCKDZ3HWXoNDvE5zOqTsJh6NGGntPTnetIy0/s1600/IMG_4478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoYHmPRP-PkKL1KDuNxc9yYpmujjpV2bwGf46bpjC5vgrElFWSXrsHoK-V1CBmt7s7N3_f3pMxu979ws52osXpBDvVmr0ES08X4RJloPrCKDZ3HWXoNDvE5zOqTsJh6NGGntPTnetIy0/s640/IMG_4478.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A typical example of a family struggling to make a better life for themselves.</span></td></tr>
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Since being back in the U.S. we have been caught off guard by the magnitude of the homeless issue. I would imagine, based on our own observations, that for each homeless person one sees, there are many times more working poor, that aren't seen. I would think helping those who are trying to stay afloat, have a job, and retain much of their dignity would be the easiest place for a government to start helping and improve their communities. Remember the day-to-day living expense of those living on the fringe are significantly higher than those with more a stable and larger accommodations. Thus any help, I am sure, would be greatly appreciated.<br />
So, tomorrow, when the first day of school starts, there will be many millions of children across the U.S. turn around and kiss their moms good bye, and run out the door to catch a bus. Some of those children will jump over fun hurdles in their front yard while others jump over hurdles in their lives. Each of those beautiful little people will board buses and with it, go to a place where merit matters, that is, until they return home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ntFuNDPH52gZAtJjDJZfsPXei7A16lMbVmIfK1ztckPQ09sfcGn-42IHAeO9o191t2QYrjaysDMSkJRQNR29x0gxyUAPJJKHnYydUEZMIGwvIQWWAYQhgPRtBsx_j1L2zeR2kJDOSKE/s1600/IMG_4479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ntFuNDPH52gZAtJjDJZfsPXei7A16lMbVmIfK1ztckPQ09sfcGn-42IHAeO9o191t2QYrjaysDMSkJRQNR29x0gxyUAPJJKHnYydUEZMIGwvIQWWAYQhgPRtBsx_j1L2zeR2kJDOSKE/s640/IMG_4479.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Living on the edge but still giving it a go.</span></td></tr>
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Our journey of discovery started when we decided to embarked on our drive to South America, nearly four years ago. We have lived a splendid dream and saw many amazing sanctuaries, ruins and natural wonders without filters. We continue to benefit from witnessing penetratingly real and unfiltered reality to this day. We cannot predict what tomorrow brings nor what wonderful people the full spectrum of living will reveal. However, if we open ourselves to others, we might be able to turn perfect strangers into perfect friends. In our minds, neighborhoods should be teaming with life, packed with youngsters, living their "golden years" on bicycles or lost in their chalk art mosaics. We miss the endless energy, noises and clashing colors of Latin America and have decided that if we cannot be there, then we should at least encourage that energy, noise, and those colors wherever we land. Building a better tomorrow, starts with us accepting today; not wishing for what we had yesterday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqml50CfYe0A_us7JgXRFZnHzzTWNPvLVn7XELlj8XPE3cgWofmTBt1_E-jlnHGi3C05KRKl542DYLCdUujjeFuR0PPztOrK-ajR0_yRaZeD9RQuDlgQOyuXW2UVnyz4GDRz-HSWMnNiE/s1600/IMG_9901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqml50CfYe0A_us7JgXRFZnHzzTWNPvLVn7XELlj8XPE3cgWofmTBt1_E-jlnHGi3C05KRKl542DYLCdUujjeFuR0PPztOrK-ajR0_yRaZeD9RQuDlgQOyuXW2UVnyz4GDRz-HSWMnNiE/s640/IMG_9901.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorful Granada, the former home that we love.</span></td></tr>
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We would like to dedicated this blog entry to the many hard working poor, living quietly among us and trying so hard to survive even though it is more difficult, then most realize. Here is to the people waking up before the sun, to shave, shower, blow dry their hair and work the jobs that many of us require but don't appreciate. Here is to the men and women that look like a million bucks at the office but quietly return to their temporary homes, their double-wides, RVs and tents. I am so thankful that my daughters saw, with their own eyes, that the working poor are not rejects, just people who fell, and are having trouble getting up. We loved the time spent talking and laughing with people who want a better life and who have every reason to give up, but don't. Their strength and determination motivate us, as we re-assimilate back into the U.S. We are happy to share their plight and inspirational messages with you. <br />
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4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-8100551963089605332018-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:002018-08-11T17:34:11.979-07:00Siesta time in la MesillaLa Mesilla is beautiful anytime of day, but viewing the historic neighborhood during siesta, is both peaceful and charming. This adobe village hosted wild west icons like Poncho Villa and Billy the kid, in it's heyday. La Mesilla formed as a result of shifting borders between the U.S. and Mexico. This little village was, for a period, the capital of Confederate Arizona and after the Civil War it became the capital of the military district of Arizona. This town has serious history packed in the few blocks, each side of the town square.<br />
"If walls could talk" is an old saying, but imagine if these 2 and 3 foot think adobe walls could talk? I am sure the stories would be amazing, for the loves, tensions, happiness and fears these walls contain, would be breathtaking tales, if ever revealed. Strolling these historic streets, essentially alone, during an afternoon siesta reminded me of Argentina. There is something admirable when a town shutters it's doors to enjoy peace, where rest and recharge are taken seriously.<br />
As a tourist town, I find la Mesilla more authentic then Santa Fe and definitely much smaller and cheaper. Both places have their charm and as we have discovered throughout New Mexico; the southwest of legends exists in the cuisine, traditions, buildings, and timeless pueblos of this land.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4r6jP5ktuoZiQJZMDNpwfpwj5JdJ4peX3Re9Gflq4AmjntvoFiL3Kxup1wbY-j47c7qSXkgQMlnq3ApsStdu1UjT5WQeyvz2jCp_8bN1XGLfPbpYzyg-Tby1oGbcLqtHmsITaOmhBM0/s1600/20180806_175900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4r6jP5ktuoZiQJZMDNpwfpwj5JdJ4peX3Re9Gflq4AmjntvoFiL3Kxup1wbY-j47c7qSXkgQMlnq3ApsStdu1UjT5WQeyvz2jCp_8bN1XGLfPbpYzyg-Tby1oGbcLqtHmsITaOmhBM0/s640/20180806_175900.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Siestas hide behind inviting doors</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFzGA4zPmRDjARbJUESywqvZYHCoHTRT3J4rGhrs8b_1JdNDlcvttizeSPmAwILM-W2MDvuRjTKjWf3KLbWW070bPSec8-m9RBZfzihxfrPLsB2tefmTAHB3t21llryjTNM6vaWPt_d8/s640/20180806_175818.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Similar feeling to Santa Fe but more quaint.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFzGA4zPmRDjARbJUESywqvZYHCoHTRT3J4rGhrs8b_1JdNDlcvttizeSPmAwILM-W2MDvuRjTKjWf3KLbWW070bPSec8-m9RBZfzihxfrPLsB2tefmTAHB3t21llryjTNM6vaWPt_d8/s1600/20180806_175818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFzGA4zPmRDjARbJUESywqvZYHCoHTRT3J4rGhrs8b_1JdNDlcvttizeSPmAwILM-W2MDvuRjTKjWf3KLbWW070bPSec8-m9RBZfzihxfrPLsB2tefmTAHB3t21llryjTNM6vaWPt_d8/s1600/20180806_175818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr-NqUQOTOGd1RKPLc7EmDGzqedlYl1kzev4R8VySlxFwA9Lf9xOw4FzHM9yrfvfvx1oAucpsjt6JEOOXxwC8_Amw3XmSnDgvP49fNfDehoiFddOG0Ppd2UAelNCL4109_VgjBpy1T9w/s1600/20180806_180021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmr-NqUQOTOGd1RKPLc7EmDGzqedlYl1kzev4R8VySlxFwA9Lf9xOw4FzHM9yrfvfvx1oAucpsjt6JEOOXxwC8_Amw3XmSnDgvP49fNfDehoiFddOG0Ppd2UAelNCL4109_VgjBpy1T9w/s640/20180806_180021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pottery and wine a great combination.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBJmQRBSqnBAAAR9TqhqBN7emh0hnzwKUl_8sMF01yDIRgpVlaQEJeRfUjHn3eOmDMeOcUjtrSjCPYJM9E1vf0jl2__vgMD-slObT3Xnsr66DJRFwnQzeckQNQqL5RChAM5gd7BV9NEk/s1600/20180806_180312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBJmQRBSqnBAAAR9TqhqBN7emh0hnzwKUl_8sMF01yDIRgpVlaQEJeRfUjHn3eOmDMeOcUjtrSjCPYJM9E1vf0jl2__vgMD-slObT3Xnsr66DJRFwnQzeckQNQqL5RChAM5gd7BV9NEk/s640/20180806_180312.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Residences with so much charm.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYEaey9B6qobhGuAXpgq9WUuStgt4ksjb0A-Pc-Tv3dqFna8UdKfOV9XPYWxvD7RBLP4yFcGRT0_KpIDlkvjlQfwVAPKMqIEI-mDBuHgOuIMwPFSKh1N495iYkEG5xxYtig3Nfw8h7VE/s1600/20180806_180426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYEaey9B6qobhGuAXpgq9WUuStgt4ksjb0A-Pc-Tv3dqFna8UdKfOV9XPYWxvD7RBLP4yFcGRT0_KpIDlkvjlQfwVAPKMqIEI-mDBuHgOuIMwPFSKh1N495iYkEG5xxYtig3Nfw8h7VE/s640/20180806_180426.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Most of the original town center was constructed around 1850.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJNCHOlmn3Ofw7zjlx70go2GAdttE4eNPkw-fwY5AOTSRXOiQ-Jk65MaIG-nE8lP4usUt4qyrOPXT_dSrpWjbMdx5E7pR1REhK8CdbM1Rs37E6dbh2qYtpl5MIduLT0LxjoUPt0inaPk/s1600/20180806_180451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJNCHOlmn3Ofw7zjlx70go2GAdttE4eNPkw-fwY5AOTSRXOiQ-Jk65MaIG-nE8lP4usUt4qyrOPXT_dSrpWjbMdx5E7pR1REhK8CdbM1Rs37E6dbh2qYtpl5MIduLT0LxjoUPt0inaPk/s640/20180806_180451.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Adobe homes have so much character.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh0o7xuv6s6-dfJGw2yj1-rmlVYJb19fqC-KSKjRJuYoj_I_JLnQltMwvwDWSZ-FdstRepE4IwgUo06N5IXd_PbPZ5XvsnZNoPCbmIgLcvL8OLzmEszBBqf7du9IMntuGqQkrvWpWicI/s1600/20180806_180048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNh0o7xuv6s6-dfJGw2yj1-rmlVYJb19fqC-KSKjRJuYoj_I_JLnQltMwvwDWSZ-FdstRepE4IwgUo06N5IXd_PbPZ5XvsnZNoPCbmIgLcvL8OLzmEszBBqf7du9IMntuGqQkrvWpWicI/s640/20180806_180048.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chile Ristras hang in many New Mexican windows. They are said to bring luck and good health. They can be either decorative and covered in lacquer or edible and left alone to dry in the heat. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M-A28Z3K3cwnacdPVwiu7yArIdBMyWwIg3UWFePyMoEN_idCh0NqdGkkxIkYWaY6FMZP_AE6YS1n6PobOmrvIlwvvUCec7ATX3asDnfzYkqkFJRlsAWYJnGZxg8aX2WByZt5mSht5E8/s1600/20180806_180639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8M-A28Z3K3cwnacdPVwiu7yArIdBMyWwIg3UWFePyMoEN_idCh0NqdGkkxIkYWaY6FMZP_AE6YS1n6PobOmrvIlwvvUCec7ATX3asDnfzYkqkFJRlsAWYJnGZxg8aX2WByZt5mSht5E8/s640/20180806_180639.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Catholic church of San Albino.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgsDx2ERDp8WSkZQFBokMz8Qj-vqzdfnKSFn0f6KyMLSj1HZ13xcWo75rP4_TCXi4uRk7PoxLnlKL1XbuzrNkUfCqT8xazh1BDuT0-xoCkm3uwdFzYrA05_lRPkUJVauTEyoZLiRw0nw/s1600/20180806_180650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYgsDx2ERDp8WSkZQFBokMz8Qj-vqzdfnKSFn0f6KyMLSj1HZ13xcWo75rP4_TCXi4uRk7PoxLnlKL1XbuzrNkUfCqT8xazh1BDuT0-xoCkm3uwdFzYrA05_lRPkUJVauTEyoZLiRw0nw/s640/20180806_180650.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Romantic buildings and redbrick sidewalks surround the town square.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwF586IBgMzIj86pKSkLzTQDOy76yEGupwRS2Re8WbMeHnIa_JTWhyphenhyphenMLg1cAhskM9rcbRHdkeXDPo9VA5wYps_8JavtUgEodf_bS1pZmReC0RiUvCdoC_8rW2eyILVR1y08Yxw4V3534/s1600/20180806_180810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwF586IBgMzIj86pKSkLzTQDOy76yEGupwRS2Re8WbMeHnIa_JTWhyphenhyphenMLg1cAhskM9rcbRHdkeXDPo9VA5wYps_8JavtUgEodf_bS1pZmReC0RiUvCdoC_8rW2eyILVR1y08Yxw4V3534/s640/20180806_180810.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The town gazebo.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikha3jqirHRVujpaxS79aa5aRPb-Gpjvdnhaq5HeJnafY3t2MEb_giYAh_4aHcpNc8Z09luAsXQmOzQZpiofFHmriMIRMULNmlJkrCxh7lUhfevuRfYNnlmQBa6e_eSuAuIYfVeqOvTdM/s1600/20180806_180847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikha3jqirHRVujpaxS79aa5aRPb-Gpjvdnhaq5HeJnafY3t2MEb_giYAh_4aHcpNc8Z09luAsXQmOzQZpiofFHmriMIRMULNmlJkrCxh7lUhfevuRfYNnlmQBa6e_eSuAuIYfVeqOvTdM/s640/20180806_180847.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some of the characters of town history painted on the doors.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-1R3N8DMWXm310YghKiBY-6rkH1dwZ2iiyZ5v6hfUiXEHNgpSOAKwfcjSlPL954kRS0RkcmX_-X_Wm8Tk-qOMKjLwvPv0IZem-zPnFUKuO0SajNW5hK_Wb-3tXBRJcsRBcrMrvy-PHM/s1600/20180806_180957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-1R3N8DMWXm310YghKiBY-6rkH1dwZ2iiyZ5v6hfUiXEHNgpSOAKwfcjSlPL954kRS0RkcmX_-X_Wm8Tk-qOMKjLwvPv0IZem-zPnFUKuO0SajNW5hK_Wb-3tXBRJcsRBcrMrvy-PHM/s640/20180806_180957.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Archways welcome strangers to homes and businesses.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ7YanU93wSuPids26-wDXigubYXhQMEFKQ1a-3v_wzjMNSA18IH5Z4gwQ7UwasgIPIopR1tJFw62q4zITZmvrLWeWtMBbi3dDI63N_JOyHdBxEdUdDZ5ssE2IoKRjOY4192_dCeAFfY/s1600/20180806_181040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJ7YanU93wSuPids26-wDXigubYXhQMEFKQ1a-3v_wzjMNSA18IH5Z4gwQ7UwasgIPIopR1tJFw62q4zITZmvrLWeWtMBbi3dDI63N_JOyHdBxEdUdDZ5ssE2IoKRjOY4192_dCeAFfY/s640/20180806_181040.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remnants from an older home which has since collapsed but the walls were salvaged and restored.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoyvOKdj-C_5PqVp9yEAwYoWfimrFcCxvq638GMGnngnWyUDpxkcRiWg-63sxBmTwfsMnyD_VtvlWGzwlxQlFhsnBLH2Ari07SLOiIO6gXJhAjsJUDMvwGkLFup_M6GdNTdZAuqY8V6U/s1600/20180806_181235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwoyvOKdj-C_5PqVp9yEAwYoWfimrFcCxvq638GMGnngnWyUDpxkcRiWg-63sxBmTwfsMnyD_VtvlWGzwlxQlFhsnBLH2Ari07SLOiIO6gXJhAjsJUDMvwGkLFup_M6GdNTdZAuqY8V6U/s640/20180806_181235.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A bumper crop of cactus pears.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-4231265558058077322018-08-09T19:38:00.000-07:002018-08-09T19:39:25.294-07:00Dinner at La Posta Mexican restaurant I don't usually like posting about restaurants in this blog because I don't want to become judge and jury on someone's livelihood. Business is hard enough, and for those who succeed, I congratulate them by being their patron.<br />
However, it is not too often one can eat at a top 10 Mexican restaurant in the United States and it still be in a small town. We did, at La Posta restaurant, in New Mexico and it was awesome! This restaurant is located in the historic town of la Mesilla which is an authentic adobe village turned into a quaint tourist center. Best of all, the food was outstanding and had the ambiance to match. If you are in the area of Las Cruces, I recommend visiting la Mesilla and the many wonderful restaurants in town. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxkwamfuDNl-ILEfa5b3xLmpZyHYshtztAKTekHtczTlgOCZxlb2jcXuUAFxXrukcxsqQO3mrBMG3wD5L0IVwIwasOlYHVQ0ye9WQtKUGoqGxcL8kMjMJYfA2_nsL90O5Phcxp0RPNgQ/s1600/20180802_183103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxkwamfuDNl-ILEfa5b3xLmpZyHYshtztAKTekHtczTlgOCZxlb2jcXuUAFxXrukcxsqQO3mrBMG3wD5L0IVwIwasOlYHVQ0ye9WQtKUGoqGxcL8kMjMJYfA2_nsL90O5Phcxp0RPNgQ/s640/20180802_183103.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Historic front door.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNbw7SoZ_y-QLmwk1352Pn7Ox22F3D5zjdHMemIDdqE4HTfvGlrzP9f144eZMshLfn3Kdx621AqJCNZJhq67ix4x3cS8LpEgdutIPHmD0_oy_3or7WvWD-YT7Yn_FK5hIkF-JhC1haLc/s1600/20180802_183114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNbw7SoZ_y-QLmwk1352Pn7Ox22F3D5zjdHMemIDdqE4HTfvGlrzP9f144eZMshLfn3Kdx621AqJCNZJhq67ix4x3cS8LpEgdutIPHmD0_oy_3or7WvWD-YT7Yn_FK5hIkF-JhC1haLc/s640/20180802_183114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elegant hallway to the restaurant entrance.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VkAv57U-OwU8nNf9_CYKZklwVws4gOUQzZIzwB0Y0-8351nETWAHGqYO5NJq6D6DpxaJlw4CnHGzuQ4xbyQl1yAeOCTHavivuoGWYx8-HF8JIH567YMNMKS_dJRVzmuUdnJKD7JG524/s1600/20180802_183209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VkAv57U-OwU8nNf9_CYKZklwVws4gOUQzZIzwB0Y0-8351nETWAHGqYO5NJq6D6DpxaJlw4CnHGzuQ4xbyQl1yAeOCTHavivuoGWYx8-HF8JIH567YMNMKS_dJRVzmuUdnJKD7JG524/s640/20180802_183209.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Southwestern architecture throughout. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic19rG8VJuaf0IKcArIblGxID-X7XN3is8Lm_MG-HHTNfPqGNFXmfWkgSXiUMLWiTdfXp2-YJYBLMFcFBX2_l91cSqH_sJ3oK1tbXcg3QLupK73kAuHhnwcCdsZWL9mZvB8CpvG-dYcTY/s1600/20180802_183300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic19rG8VJuaf0IKcArIblGxID-X7XN3is8Lm_MG-HHTNfPqGNFXmfWkgSXiUMLWiTdfXp2-YJYBLMFcFBX2_l91cSqH_sJ3oK1tbXcg3QLupK73kAuHhnwcCdsZWL9mZvB8CpvG-dYcTY/s640/20180802_183300.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Art work kept a watchful eye on the people.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoICo22NvEnDvoGrkBGPqeqvtekgu_-2yrnee6KByJnStKJNo-i_Kro9fS8ig0P2oRwoXEXZoa0WktXnGDXcEvgxZD0kd0Wu92KISBcZCo40ABHwQQM-ZXE-BMqDpioaIBXZDmlp9Icn4/s1600/20180802_193409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoICo22NvEnDvoGrkBGPqeqvtekgu_-2yrnee6KByJnStKJNo-i_Kro9fS8ig0P2oRwoXEXZoa0WktXnGDXcEvgxZD0kd0Wu92KISBcZCo40ABHwQQM-ZXE-BMqDpioaIBXZDmlp9Icn4/s640/20180802_193409.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The bar was well stocked and colorful. </span></td></tr>
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4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-41273865830289754332018-08-08T19:26:00.000-07:002018-08-08T19:26:31.993-07:00Landing on our feet or something like thatLife without our travel trailer has proven difficult and more expensive than we initially realized. We have seen, for ourselves, why RVs are so popular for retirees and other long term travelers. Our cats find traveling with our dog, in the backseat of our truck, a taxing experience at best. Our cats prefer more quality, one on one time with my daughters and being squeezed into a living breathing blob of kids and pets in the backseat of our truck, is not our cats idea of having fun. As for our wonderful dog, Paco, he is as chill as any dog could be considering all the commotion and constant meowing from our cats.<br />
Though traveling is more complicated than before our accommodations are proving to be quite nice and having the additional space is appreciated. We are using on-line house rental companies to find these places and to date we have had two spacious and clean homes that we stayed at. One of the best things about these home rentals is having our own washer and dryer again. The ease of washing clothes when you are ready to wash them is a simple joy that we missed while using public laundromats over the last 3 months. While RVing we could only do the laundry when the machines were available, but not anymore as the house is ours.<br />
Once we get over the initial stress of traveling between rental homes our animals actually find the new house smells, and experiences to be a new playground. We have also agreed to staying at homes for a minimum of a week to further minimize the stresses of packing and moving on each of us. Coincidentally, we are all waking up now, not sure where we are. We haven't had this disorienting sensation since driving in South America, 3 years ago. Elise and I laugh at our complete confusion of "place" when we wake up thoroughly discombobulated. Hopefully, we can find a community and new place to call home shortly, as we are hot on the trail now. Until then, we have to make lite of waking up and not knowing where the heck we are, until we stumble upon clues that jolt our memories. We have not yet woken up in heaven, with all the puffy clouds; or in hell with all the brimstone and fire. At least we can count our blessings that we are still alive, no matter where that is in our minds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLQE2M4KIRPd9gOZxftgUfO-eSV9KzM7X6m1zzrCFOpsF8wVEIwol38LSdhjz1z7mISoKsioXLyiJE8bPpCbMT9ecOlyXOVdV3U_pmXHz3NVXy9q36RDJRkxnn_-6uLg16qEXorVhjJ0/s1600/20180731_124116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLQE2M4KIRPd9gOZxftgUfO-eSV9KzM7X6m1zzrCFOpsF8wVEIwol38LSdhjz1z7mISoKsioXLyiJE8bPpCbMT9ecOlyXOVdV3U_pmXHz3NVXy9q36RDJRkxnn_-6uLg16qEXorVhjJ0/s640/20180731_124116.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our first home outside of the trailer. Not bad, right?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1584" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RiAyiu_QgFfilWtQaviyap0Fuzcn2X4aRCtTiXdVxiNyBHl-6lXsvuv3-e1g0egbPVV_CjLkR8EUJczVMV_VfXF-_gONLq0g4WRb1FG8EcR9kxeKjCxv3yrxdqWTgz1x-BDYiTodEy8/s640/20180731_123927.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We do enjoy the added space of a home.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAx8gQ3HhIafXxKs8223brIBNKVwQyvRD4nXFnzv-kPn7SoFqR86vrXwqldTJ154gSOQ82Pq00CVl5kmbYt5_9xZfp_bZD2-0r8FaXjFLveDGvdT8sxr_jZ4_icDSvVEc_77xH5NtIDE/s1600/20180731_123955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAx8gQ3HhIafXxKs8223brIBNKVwQyvRD4nXFnzv-kPn7SoFqR86vrXwqldTJ154gSOQ82Pq00CVl5kmbYt5_9xZfp_bZD2-0r8FaXjFLveDGvdT8sxr_jZ4_icDSvVEc_77xH5NtIDE/s640/20180731_123955.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elise was amazed how big this place was compared to the travel trailer.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzGZsiCJKAFxjg7gJ2Yz4C-e0qOrr7XECjz1VtT5QV2DFEbb_IRibk8xSzytonRS5yp0IO1J-HDETvEBoec_WxgL9AMZ_XAdFyXhKXuolZM3jQpqyjsFHPV80XscOduhnsgKxl3nHoeE/s1600/20180731_124139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzGZsiCJKAFxjg7gJ2Yz4C-e0qOrr7XECjz1VtT5QV2DFEbb_IRibk8xSzytonRS5yp0IO1J-HDETvEBoec_WxgL9AMZ_XAdFyXhKXuolZM3jQpqyjsFHPV80XscOduhnsgKxl3nHoeE/s640/20180731_124139.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nice large yard for us to enjoy.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBZhPJ8XFMq3Lfr_KbPCyySWu0Tc8ZQM51IkC2tXB_MjyO-0cdtarFxHlfJzOaP29Nor-8UpRXGxrZq-Fw5rxiqe14dnCI4NeQr189NIfA9VD-lQ0PVdeYsOTu1yzL85e3XAIhR1YkCs/s1600/20180731_124229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBZhPJ8XFMq3Lfr_KbPCyySWu0Tc8ZQM51IkC2tXB_MjyO-0cdtarFxHlfJzOaP29Nor-8UpRXGxrZq-Fw5rxiqe14dnCI4NeQr189NIfA9VD-lQ0PVdeYsOTu1yzL85e3XAIhR1YkCs/s640/20180731_124229.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We stayed in a historic neighborhood with original adobe homes, some of which are falling down.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr3u3lITPooXCpyMWhkofsnMxLCFt27xgqN5Kme3Nt3YGkCM_7JZ5yJAuGgokfDZri6PIfBccLjY96BhtSB70qbmuD7wv_nsuyYBuj_PxLgmG24fC3Wiflk8USbLfjs81I5gF2LzWQNo/s1600/20180802_195158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqr3u3lITPooXCpyMWhkofsnMxLCFt27xgqN5Kme3Nt3YGkCM_7JZ5yJAuGgokfDZri6PIfBccLjY96BhtSB70qbmuD7wv_nsuyYBuj_PxLgmG24fC3Wiflk8USbLfjs81I5gF2LzWQNo/s640/20180802_195158.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nice sunset to welcome us to our first rental house.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LaD0uQ2BeM7MNMRfu4XjzFO7iM0R0Lx9jwIqBIUn4oiMz1djPfkjDz5QCE5U0iFFDcpHdEfAAcuhN5VT2d__gvvmaQOUpYmjg-s85Pqz4I9F3kJ6rNx1kmNf94J2qZEusgJ5XCbTJU4/s1600/20180805_110223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LaD0uQ2BeM7MNMRfu4XjzFO7iM0R0Lx9jwIqBIUn4oiMz1djPfkjDz5QCE5U0iFFDcpHdEfAAcuhN5VT2d__gvvmaQOUpYmjg-s85Pqz4I9F3kJ6rNx1kmNf94J2qZEusgJ5XCbTJU4/s640/20180805_110223.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I loved the art work hanging on the wall of the rental.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-24570086706599100012018-08-05T14:38:00.002-07:002018-08-05T14:38:50.465-07:00Getting caught up This entry's original timeline was moved forward due to losing our travel trailer in the high winds on interstate 10, in New Mexico (see link immediately below for details on that post if you haven't read it).<br />
<a href="https://4souls1dream.blogspot.com/2018/07/life-is-what-happen-to-you.html" target="_blank">https://4souls1dream.blogspot.com/2018/07/life-is-what-happen-to-you.html</a><br />
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Since first reporting on the travel trailer incident, our insurance adjuster has determined that our trailer is a total loss. We will miss the ease of traveling in our movable home and have since readjusted our plans to include renting short-term housing.<br />
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With this entry our blog is, once again, in chronological order.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI21pWDcbG5oiXFca1p-kbbcqipPX0akfOHLDWLBFOrV2RyKnTnD1i9dkAae3CWBwiseek11_dI6DVieu4nkgK71PILiiVptBa9nlKY2sFNLlObGsONFaz0cV4tCBkXi58y92TtsKIA30/s1600/20180730_091450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI21pWDcbG5oiXFca1p-kbbcqipPX0akfOHLDWLBFOrV2RyKnTnD1i9dkAae3CWBwiseek11_dI6DVieu4nkgK71PILiiVptBa9nlKY2sFNLlObGsONFaz0cV4tCBkXi58y92TtsKIA30/s640/20180730_091450.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our travel trailer will most likely be auctioned next week for parts.</span></td></tr>
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4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-43858287645877215392018-08-05T12:56:00.002-07:002018-08-05T12:56:50.542-07:00Old school route 66, in Seligman, AZ.We arrived in Seligman, AZ. after two days of detours and hard driving through California. We were happy to finally arrive in the cooler northern Arizona mountains after such a difficult journey. Seligman is "Old school" route 66 and as we discovered a famous location for Europeans to visit while in the southwest. Seligman is a recommended "must see" in many European travel books and oddly we have never heard of this town, until recently.<br />
The town was small and eclectic, a hodge-podge of decaying buildings, and thriving tourists businesses, and somehow it worked. Seeing Seligman is a one day affair, and maybe an hour affair at that. The food was good and well priced here. So if you want good ole Americana cuisine, at affordable prices, this beats the neighboring town of Williams, Arizona, hands down. The quirky buildings and unique wild west charm make this town a worthy visit while in the area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uZqGxig6Xr41Jim0nZP1nSb1pBlnoKwXz3z8iHvirPf5zpwruabeLM8S4WJ8yhSgi3SAiwns7khMIoQh5TnRRHQAX2gWE00DlwbzNp2mCnGdBvkZYhYu63nOWigV3KYxzYJXGYcd-kE/s1600/20180728_185258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uZqGxig6Xr41Jim0nZP1nSb1pBlnoKwXz3z8iHvirPf5zpwruabeLM8S4WJ8yhSgi3SAiwns7khMIoQh5TnRRHQAX2gWE00DlwbzNp2mCnGdBvkZYhYu63nOWigV3KYxzYJXGYcd-kE/s640/20180728_185258.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love silly things like this.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYCxvR7SDtqSHL7H7GT_iIJp5sLw6ws-dXHqMkNO7n3lGvhkmIIBnvAZJhoIyXLiXMxW46mnEXbOeiu_IB_E1LvBfMi4SJ5YJKJ-WpH8DyD0jtEtw8g8_zSHxzMdt1lJmJg3KGV3-KRM/s1600/20180728_185127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYCxvR7SDtqSHL7H7GT_iIJp5sLw6ws-dXHqMkNO7n3lGvhkmIIBnvAZJhoIyXLiXMxW46mnEXbOeiu_IB_E1LvBfMi4SJ5YJKJ-WpH8DyD0jtEtw8g8_zSHxzMdt1lJmJg3KGV3-KRM/s640/20180728_185127.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The slow moving town and monsoon skies in the background.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDT20hJzQ5IyofXEypQqlmI2ZIkT_hm4PhzbXjdyO63cSXdo6zeBKIQuhgbiEWU5kFnhlSDU6aUKHPMJo8P_fTZKnJtHuWJkLANFeT0VoyxDm-TOYPelV2ovtssY7B8NcbU0UoYZ5rVI/s1600/20180728_185146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqDT20hJzQ5IyofXEypQqlmI2ZIkT_hm4PhzbXjdyO63cSXdo6zeBKIQuhgbiEWU5kFnhlSDU6aUKHPMJo8P_fTZKnJtHuWJkLANFeT0VoyxDm-TOYPelV2ovtssY7B8NcbU0UoYZ5rVI/s640/20180728_185146.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A town that refuses to die and in the process has found a second lease on life with tourism.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1Vq4KqSxtzf6urZswWniDcuoLKlxHP55cFhU8w2DbkxLKaeFy5F-Z_yPa8TOfEfPGQsSWrHZL1OvDQSeITwGdQYY_XdOENTt4Uz_hsudM-dwuoD0o5V0F4Ubu-iGI6fcCUPhH3svhSg/s1600/20180728_185317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1Vq4KqSxtzf6urZswWniDcuoLKlxHP55cFhU8w2DbkxLKaeFy5F-Z_yPa8TOfEfPGQsSWrHZL1OvDQSeITwGdQYY_XdOENTt4Uz_hsudM-dwuoD0o5V0F4Ubu-iGI6fcCUPhH3svhSg/s640/20180728_185317.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not too often one can see a real wild west prison.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYWfx-bvE-Qha_3nRdo9HuC3arhX8nmu1y4OnYcwsJCvpkAYPDeySgsf6gVLABB2CyTA1AK2QZNRgLFOzNJcXXgzvzwlWXsXcFwkiU0m48z2p1aGc9s75vBK91L0_-APIu_D5MvxcQo8/s1600/20180728_185336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYWfx-bvE-Qha_3nRdo9HuC3arhX8nmu1y4OnYcwsJCvpkAYPDeySgsf6gVLABB2CyTA1AK2QZNRgLFOzNJcXXgzvzwlWXsXcFwkiU0m48z2p1aGc9s75vBK91L0_-APIu_D5MvxcQo8/s640/20180728_185336.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Outhouse for two. I love it! I could talk with my wife and she couldn't leave.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7EICaANPZovqa1ZDwLJ4tIxyi-DHV0mUEnvoq8H295R8RyRrVSXAhhfGk3et1DwSsywQyLzk8HQTfEJqx-CPH4FCyEufd58AsytIlVCVg1BFWdfUeEOf5KtUD7f5y6ZbLSTcDExy9uw/s1600/20180728_190002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7EICaANPZovqa1ZDwLJ4tIxyi-DHV0mUEnvoq8H295R8RyRrVSXAhhfGk3et1DwSsywQyLzk8HQTfEJqx-CPH4FCyEufd58AsytIlVCVg1BFWdfUeEOf5KtUD7f5y6ZbLSTcDExy9uw/s640/20180728_190002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">As route 66 towns go, this place is affordable and authentic.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoTL3DFRciIWbbOjSNEvCZzaFCdspWHx5rtPx4TQ-ov8e2i9ivJNh8SnCFeBF03RqJK5VUhJVfy5Mf9woH1DzRGkBRUua_WsiARSzaRp2WWT_rfHQUxyzo4LTvVk8u3EVNt30Z4z3-V0/s1600/20180728_190144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoTL3DFRciIWbbOjSNEvCZzaFCdspWHx5rtPx4TQ-ov8e2i9ivJNh8SnCFeBF03RqJK5VUhJVfy5Mf9woH1DzRGkBRUua_WsiARSzaRp2WWT_rfHQUxyzo4LTvVk8u3EVNt30Z4z3-V0/s640/20180728_190144.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A bi-gone era.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatjTuyoQpgYrNKlIz6veL5Uwl1uexDDL_J5EAPpuGHkx390yrtNrAfMcmNc3JC5mJ5WDtId1IQ4UO3NDpC5-gi3A8i9J2rhy7Q3r9QLwPI93nuOwc9sGPM019y0zT3oo5LsUtXxyx3MU/s1600/20180728_190219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatjTuyoQpgYrNKlIz6veL5Uwl1uexDDL_J5EAPpuGHkx390yrtNrAfMcmNc3JC5mJ5WDtId1IQ4UO3NDpC5-gi3A8i9J2rhy7Q3r9QLwPI93nuOwc9sGPM019y0zT3oo5LsUtXxyx3MU/s640/20180728_190219.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Artistic, quirky? You tell me.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXjCva2hb53RdpOHqUuP6HUgRfRuK0Hf6wDTzodXABJ1vOhuX8V3B7u_Ica7awpMFPJg_KXvNWeNaOiXDF8xlzv6AwkaJNQF-0doFHX6Bq1Khiwu8VOb8yDL1l2OC1Hec7xIFkb9JQaQ/s640/20180728_190353.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The town does a great job of making fun of itself which I thought was great.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXjCva2hb53RdpOHqUuP6HUgRfRuK0Hf6wDTzodXABJ1vOhuX8V3B7u_Ica7awpMFPJg_KXvNWeNaOiXDF8xlzv6AwkaJNQF-0doFHX6Bq1Khiwu8VOb8yDL1l2OC1Hec7xIFkb9JQaQ/s1600/20180728_190353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV_zR2xt4IBWmRwgTSPx-Z1wWVwsT7PD3CKUbdgx5zJHpdDPgCLylMtb09UM9kdrLGZ4WjwlSoYJjKDtAexgyFiPv1ffU4unuT2NViyvvQO0RjYZyCzECF0L-33EVVkq6DulOSVLoy7g/s1600/20180728_195735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeV_zR2xt4IBWmRwgTSPx-Z1wWVwsT7PD3CKUbdgx5zJHpdDPgCLylMtb09UM9kdrLGZ4WjwlSoYJjKDtAexgyFiPv1ffU4unuT2NViyvvQO0RjYZyCzECF0L-33EVVkq6DulOSVLoy7g/s640/20180728_195735.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kids liked this ole wagon best. </span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-91195556808592638262018-08-05T12:53:00.000-07:002018-08-05T12:53:10.991-07:00Navigating our way out of California's infernos After leaving the redwoods with a better idea of what part of the country we'd like to focus on, we decided to drive hard, to the southwest. At the time we were leaving northern California, there were terrible and out of control wildfires stretching for more than 500 miles; from central Oregon deep into northern California. This posed a real problem for us leaving the coast and driving inland. Our rig length is so long that we could easily be trapped in the mountain passes if the winds suddenly changed direction. With the guidance of a local we were able to find a passage that had multiple escape routes, just in case.<br />
Fires were everywhere and the smoke was often as thick as fog. We drove with our windows closed and with our recirculating air conditioning on, for the entire ride. Then, out of nowhere I felt tremendous heat blaring through the driver's side window. Since Sierra was sitting just behind me I shouted, "Sierra do you feel the heat?" She blurted, "Yes!" The fires on the hillside were within 70 feet of our vehicle and the heat was so intense that we were uncomfortably hot inside of our air conditioned truck. Thankfully, we were driving at 50 mph so we were able to avoid catastrophe.<br />
The fires were so intense that windstorms were created, sucking debris into the flames from miles away. The inferno also created many huge fire tornadoes which lifted embers and other small accelerants high in the atmosphere, spreading the fire's fury, even further. We made it out of the mountains many hours later, thanks to the assistance of the many police and firefighters aiding the public along the way. Sadly, many people lost everything in the hardest hit communities and their tolls have yet to be tallied.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKs0T2U0ObY8EXH4qAsvk-rF3KKym-0V9UTOpFMl6UIu3O7kLGWd4Z-mIceZ0gx56NzcS8WPov9uxGFofU02xIIDxAYAN6cojf-nZc11D8ZSvjTIW4TIKx9QUWsDysSb__Qzayuj9ImA/s1600/20180727_172735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKs0T2U0ObY8EXH4qAsvk-rF3KKym-0V9UTOpFMl6UIu3O7kLGWd4Z-mIceZ0gx56NzcS8WPov9uxGFofU02xIIDxAYAN6cojf-nZc11D8ZSvjTIW4TIKx9QUWsDysSb__Qzayuj9ImA/s640/20180727_172735.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Smoke from the fires blocked out the sun.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3aXOyMp3a5NnOnNpWAtjvC2z_Juq4RnfoYo_nwCWNLMD6JL2aVnbH_ym8dhUT-kMryellXU3RZCECwiiWwnHMquTc5DzIn0N1KiAqH16cN8nEVIoczUXhdDQugFOoLz1SJMITbdKpIc/s1600/20180727_175010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3aXOyMp3a5NnOnNpWAtjvC2z_Juq4RnfoYo_nwCWNLMD6JL2aVnbH_ym8dhUT-kMryellXU3RZCECwiiWwnHMquTc5DzIn0N1KiAqH16cN8nEVIoczUXhdDQugFOoLz1SJMITbdKpIc/s640/20180727_175010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Horizons were grayed out. We never even stopped to photograph the flames because it was way too dangerous.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_1dSKwksMMa43hdMZl73LNdOtT1AbNpRI3W1qvbOpJprJEX9_TuWH9L4mi9Rjh-MHTgxNSuRg13KybTrxurKuhGI9O_CR_So4fXrkwtPX_iYIpAf4zvPRLMNBNqOi7Nfg3YbeW7YqOM/s1600/20180727_175021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_1dSKwksMMa43hdMZl73LNdOtT1AbNpRI3W1qvbOpJprJEX9_TuWH9L4mi9Rjh-MHTgxNSuRg13KybTrxurKuhGI9O_CR_So4fXrkwtPX_iYIpAf4zvPRLMNBNqOi7Nfg3YbeW7YqOM/s640/20180727_175021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the areas away from the fires visibility was about a mile; in the worst effected areas, visibility was measured in the hundreds of feet. </span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-12014054799456162742018-08-02T17:06:00.002-07:002018-08-04T14:17:12.495-07:00Wanting to live in a world where a 9 year old girl can go to the parkCoastal northern California is a beautiful place where nature abounds. We loved watching the sea life and hearing the sea birds squawk and screech. The coastline is relatively unspoiled and largely underpopulated. We loved the flora and fauna of the area.<br />
What caught us off guard, in northern California, was the the magnitude of the homeless problem. Starting in southern Oregon to Eureka, Cailfornia, and probably further down the coastline; homeless camps and the squalor ruined the ambiance in many places. I do not wish to cast aspersions as to why they are there or blame those who fall on hard times. Rather, how can we as a society claim to be rich, or first world, and neglect so many of our citizens at the same time. I realize that a large percentage of the homeless people are on drugs and may choose this life style but many are not. Whether they ended up on the street by their own design or not, they are human beings and we should do better in caring for them.<br />
For the first time in our 3.5 year journey of driving to Argentina and even to Canada, I felt that my daughter was threatened by a grown man. It occurred in Crescent City, California. My 9 year old, Zoe, urgently wanted to go to the playground and work off some energy. She was excited and decided to run ahead of Sierra and I, who chose to hold hands and chat on our way to the park. A scruffy and filthy middle aged man sprung out of the bushes about 15 feet ahead of Zoe and sized her up with his eyes, all the while while he was giggling and murmuring, "Ugh, uh, psst, ooo, hee hee." (You get the picture) Zoe immediately turned around and ran back to me in a panic. He continued to giggle uncontrollably in his intoxication, as we walked by. Problem is, he had three other very high and intoxicated male friends just behind him, on the grass. I bent over and whispered into the girls ears, "If anything should happen, run straight back to the RV and have mommy call 911. Okay?" They both nodded with crystal clarity.<br />
Thankfully nothing happened. But would that still have been the case if Zoe was by herself? The event frightened Zoe and Sierra to their cores. They felt guttural fear on a public beach, on a sunlit afternoon, and near a playground. That should never have happened, but it did, and the lawlessness of these public spaces went from the abstract to the very real, instantly. I wish not to harp on one state or another but truth be told we never even felt such predatory aggression in all of our travels through the Americas, until a beautiful seaside community, in northern California.<br />
I know we should teach our kids to be watchful, but how does that help a child when someone 3 times their size surprises them from the bushes? Shouldn't we punish the predators instead of the prey? Why is such open vagrancy allowed when signs are posted everywhere clearly saying that it is prohibited? Why aren't the homeless better taken care of? We struggle with so many questions? The richest country in the world can do better than we are doing. We have millions of people in need and too many of those are women and children.<br />
We spoke with many locals and most agreed that poverty and vagrancy are big issues. However, most are okay with the status quo because they know where the problem areas are and they avoid them. That's great for them, but what about us, unsuspecting, and innocent tourists? I have seen tremendous things on our journeys and as societies start to fall, they first do so by not caring about their neighbors. Eventually the "haves" wall themselves in from the "have nots" protecting themselves from the ugly world outside.<br />
The world is not ugly out there, our neglect is. We need to take our homeless problem seriously in the U.S. Those that should be incarcerated, should be. Those that need mental health care, should receive it. Those that need a helping hand, should receive it, and then some. We should all remember an old saying, "There too, but for the grace of God, go I."<br />
I know helping the homeless won't remove every predator, but we should all want to live in a world where a 9 years girl can go to the park and play, in peace and innocence. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sea otter tracks in the sand.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The view from our RV park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My beach girl of a daughter collecting driftwood. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zoe walking to the ocean in low tide.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXVI09ecp12COJAp9XA0iHllesgKnrJmHWs9ZxsBellMGA2KhB46aVJILMJYkUtWUmQ1iCrGj8F-67o3kDmYIjAuOe9c8q0eKehIwv8-W2C9idZLk_tPT6OsJP1HhLKlP8FF5uopm7KI/s1600/20180725_090640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXVI09ecp12COJAp9XA0iHllesgKnrJmHWs9ZxsBellMGA2KhB46aVJILMJYkUtWUmQ1iCrGj8F-67o3kDmYIjAuOe9c8q0eKehIwv8-W2C9idZLk_tPT6OsJP1HhLKlP8FF5uopm7KI/s640/20180725_090640.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking Paco is a good way to wake up in the morning.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Low tide in Crescent City, California. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpzuP93wYofZ4tOA4BGIRB8DneyN8ra47-h2PNLSpLX6A57EXmNb294XHPPvV4aANOfVwqXWOi-3VbETW7o7gXEqytGtK1YsUB-5Nh9R-KW0fyIShQnRwIedQZMdX25XwBPP_pPL0KJE/s1600/20180727_123835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpzuP93wYofZ4tOA4BGIRB8DneyN8ra47-h2PNLSpLX6A57EXmNb294XHPPvV4aANOfVwqXWOi-3VbETW7o7gXEqytGtK1YsUB-5Nh9R-KW0fyIShQnRwIedQZMdX25XwBPP_pPL0KJE/s640/20180727_123835.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The famous northern California coastline.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OlqIF2fZlLlb6DLmVCR1vmC7WcoaZSY-E5T0O7RkCTF-oijG9bsy0R586bsP6RzTJk0KhFHSwYd7jbxwv2f601N2OQNs0NLXsYqsEg84yjiCPIACWXAYSbjDzA25AWtoaXC3Qay8HxM/s1600/20180727_124344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OlqIF2fZlLlb6DLmVCR1vmC7WcoaZSY-E5T0O7RkCTF-oijG9bsy0R586bsP6RzTJk0KhFHSwYd7jbxwv2f601N2OQNs0NLXsYqsEg84yjiCPIACWXAYSbjDzA25AWtoaXC3Qay8HxM/s640/20180727_124344.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">California sea lions basking in the sun.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The natural beauty of Coastal N. Cal. in stunning.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-368081439216357582018-08-01T18:43:00.004-07:002018-08-01T18:43:43.197-07:00Feeling tiny in a forest of giants We learn so much in life when we see things first hand. As fate would have it, what we see has to fit into our perception of reality for us to comprehend those experiences. The older I get the more I realize that our experiences never fully blend together, like a milkshake, rather our experiences bind together like the threads of a quilt. I have always recommended, periodically taking a step back and checking out your life, as objectively as is possible. Take a moment to admire your life "quilt", and in that process you might find that a few added colors or textures might make your tapestry even better. <br />
Perspective matters in all things and feeling tiny in a forest of giants was a great place for us to start. We entered the Redwood National Forest knowing it would be a perfect retreat for us to think about our future and determine how we fit into those images. We found that forests can offer the serenity and peace needed to make clear decisions when they are needed most. Thankfully, while in the redwoods, we were able to narrow our options of a new home down to a few viable choices, and as a father and husband I'm okay with that.<br />
Our daughters initially gazed up and down the Goliath redwood trunks with wide open eyes, and they kept saying that the trees seemed so tall. After a couple hours, though, my daughters started commenting about how tiny they felt. The only thing that changed was their perspective and with it, their world grew bigger and their presence within it, smaller. Don't get me wrong, we are not trying to make our kids feel small. In parenting there is a fine line of encouraging uniqueness without making the child feel spoiled. Reality is, sometimes feeling tiny is awesome especially when you realize that you, alone, cannot carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.<br />
People who connect the best with others don't see themselves as bigger or grander, but equals. Any grandma making a Sunday meal has seen and heard it all. Yet, as they stir their sauces, with their secret ingredients, they're able to offer comfort and wisdom to anyone wishing to listen. A grandma's beauty lies in her ability to relate, not judge, and that is the essence of feeling equal.<br />
Perspective is a wonderful thing to show your children instead of telling them about it. They'll understand so much more if they hand a plate of food to a homeless person, instead of hearing about feeding the homeless. When kids see grand canyons or grand trees or grand love they instinctively know what it is. In fact, a child's imagination can probably see more natural beauty than we adults ever can. After all, most adults usually have one eye on the attraction and one eye on their watches to avoid traffic or other responsibilities. Children usually experience new things wholly, and with a magical degree of openness, and honesty. Trust a child's instincts when it comes to fun and not yours. You'll all be the better for it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibb8FrwOXQMgR6_eGnt3QO6W-YmV_q8jEWmhwmqGtHGGru9TXJvTcA1sMJXc-IhFN9-onh5h2cjTCXUXQyRMN2qbWT23rEIaLgYQmySmh2LvIeqOcr3altDWUGwIRSbhtyq_BrrFTd7Ss/s1600/20180727_111620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibb8FrwOXQMgR6_eGnt3QO6W-YmV_q8jEWmhwmqGtHGGru9TXJvTcA1sMJXc-IhFN9-onh5h2cjTCXUXQyRMN2qbWT23rEIaLgYQmySmh2LvIeqOcr3altDWUGwIRSbhtyq_BrrFTd7Ss/s640/20180727_111620.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zoe loves trees so much and it was a pleasure to show her this forest.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Real life playgrounds are better than man-made ones.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE2oqTE8SZXWoxvzGhJEgOCvvjKzpe2jziQKArOxt2jI4tNj45OzWrAY1nQ_n2kZxTrrtMZstfGdrxJ8tusDuKTuJ_RQeu7H4BsNog3GhyANZwn5ThcujhRV_l3ChYPAD6C5Nj5lVc0o/s1600/20180725_121617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE2oqTE8SZXWoxvzGhJEgOCvvjKzpe2jziQKArOxt2jI4tNj45OzWrAY1nQ_n2kZxTrrtMZstfGdrxJ8tusDuKTuJ_RQeu7H4BsNog3GhyANZwn5ThcujhRV_l3ChYPAD6C5Nj5lVc0o/s640/20180725_121617.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finding ourselves in the forest was a wonderful experience.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCqG-zEegOHbjEEa0_ncsAfeVjczSn6e8FP3PtGskrqpkEOhH4KlZYRbQXNWpcZzCeUgUVIfXgsiHdYAQVGvSff5gNYytqqzUUdbhP4-iMdAwP4QUxqa1n96-ilKTtrcasQgzW0hZsWc/s1600/20180725_122515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCqG-zEegOHbjEEa0_ncsAfeVjczSn6e8FP3PtGskrqpkEOhH4KlZYRbQXNWpcZzCeUgUVIfXgsiHdYAQVGvSff5gNYytqqzUUdbhP4-iMdAwP4QUxqa1n96-ilKTtrcasQgzW0hZsWc/s640/20180725_122515.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mamma leaning against the tree trying to make reservations for our next RV park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvzy6V-Y-V2YI76izK0CQtp0TqGR9Oeziu4cmMhjI2IlExBXk81hYPZEBZ9fi3qWHeCZxYttyEeV2orIyWrWlPRyjL3ZOgSZLpBr8U1i5G9i98vcm3VDu0dyuA3uhME4gAPwY4qzmsVE/s1600/20180725_122546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvzy6V-Y-V2YI76izK0CQtp0TqGR9Oeziu4cmMhjI2IlExBXk81hYPZEBZ9fi3qWHeCZxYttyEeV2orIyWrWlPRyjL3ZOgSZLpBr8U1i5G9i98vcm3VDu0dyuA3uhME4gAPwY4qzmsVE/s640/20180725_122546.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sierra counted the rings of this fallen tree that was cut to clear a path and she lost count. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYn7ub72B-kCx3aDmoPoss0TcPQh4fUkV20Ws4_h7SwDAEBHLwZn8_Llok80vSFZ_vmF2r-4iWqdKRvxuKie5KmeshmLyuwoD3RJXtuQDM_Uq5_Fmqo3quQunYmrK-cBkrVpiAyICTM-8/s1600/20180725_123840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYn7ub72B-kCx3aDmoPoss0TcPQh4fUkV20Ws4_h7SwDAEBHLwZn8_Llok80vSFZ_vmF2r-4iWqdKRvxuKie5KmeshmLyuwoD3RJXtuQDM_Uq5_Fmqo3quQunYmrK-cBkrVpiAyICTM-8/s640/20180725_123840.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We found 2 elusive banana slugs on our hike.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrt_iXPG7ZLV0epXm2TBIRJ3hp5tZpWbWVhhLPm7c0L_vmoZnxzkn1A51XKXkFwimIKqaHaKC6OC6wL1IoeRVxz11otiJ-nbu7zkPzO5O5L61MDWT608ISzfegOlux02unzwDwaesBqU/s1600/20180727_102809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrt_iXPG7ZLV0epXm2TBIRJ3hp5tZpWbWVhhLPm7c0L_vmoZnxzkn1A51XKXkFwimIKqaHaKC6OC6wL1IoeRVxz11otiJ-nbu7zkPzO5O5L61MDWT608ISzfegOlux02unzwDwaesBqU/s640/20180727_102809.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">How often can you drive through a tree?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx5oLfZgYSgCV6YxMkV85tkRXD6tpsmcg6QkzUKcqeqspJIfosD7o4Ddrwl6ir4_x16vGisZYuS5qiqiSvBXk0O2HA-rJuOW8FGK-OQTfrLXrFQWNZiwCwsUdYTJWNywdJ1QsO9SG6l4/s1600/20180727_105738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQx5oLfZgYSgCV6YxMkV85tkRXD6tpsmcg6QkzUKcqeqspJIfosD7o4Ddrwl6ir4_x16vGisZYuS5qiqiSvBXk0O2HA-rJuOW8FGK-OQTfrLXrFQWNZiwCwsUdYTJWNywdJ1QsO9SG6l4/s640/20180727_105738.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our free-spirited Sierra having fun.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzq0JDmUjmi1ullb2V6DFrhw7W0gaPn8utOoNi77croMgKvPn2P0kRaNHBGMiq9WtaazHe6eGt4L1asmvIRL-qWmKLHGnUSbqIPbtPqviHRxqptXyVIxy6iwkUh4dekoDVe2E3CKEzuE/s1600/20180727_105814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzq0JDmUjmi1ullb2V6DFrhw7W0gaPn8utOoNi77croMgKvPn2P0kRaNHBGMiq9WtaazHe6eGt4L1asmvIRL-qWmKLHGnUSbqIPbtPqviHRxqptXyVIxy6iwkUh4dekoDVe2E3CKEzuE/s640/20180727_105814.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The scale of the trees is hard to show without something to compare them to.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYUWjV_pFpIKK5zUmwmKEtx4do1Kvj1RBpoxFaBLLObROdQDQsiQgQBi0ohvgRXGF7Ui2qQvWId8Orz4HoZ4nTO13VBPgboOOz2zjK56878G5vnJ_WIXxufsUeKZb9eqMz5uNvWYwXBw/s1600/20180727_110332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcYUWjV_pFpIKK5zUmwmKEtx4do1Kvj1RBpoxFaBLLObROdQDQsiQgQBi0ohvgRXGF7Ui2qQvWId8Orz4HoZ4nTO13VBPgboOOz2zjK56878G5vnJ_WIXxufsUeKZb9eqMz5uNvWYwXBw/s640/20180727_110332.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even the fallen trees start regrowing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFi-PRvkNqw8gBd4RyQt3qb8Ixg8siUQH9gEcTADn5RjsObsN5tLQWIdclLhgGc44yS1KRorjlbWBvYYMoKobObClUYR8y_xI0ZRLj7zM1D8MIy5v3npke7sP_c2ji7L1EuY1LJtRzDg/s1600/20180727_111744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFi-PRvkNqw8gBd4RyQt3qb8Ixg8siUQH9gEcTADn5RjsObsN5tLQWIdclLhgGc44yS1KRorjlbWBvYYMoKobObClUYR8y_xI0ZRLj7zM1D8MIy5v3npke7sP_c2ji7L1EuY1LJtRzDg/s640/20180727_111744.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saplings remove what nutrients they can from the decaying plant matter to grow anew.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTnNu4X50gZJIyoZVp5Jfccc6TTTq0Sr82KlvTEY1fw1VMHtV0XNzTJz2cbTBybSISALF3Sd9gw7RAEu5uQYFS8zZFhB4_Flp_85LVinAjgz9PQZqhXuWogfm2YvPlwwW4td4Qmpx7Xw/s1600/20180727_113932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZTnNu4X50gZJIyoZVp5Jfccc6TTTq0Sr82KlvTEY1fw1VMHtV0XNzTJz2cbTBybSISALF3Sd9gw7RAEu5uQYFS8zZFhB4_Flp_85LVinAjgz9PQZqhXuWogfm2YvPlwwW4td4Qmpx7Xw/s640/20180727_113932.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My photographer daughter taking pictures of wild elk.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfMnJwltXjWUxCHvsVSSkYAVKA4JLPzwC744qnm6SYvLWLnDd78RC1B6NK-Cio1ENICYEAzq_AlaTTaQ5l6I4guOtlMnCY4DLBeN7XC2_2Us0neUg8MyUI3dhLH37nC1NQQ8r2hmZwsY/s1600/20180727_114435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfMnJwltXjWUxCHvsVSSkYAVKA4JLPzwC744qnm6SYvLWLnDd78RC1B6NK-Cio1ENICYEAzq_AlaTTaQ5l6I4guOtlMnCY4DLBeN7XC2_2Us0neUg8MyUI3dhLH37nC1NQQ8r2hmZwsY/s640/20180727_114435.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The wild elk eventually came within 20 feet of us.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF5Cd1hL5XFP-CUgRkOLhuTX4ar_76AgbEY2dYFvvA0iKNPZVzZi57S8PJar9CL3sXy8gIr_k4XFML-hPA6FVZkZkTpexUX-O2_UY7aBI75ikh0ufOmbR7rC5ecZGahbcMbDwPTGbk6w/s1600/20180725_122037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF5Cd1hL5XFP-CUgRkOLhuTX4ar_76AgbEY2dYFvvA0iKNPZVzZi57S8PJar9CL3sXy8gIr_k4XFML-hPA6FVZkZkTpexUX-O2_UY7aBI75ikh0ufOmbR7rC5ecZGahbcMbDwPTGbk6w/s640/20180725_122037.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Standing on a fallen behemoth.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3rKQIWk8xcyd2vA6SUoLYWBIpdJXh0AyGcD3qfg0GdFL7pWqw_JCtbuf7qD1L7983zZvVtrQUg_xeJwYTCQWnygXx5qwg5EqCSAP40iirQDoNn61B0EKBE-2XPRl1DLfBsBPvhFWlCk/s1600/20180725_114422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3rKQIWk8xcyd2vA6SUoLYWBIpdJXh0AyGcD3qfg0GdFL7pWqw_JCtbuf7qD1L7983zZvVtrQUg_xeJwYTCQWnygXx5qwg5EqCSAP40iirQDoNn61B0EKBE-2XPRl1DLfBsBPvhFWlCk/s640/20180725_114422.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tree-huggers that hug together stay together.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-47720110342192076072018-08-01T11:01:00.000-07:002018-08-01T11:01:27.639-07:00The river of dreamsAs we navigated our way through the northern portion of the redwood forest we stumbled across this emerald green river. Zoe stretched her 4.5 foot tall body as much as she could while being restrained by her seat beat and shouted, "I want to swim there!" Sierra, looked out the window and sighed, "Wow, that is sooo beautiful."<br />
We stopped at the very next place that could accommodate our 54 foot long truck and trailer combo. My kids were as excited as any children waking up on a Christmas morning. They sprinted for the edge of the canyon and Elise shouted, "Wait for us, we need to stay together!" Since I was fussing with Paco, I told Elise to just go on without me and I'll catch up later. As Paco was tugging on his leash, leading me on a search for the perfect tree to pee on, I heard my wife and daughters giggle and talk excitedly all the way down to the river. "Daddy, it's beautiful!" shouted one of my daughters as it was echoing off the valley walls.<br />
Finally, Paco relieved himself on a redwood sapling and we were able to scale down the trail to meet up with my girls. In their excitement to get to the river's edge, my children forgot to bring their bathing suits with them. They didn't want to leave the river even for a moment so they decided to plunge into the cool mountain waters, fully clothed. They swam in what Sierra shouted, "The river of dreams."<br />
My wife kept a watchful eye on the kids and heard them saying how refreshing the water was, so she decided to hop in fully clothed and join them. There they were, all three of my girls swimming in the water and for the rest of the afternoon there was only rule, have fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_xypeiD2Ej43rxL_8U2TvgII_ySUWaS1Khd9ZFrCMh7nCLxeXtl_UhwrnHeVspoJYy2FU_7WnHnbXEUFwlHPqr_75UcJTNLd4IXpgz_XN0XWTJlULlA2jtPNHuUC7_LFoEdOu8SAsSI/s1600/20180724_140812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_xypeiD2Ej43rxL_8U2TvgII_ySUWaS1Khd9ZFrCMh7nCLxeXtl_UhwrnHeVspoJYy2FU_7WnHnbXEUFwlHPqr_75UcJTNLd4IXpgz_XN0XWTJlULlA2jtPNHuUC7_LFoEdOu8SAsSI/s640/20180724_140812.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seeing such natural beauty is wonderful.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dgqBT-SjI-Q6bkaGG0lpwJZqV6q4hvl55_wKzadrQK2Fre27r4FA5Io1-K45q7SyLbgerLwUvCFuFH95jjffXkUutSwgHSKr9F_w7ok-N8vaKHPRkOCnUZ-j1Rdc_1P0nQqQojnJ6ug/s640/20180724_141707.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The waters shimmered like the Mediterranean sea.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dgqBT-SjI-Q6bkaGG0lpwJZqV6q4hvl55_wKzadrQK2Fre27r4FA5Io1-K45q7SyLbgerLwUvCFuFH95jjffXkUutSwgHSKr9F_w7ok-N8vaKHPRkOCnUZ-j1Rdc_1P0nQqQojnJ6ug/s1600/20180724_141707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-v8fFT0e7frSmuY2cE0IMFiNA7kn_PqG1Zbd5Sfk9EzBbN7E1nqr2OwFzuZPX47QbuMscDIYoiseYayKnxFAM179pNlvZRrVQ3MQK9swvkkN9rLpQYbrDD8yDaRt1Y6nePo4flq61jQ/s1600/20180724_141729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-v8fFT0e7frSmuY2cE0IMFiNA7kn_PqG1Zbd5Sfk9EzBbN7E1nqr2OwFzuZPX47QbuMscDIYoiseYayKnxFAM179pNlvZRrVQ3MQK9swvkkN9rLpQYbrDD8yDaRt1Y6nePo4flq61jQ/s640/20180724_141729.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The decision to jump into the water was made.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_x8DyLWFvvn1VQXgxH39OxkwQ8nnp7QSuC-4HaIrh53GdIYQLouVwf8Zo51-FymwN25wbxSWil0f5dzj3KJjTONYm_3Pt-CkNZb72YJzrJfufikuhJog_3P5RmiCukId8TkIAXRbMMU/s1600/20180724_142647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_x8DyLWFvvn1VQXgxH39OxkwQ8nnp7QSuC-4HaIrh53GdIYQLouVwf8Zo51-FymwN25wbxSWil0f5dzj3KJjTONYm_3Pt-CkNZb72YJzrJfufikuhJog_3P5RmiCukId8TkIAXRbMMU/s640/20180724_142647.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Loving the moment in the river of dreams.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKWmaasQ0-ChJenBzG4NBW8BQy-ddJ8jE85WbPsADQwB5-_kA8y-ndWAVRxZ8btBknHzsrGDJE5CZyV46fYJs77BeJcpBDImuxJZOV7L1dwx6mgc4hkWObm_otvDIjvnjWxgF5KypgLY/s1600/20180724_142835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKWmaasQ0-ChJenBzG4NBW8BQy-ddJ8jE85WbPsADQwB5-_kA8y-ndWAVRxZ8btBknHzsrGDJE5CZyV46fYJs77BeJcpBDImuxJZOV7L1dwx6mgc4hkWObm_otvDIjvnjWxgF5KypgLY/s640/20180724_142835.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't know how mommy does it but her hair always remains dry. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbOFxilTCDYHBIpBoaaK1ScOgzFHX-yl-d5JW-mgZtlZqbMkGv3MTNxW9nCUVknQnztkAmGh9dc2g5FmYotgU7vAdUaTP3Tva13DfwB4ZECpUoefJ8hbAnfWmPOWHr3PrfIr10tno8HY/s1600/20180724_143122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbOFxilTCDYHBIpBoaaK1ScOgzFHX-yl-d5JW-mgZtlZqbMkGv3MTNxW9nCUVknQnztkAmGh9dc2g5FmYotgU7vAdUaTP3Tva13DfwB4ZECpUoefJ8hbAnfWmPOWHr3PrfIr10tno8HY/s640/20180724_143122.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paco liked the river too, but he especially liked the redwood saplings that he peed on.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPe6QwW6amajyPpx2Wph5qgNXtL4-E8kKe-i1sKLF9rGKwLBAshPoMbUI2stKodyqkUDuCkI-dCClQvUKAjPMZ2MsJ1m5NJa966OmUSlqwmx36R8G7_87r9nTPOUJTp-p3TOKBw_cljo/s1600/20180724_143736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPe6QwW6amajyPpx2Wph5qgNXtL4-E8kKe-i1sKLF9rGKwLBAshPoMbUI2stKodyqkUDuCkI-dCClQvUKAjPMZ2MsJ1m5NJa966OmUSlqwmx36R8G7_87r9nTPOUJTp-p3TOKBw_cljo/s640/20180724_143736.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Little did we know at the time, but Elise was brought here as a child, nearly 40 years ago, when her parents had a similar adventure. History can sometimes repeats itself in the most subtle of ways. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My initial view through the forest, hearing the echos of my wife and kids giggling in the valley below. </span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-80562638690607756812018-07-31T18:11:00.002-07:002018-08-04T14:28:48.619-07:00Life is what happens to you...<div>
After nearly 500 entries in our blog, this is our first post, not in sequential order. This entry marks a stark transition in our U.S. road trip to find a new city to live. Since coming back to the states three months ago we have felt, for the lack of a better word, homeless. The purpose of this road trip was two fold, find a new community to call home and a business that we would like to run. </div>
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We have driven far and wide, covering many thousands of miles over the last 3 months. We had the awesome pleasure of combining sightseeing along the way, to break up the drive. Still, we didn't have a home, and still most of the places didn't fit. Do you remember what it was like to date? Right person, wrong time, or visa versa or something just didn't click. Imagine dating family-style, where each person is giving input? Though it has been tough on us at times, we are getting closer to the perfect match, where everyone gets something that they want. Once we started to coalesce on an area, our drive then focused on narrow belt in New Mexico and Colorado </div>
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While driving east on interstate 10, in New Mexico, a fast moving dark cloud approached the highway. Vehicles pulled over and parked or, like us, were in the process of parking. Golf ball size rain drops started pummeling us and in quick order hail, the size of pepper corns started to ping on the windows our roof. Darkness came quickly and then it was impossible to see anything outside of our windows. Our visibility was 100% gone, we couldn't even see the reflection of our headlights on the clouds. The truck started to shake violently, and my daughters and wife screamed as loud as they could in total panic. We felt weightless for a moment and then a sudden jerking pull on the truck. The girls were screaming and talking so fast with each other about what just happened. Elise shouted, "The trailer flipped" though we still could not see anything outside. </div>
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The blackness quickly broke and the sky turned into the normal dark and grey rainy day that we all know. We had no idea that our truck was still suspended in the air by our load stabilizing bar and chain, which was still connected to the trailer. We were all stunned and my wife and girls were sobbing. The rain was pouring, and through the drops we saw that another RV had been thrown 20 feet off the road and had flipped. I jumped out of my dangling truck to see if the occupants were all right. Many good people joined in the effort to free the two trapped older people and their son. The rain continued to come down in buckets. Once we freed the passengers in the RV, I started to get hypothermia and had to climb back up into my dangling truck and turn on the heater. The kids and Elise were going between frantic rapid talking and deeply emotional crying. They stayed in the truck because of the rain and the fact that we were blocking half of the interstate. </div>
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Once the rain stopped my family hopped out of the truck so that we could assess our damages a little better. Our trailer's back end was picked up by the wind and moved 25 to 30 feet and crashed on it's side. Since we were still connected to the trailer our eastbound facing truck was yanked and ended up pointing northward after it was all over. The police and other first responders said this was the best accident they saw all year, citing how most end with major injuries or worse. In fact, it was the highway accident unit, officer that let us know that both vehicles were lifted and fell over and gave us the measurements. The other RV was a class C and weighed 25,000 lbs. and is also a total loss. </div>
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We are so fortunate that we had all of our animals in our truck at the time of the accident. As luck would have it, we brought the cats into the truck in Tucson, AZ. because the heat was getting to a point where the cats would be uncomfortable in the trailer, without AC. That simple act probably saved our cats lives. Otherwise this would have been a devastating outcome for my kids and a heart wrenching post to write about losing best friends. Life is so much more precious and irreplaceable and we mustn't ever forget that. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Moments like this serve as punctuation points in life.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good Samaritans helping trapped people.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNqlN4q8FVgf5xvUWCFrf9aXMNGa2vJJ8f_nuXdZzUxktMUPJurVqurZLroITc_FHSmq3Gn1dh7z1_nrFbvO3mS1gkKufSCYPyHxxjNM4vYSGhsMRdV2DeFGdeo1h0nlK-wrgjpZ-KeM/s1600/IMG-20180729-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNqlN4q8FVgf5xvUWCFrf9aXMNGa2vJJ8f_nuXdZzUxktMUPJurVqurZLroITc_FHSmq3Gn1dh7z1_nrFbvO3mS1gkKufSCYPyHxxjNM4vYSGhsMRdV2DeFGdeo1h0nlK-wrgjpZ-KeM/s640/IMG-20180729-WA0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">That queasy floating feeling.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SSNU51tEAx762c9c2x1KMa2NsrguWIziUO3sRbwV_Efjih6VRR8wYtqsR6NSP-C9BmL6HRMIPqwFNI9cKG61tf9Wzz-JNdHO7gvJjJt6i2IilRQYH8p8XTTOxp5BaKzDSOP_c3r58cQ/s1600/IMG-20180729-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SSNU51tEAx762c9c2x1KMa2NsrguWIziUO3sRbwV_Efjih6VRR8wYtqsR6NSP-C9BmL6HRMIPqwFNI9cKG61tf9Wzz-JNdHO7gvJjJt6i2IilRQYH8p8XTTOxp5BaKzDSOP_c3r58cQ/s640/IMG-20180729-WA0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We blocked interstate 10 for more than 2 hours.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ElHO4YGPAwQosK3jVnLgluaonyzZg8VA2rC-FsP2vwZs1whCCu7fq3xn1OigfSu1qtamy-Fc78U0Ng5bORFJUzUO2Pbl5ipYbtw5RG1IJjT3fMekt8rCCrqtcs-VKfuJPpUqE5lrSjY/s1600/IMG-20180729-WA0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ElHO4YGPAwQosK3jVnLgluaonyzZg8VA2rC-FsP2vwZs1whCCu7fq3xn1OigfSu1qtamy-Fc78U0Ng5bORFJUzUO2Pbl5ipYbtw5RG1IJjT3fMekt8rCCrqtcs-VKfuJPpUqE5lrSjY/s640/IMG-20180729-WA0003.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the rain stopped the kids got out of the truck to inspect the damage.</span></td></tr>
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As John Lennon aptly wrote in his song, Beautiful Boy, "Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans." As a family, we are intently and earnestly trying to find a place where all can be happy. Who can predict that this would happen? However, happen it can and it did. </div>
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We are an extremely close family where all is out on the table all of the time. I know my daughters benefit from seeing unfiltered reality but sometimes it cuts too close to the bone. My daughters have given up so many favorites and yet are still happy. Favorite toys, favorite shirts, and favorite friends have all been lost. As parents, Elise and I feel guilty about their sacrifices and yet our daughters are thriving, proving that there is a mismatch between our expectations and what truly makes children happy. We have come to realize that kids need love and attention above all, period. Thankfully, we can give that to them in abundance. </div>
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Tragedy can strike any household but the response to it is what starts the healing process or delays it. For us, sadly, we are all too familiar with loss after losing our home to wildfires in 2011, and after that leaving our relatively new belongings in 2015 for a chance at living a dream, in Latin America. Honestly speaking, loss is loss, whether it burns or floods or deemed a total loss due to an accident, it's gone and the contents deeply missed.</div>
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Learning to let go is crucial to a happy life and though we don't want to admit it, everything is temporal. Loss is the most important lesson I want my daughters to learn after love. Loss can teach us so much about what is really important, that is, if we listen to our hearts. My children have taken losing their home, yet again, with stride and acceptance, though it has been tough. </div>
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For you parents out there, imagine going into your child's room with a big bucket of sewage water and splash it at random (computer is not off limits). Just splash the bucket of dirty water in your child's room and then say with conviction, that they can only keep half of what they own and only have an hour to decide. My daughters were given that same ultimatum, not because we don't love them, but because their world shrunk from a 250 square foot mobile tiny house on wheels to a 32 square foot truck bed. Some of the stuff was filthy yet contained such sentimental value that we had to salvage it. Items that were financially valuable but not sentimental were separated in the "Maybe, if we have enough room" pile. Perfectly good items and food were rejected because we did not have enough space to move them. We did not even consider a U-Haul trailer because we have no home to move the stuff to. Where do we haul this stuff? The freedom of our situation sometimes bears a weight that is too difficult to describe. </div>
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Zoe said, "Dad, I don't want all of this stuff to go to the dump, we should donate it!" In our time of tremendous loss and uncertainty my daughter thought of others. I was so touched, because moving on initially starts in the form of letting go. She offered us a bridge, a bridge of common sense. To us, the kitchen supplies, bicycles, toys, and countless personal objects still meant something to us, so giving them away was both emotional and cathartic. Our items that we gave away were less than 3 months old and were bought with intention, after all we are settling down again.</div>
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Our truck loads of donations were eventually made to a transitional living non profit that helps integrate people back to self sufficiency. I am certain that the circle of life has our happy faces somewhere on that big sphere of love. Either, way we were happy to help because as Zoe said, "It's the right thing to do." </div>
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What remains for us are precious items that we brought from Nicaragua, mementos from a simpler time. As we embark on this journey for a new home we laugh plenty, are bewildered often, and cry both tears of sorrow and joy frequently. We are living without walls, without stuff and without regret. We just want a place to call home, a place that means something to our souls. Is that too much to ask? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are lucky we did not end up like the car next to us. Though the damage does not look horrible from afar, when you get close the damage is unending. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everything flew and leaked inside the RV.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cleaning out the RV at the salvage yard the next day.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrWmMpRTNBkYK9IYOVyRIhawNNKbNcY3AwG2Lm2bnkNZyexJ4fvOKZeVzswc-zn4O0p3UShsAagTUK_WJ4ZOGiaoJZ1hnpk9l7znBfvGU5bIoBckK_MZgiq6Sj0P1O-2cNm9gctyyYfo/s1600/20180730_100100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIrWmMpRTNBkYK9IYOVyRIhawNNKbNcY3AwG2Lm2bnkNZyexJ4fvOKZeVzswc-zn4O0p3UShsAagTUK_WJ4ZOGiaoJZ1hnpk9l7znBfvGU5bIoBckK_MZgiq6Sj0P1O-2cNm9gctyyYfo/s640/20180730_100100.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sierra and Zoe tried gathering their most prized processions. It was heartbreaking listening to them explain the sentimental value of each object that was damaged by the rain or sewage.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHBhc1FqZI3Lx4tfLwkoQRufnguMgviiamnl7hYE1KRRpcJCssRLWUJd7ow335pzRqzeUDBtDxO5HVgJo1oHEsR99-y7QPIJ9EpLIYZYBWpmVzHuGElx-BVU78McibK7OgwuH8apmYno/s1600/20180730_114431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHBhc1FqZI3Lx4tfLwkoQRufnguMgviiamnl7hYE1KRRpcJCssRLWUJd7ow335pzRqzeUDBtDxO5HVgJo1oHEsR99-y7QPIJ9EpLIYZYBWpmVzHuGElx-BVU78McibK7OgwuH8apmYno/s640/20180730_114431.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Giving our items a second chance at a worthy cause.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaslcYczUyK9BpVrGJC-nf-MUf1vM8kkV1B1Oz30eYu-RswCXGlJQ6-bzZjOU-zdMw51fLeWgWac0QaDQgj_cVzXNnJRQm7ay3gj9-dlT7zUmJ9AuyjExzLWROUBtDEjBf-DyegqBxE0w/s1600/20180730_123618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaslcYczUyK9BpVrGJC-nf-MUf1vM8kkV1B1Oz30eYu-RswCXGlJQ6-bzZjOU-zdMw51fLeWgWac0QaDQgj_cVzXNnJRQm7ay3gj9-dlT7zUmJ9AuyjExzLWROUBtDEjBf-DyegqBxE0w/s640/20180730_123618.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our hotel room acting like a triage unit for our personal belongings.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdlB1ubEGUcwcA2vMul7eKLQmKHQxEbZlXikN9x9kYOGDZfr6X11MC2oSS6wJI_uEll7L2zIL3RiKzThDRYJwTRs9BCvU13NKN4TnBUjOBau1TRXcibo6YUnJzIzsgz9qmrtRHKQzT9A/s1600/20180730_123639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdlB1ubEGUcwcA2vMul7eKLQmKHQxEbZlXikN9x9kYOGDZfr6X11MC2oSS6wJI_uEll7L2zIL3RiKzThDRYJwTRs9BCvU13NKN4TnBUjOBau1TRXcibo6YUnJzIzsgz9qmrtRHKQzT9A/s640/20180730_123639.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spilled outside our hotel room while separating keep and not keeping piles.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkk_wViqXe2Cmes7QC8x7wsGOKD1pCDyUIPpizdZUsIiMEoyA4r89pAZstuwJXYaXXAjDQQPaiicQ1lYYB291p0CL5FoabEeYp8K-kiSZ36OQqlalXsEkK6WLrOiNhXfugK-PhEq4twk/s1600/20180731_100801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkk_wViqXe2Cmes7QC8x7wsGOKD1pCDyUIPpizdZUsIiMEoyA4r89pAZstuwJXYaXXAjDQQPaiicQ1lYYB291p0CL5FoabEeYp8K-kiSZ36OQqlalXsEkK6WLrOiNhXfugK-PhEq4twk/s640/20180731_100801.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our most important possessions and our pets survived and that is what is the most important. </span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj1XvYpWo0My5q_nrx38lPzVR82hzx5K1VU9Hr26IjzdSkX8zRzB_bEJlN46kjnU8ss6kz6xVPQk9vBU1dFa4jvZoAihDG2_Sr_d8RafiWvM1aVnQfo9HcHt1mi5rULFBATK0CbBqKMc/s1600/20180731_100627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj1XvYpWo0My5q_nrx38lPzVR82hzx5K1VU9Hr26IjzdSkX8zRzB_bEJlN46kjnU8ss6kz6xVPQk9vBU1dFa4jvZoAihDG2_Sr_d8RafiWvM1aVnQfo9HcHt1mi5rULFBATK0CbBqKMc/s640/20180731_100627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">From 250 square feet to 32 square feet, and our new reality.</span></td></tr>
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4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-50597095692588834672018-07-30T17:49:00.000-07:002018-07-30T17:49:29.944-07:00Elegant VictoriaAs cities go, Victoria is a class act and if I were younger or more metropolitan I'd love to call this city home. However, I am neither young nor metropolitan so this city is perfect for a vacation and we would happily revisit this place in the future. This city has a vibrant international flare, is compact, and not too expensive. Victoria is a perfect blend of modern, traditional and seaside cultures. In the U.S. elegant cities like this have been discovered and are both congested and expensive.<br />
Size does matter, and Victoria's urban sprawl is contained, thus far. So for a family to walk along the harbor, have lunch, and stroll between points of interest is totally feasible. And... if it is doable for a family with youngsters, it's also doable for young lovers on their date nights too. Hence, my original comment about being young in an elegant city like this; It would be wonderful to be young here. There wasn't a seedy-side of town that was readily apparent. Sure there are homeless people here and urban poor but the edginess and scowls were absent. I don't know how Canada does it but even the beggars are polite. Experiencing a larger city, like this, without animus from strangers is "old school cool" and we will not soon forget this place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIyF4iy6XmaL9mOX3BVVY4ut-QRN8t54qspEm61nkkq1YtoZa8hyphenhyphenvaqUvBCZgi_QG-_HkRzM0X-DTwb191X3JWnEPo12hWKwTpI22Xh5-TV234A6XvAaTcl8hXxl_6tEvPqyM29G90pA/s1600/20180722_165212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIyF4iy6XmaL9mOX3BVVY4ut-QRN8t54qspEm61nkkq1YtoZa8hyphenhyphenvaqUvBCZgi_QG-_HkRzM0X-DTwb191X3JWnEPo12hWKwTpI22Xh5-TV234A6XvAaTcl8hXxl_6tEvPqyM29G90pA/s640/20180722_165212.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Harbor views are wonderful</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdnONtrBnagtLhNzlGjOGoY7QklhOPsMekdu979WHQYaGJ86qVltw90C8Z8kiOqGhQH-fnbkEKD6AJelft-qoTT3O2TSD52yaDHSjstPdaFtZVKjzWgaoUr3v9qzBDA4bKFwNVSFm3u8/s1600/20180722_124715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdnONtrBnagtLhNzlGjOGoY7QklhOPsMekdu979WHQYaGJ86qVltw90C8Z8kiOqGhQH-fnbkEKD6AJelft-qoTT3O2TSD52yaDHSjstPdaFtZVKjzWgaoUr3v9qzBDA4bKFwNVSFm3u8/s640/20180722_124715.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The RV park that we stayed at while in Victoria harbor.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrWSD7Jw_ub7uc-VHbYinmvfypm34kvzC71DME8-artv3jvAIzk0-XJWylVjOMumhavNpqcSvN3a6AnQvPriui1ig3PmwoJdM7_mUN3_16RnD6SvGrXinApi52-QjXYgR0K6ZWYKOrko/s1600/20180722_124943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrWSD7Jw_ub7uc-VHbYinmvfypm34kvzC71DME8-artv3jvAIzk0-XJWylVjOMumhavNpqcSvN3a6AnQvPriui1ig3PmwoJdM7_mUN3_16RnD6SvGrXinApi52-QjXYgR0K6ZWYKOrko/s640/20180722_124943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A creative and affordable way to live is on these designer house boats.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynsuc5kJI_JHuo5QyEhitxd-qjkrZlLW-h55zs2dKJZYopeYLTnJpRbvMA2HgcMjC9KqMOwa2yEuhf8X5ol3G8tshO2vw7ddjl490CdiFs0We5vrvnucy1IQpGz9vXuyL3HvCnBWRTeY/s1600/20180722_163933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynsuc5kJI_JHuo5QyEhitxd-qjkrZlLW-h55zs2dKJZYopeYLTnJpRbvMA2HgcMjC9KqMOwa2yEuhf8X5ol3G8tshO2vw7ddjl490CdiFs0We5vrvnucy1IQpGz9vXuyL3HvCnBWRTeY/s640/20180722_163933.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Late 19th century construction in town.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lM40z3Z1bE3rhKwXFr93aIH5EzCTFzjIgUKz9k9hEyJoVWIW-5qRGM_Vn_RLJB6v41geo5c6oBLcZfpFVrR-sIVLTnQKd0GwF2Ws8DvC-rE_qw8lTSG_DhJkgzarJ8m_qGAqtiBO9VA/s1600/20180722_164302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lM40z3Z1bE3rhKwXFr93aIH5EzCTFzjIgUKz9k9hEyJoVWIW-5qRGM_Vn_RLJB6v41geo5c6oBLcZfpFVrR-sIVLTnQKd0GwF2Ws8DvC-rE_qw8lTSG_DhJkgzarJ8m_qGAqtiBO9VA/s640/20180722_164302.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clean and beautiful streets.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjpgJlkk0TTqFXzQh5e73MqFLX_Kx0anH5LlZYwRnmpuo4rDo2-TQ5-QOz0xiAVk41wuIZksmehWhik6rsfIANqsLjOjjODpnGsA9g4nOiAYtLTSLLCbkz6J8DujF_UdVfKXC1Q72MAs/s1600/20180722_165218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjpgJlkk0TTqFXzQh5e73MqFLX_Kx0anH5LlZYwRnmpuo4rDo2-TQ5-QOz0xiAVk41wuIZksmehWhik6rsfIANqsLjOjjODpnGsA9g4nOiAYtLTSLLCbkz6J8DujF_UdVfKXC1Q72MAs/s640/20180722_165218.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boats ferried people everywhere.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM7KAn1B0yx9UKNU7wvVkxldxogJHXWvV2MqXCRgGiZypBD2rKhSOxjXOnasbeJ21qQef4BexWKVcpCa9iH2e4ggYJ9w8tXc6PinlHZoAGJrIFN8SDWQInDgruscCYeGAjUHKg47ItYY/s1600/20180722_165428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZM7KAn1B0yx9UKNU7wvVkxldxogJHXWvV2MqXCRgGiZypBD2rKhSOxjXOnasbeJ21qQef4BexWKVcpCa9iH2e4ggYJ9w8tXc6PinlHZoAGJrIFN8SDWQInDgruscCYeGAjUHKg47ItYY/s640/20180722_165428.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful park like settings.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIOhni-iqa6OdTO0d_eXVAnyziDqC8JbjFZtKq_DO7QK7xaDVj3h1cvPUpvf2xYcDNJC8myWzAwWuV4PJs0WzkonZ0u_taYODMBVU-WMh7gF2Q8Lp1UkN80uMLPac4K6MF3FGdbUEyCk/s1600/20180722_170028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIOhni-iqa6OdTO0d_eXVAnyziDqC8JbjFZtKq_DO7QK7xaDVj3h1cvPUpvf2xYcDNJC8myWzAwWuV4PJs0WzkonZ0u_taYODMBVU-WMh7gF2Q8Lp1UkN80uMLPac4K6MF3FGdbUEyCk/s640/20180722_170028.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A wonderful bed and breakfast on the harbor.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sKqfevbtKquGUM2YpzO0Lqcsc59fPJX7-ufd0Ab1EwPXbu1JLW8gpzy5R0kPt6swchP4rRAsfM8HpNNV-o222ZlMyRVQiJvCKTiIQCey0lFXcIPtT0EkyiRI9HHV5t8v2oEsQqhC-m0/s1600/20180722_191924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sKqfevbtKquGUM2YpzO0Lqcsc59fPJX7-ufd0Ab1EwPXbu1JLW8gpzy5R0kPt6swchP4rRAsfM8HpNNV-o222ZlMyRVQiJvCKTiIQCey0lFXcIPtT0EkyiRI9HHV5t8v2oEsQqhC-m0/s640/20180722_191924.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tour boats come in and drop off the visitors.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqamvzzxum6KxLHuZv7rp9LHzpgcFLvobGkNj1a-wxceJEZbYYI5Gt4oWrRCs3CCkngALN4iDZya8cP7sCyXBS0e1SLCdB7MZA087hzMiuDmyS9i5HSZc7ZMCYj8x01CbpiRDSPJMEPM/s1600/20180722_191949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqamvzzxum6KxLHuZv7rp9LHzpgcFLvobGkNj1a-wxceJEZbYYI5Gt4oWrRCs3CCkngALN4iDZya8cP7sCyXBS0e1SLCdB7MZA087hzMiuDmyS9i5HSZc7ZMCYj8x01CbpiRDSPJMEPM/s640/20180722_191949.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The view from our RV park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsO78L28A3w_83o-diUIssyt0dVGSoo73OkLhMkLQA3IG1QRT-3ib1mIv_t4_c19ztNFPzXNv1fpueLuGuK-QRalrHLU4AF9jKCaAy4ykGawpcXFarbeGNux9Z2xR4zIeogUQJyK1WZo/s1600/20180722_195126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsO78L28A3w_83o-diUIssyt0dVGSoo73OkLhMkLQA3IG1QRT-3ib1mIv_t4_c19ztNFPzXNv1fpueLuGuK-QRalrHLU4AF9jKCaAy4ykGawpcXFarbeGNux9Z2xR4zIeogUQJyK1WZo/s640/20180722_195126.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boat rides across the harbor was $6 from our RV park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwoGKiHHyfNL4WHBJ8cxNQPQGzg1qxgZHDgde1MCHrGNkmfDVRcciWdXrotx7C8YYzkNS5FZHCsFbvumdTUOKMz8p0mtQtxrMoxQmXV8mqS4pVrtPQpqzOL1ZirU6ko_Vg9efwqIZZzA/s1600/20180722_200351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwoGKiHHyfNL4WHBJ8cxNQPQGzg1qxgZHDgde1MCHrGNkmfDVRcciWdXrotx7C8YYzkNS5FZHCsFbvumdTUOKMz8p0mtQtxrMoxQmXV8mqS4pVrtPQpqzOL1ZirU6ko_Vg9efwqIZZzA/s640/20180722_200351.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sierra admiring the inlet coastal views of Victoria.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6SsDVK4IkdmfcLXrelCpfMLvIdjI3YSGdfftNvMRaKEXN8iy1BZ5ONDcVrNQgXfLSWHQc8dvJDSSviCj4dhUSTRqmTOfH9Oh7HXGdI_93LbuEMF4iO9rxKdWsHxIRUMiCD297tfxR-4/s1600/20180722_202351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6SsDVK4IkdmfcLXrelCpfMLvIdjI3YSGdfftNvMRaKEXN8iy1BZ5ONDcVrNQgXfLSWHQc8dvJDSSviCj4dhUSTRqmTOfH9Oh7HXGdI_93LbuEMF4iO9rxKdWsHxIRUMiCD297tfxR-4/s640/20180722_202351.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The geese and swans were cruising in front of Sierra and I for more than an hour.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG68PzJfAP5vAYgdBTN0fPS3SfV5bP6hPcdZk7eyAgupwOCjLmyIK2W22nN01ifPCdz55hh7Hm6Jd0NKZCy9sutN1rDKF1C6TRGRh9PDnHxNpW-bQ2XQbl0zHVkL2hZ_14B32QbxTA0x4/s1600/20180723_061932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG68PzJfAP5vAYgdBTN0fPS3SfV5bP6hPcdZk7eyAgupwOCjLmyIK2W22nN01ifPCdz55hh7Hm6Jd0NKZCy9sutN1rDKF1C6TRGRh9PDnHxNpW-bQ2XQbl0zHVkL2hZ_14B32QbxTA0x4/s640/20180723_061932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our RV park really had wonderful views from all sides.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-78390761116567823002018-07-26T17:52:00.000-07:002018-07-26T17:52:29.759-07:00Butchart Gardens a kaleidoscope of colors A Japanese master gardener was brought over in the early 1900s to make a peaceful retreat on Vancouver island for a wealthy Canadian family. From the serene beginnings of the Japanese garden, the worlds most famous garden was created. The Butchart Gardens, just outside Victoria B.C., is a little more than a hundred years old and has amazed people with mother nature's beauty ever since. The flowers, the branches, the leaves and the rocks blend in such pleasing ways that you are literally hypnotized as you walk through at your own pace. You can smell, touch and feel the beauty around you and your senses become overloaded. This is the only man made structure on our entire trip that left us feeling blessed for visiting it. It reminded me that in each of us is a little garden yearning to be tended; and yes, we totally recommend visiting this place. <br />
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-38164057750368161612018-07-25T22:14:00.001-07:002018-07-25T22:14:45.938-07:00Nanaimo B.C., visiting friends and promises keptAfter our abrupt departure from Nicaragua, due to their uprising, our daughters were understandably devastated at the sudden and dramatic loss of their friends. Elise and I, promised them early on that we would make every effort to see their friends so that they could have a proper good bye. We are so happy that it worked out for them to see their buddies in Nanaimo, British Columbia. There are still other friends that we want to see but we are for the time being refocusing on a place to settle down and call home. Thankfully, this is our group decision so there aren't any hurt feelings about us refocusing on a place to live.<br />
The weather in Nanaimo was stunningly beautiful while we were there. It was mostly sunny with an odd cloud every-now-and-again, gentle breezes and 72 degrees. The people, countryside, and the coastal communities reminded me so much of New Zealand that it was eerie. Wherever we were, the Canadians were warm and friendly and loved to chat. I really noticed how polite the drivers were in Canada towards larger rigs like ours. It was much appreciated when they held back to give us wide berth for our turns. Unlike New Zealand, though, Canada is close and easy to visit.<br />
The last time we were in Canada, Elise was pregnant with Sierra, when we went to Banff and Jasper, in Alberta. It is remarkable that 13 years has gone by and now we have two kids. Canada is still just as quaint, once you get out of the big cities, as it was back then. We promised each other that whatever business that we buy, we would try to get away for a couple months each year and travel. I hope we can find that.<br />
In a much earlier blog entry, I mentioned how some parents use their kids as excuses why not to travel (too expensive, too cumbersome etc.) I promise with all I have that your children should be the reason that you travel. Your kids are your most loyal partners and will love you for eternity for showing them something special and meaningful. Most importantly, vacations are not rewards for working hard, they are essential ingredients for living a full life. For each adult reading this, do something cool like a picnic in the fog, or fall asleep to the ripples of a creek in a meadow, or something else unusual and memorable. Get away from it all, with the ones you most cherish. Anyone who has read this blog in the past knows I mean this from the bottom of my heart. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTZPvYGUsdyxjbOWs2qDUaXRScCHg0qCJEZHT2DGyVVUIy6S-sQJllUdNawi_3-fGhMSCTiKrK6lHnWDhrG_nKZmwjoKjm5AYRc6NvCMbtBgMvywqbs_FagehEric3Hf1OJ9w2EZ-h_Y/s1600/20180719_125844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinTZPvYGUsdyxjbOWs2qDUaXRScCHg0qCJEZHT2DGyVVUIy6S-sQJllUdNawi_3-fGhMSCTiKrK6lHnWDhrG_nKZmwjoKjm5AYRc6NvCMbtBgMvywqbs_FagehEric3Hf1OJ9w2EZ-h_Y/s640/20180719_125844.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two friends reconnecting after being separated.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQgMeSl44dO4R9fZKUKwVcYLlbX9Fg-EHZM1yqCMstnKV1jwp945gj540UZSoE2jmsLyJnvdBaK8_Trs3OOzaDKnCltGUHTWR7GJeY2KV3rXj3cOH8i_3_1Vf1VK7m_U76V7sgEAW6Hg/s1600/20180718_145505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQgMeSl44dO4R9fZKUKwVcYLlbX9Fg-EHZM1yqCMstnKV1jwp945gj540UZSoE2jmsLyJnvdBaK8_Trs3OOzaDKnCltGUHTWR7GJeY2KV3rXj3cOH8i_3_1Vf1VK7m_U76V7sgEAW6Hg/s640/20180718_145505.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our ferry ride to Vancouver island.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm8X4-BjzHt1qc9ZDpweSCgepYa_u-csXQAtl2ft5dETuP4SAnJgE2OjRII00zYa404ARoz4ujPuUQftVrhy_3K815MolSJLSr-2dJQRwYetdxZjqauqkpgb4JKKshLnQKK2WEhC5BrM/s1600/20180718_145958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJm8X4-BjzHt1qc9ZDpweSCgepYa_u-csXQAtl2ft5dETuP4SAnJgE2OjRII00zYa404ARoz4ujPuUQftVrhy_3K815MolSJLSr-2dJQRwYetdxZjqauqkpgb4JKKshLnQKK2WEhC5BrM/s640/20180718_145958.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The vehicles had awesome views too.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU0dFTM5jhvStO1P0N_KhcvTklQLIh8anVpK1UQrEW2KlrcL-awQUKyzrnj4WhllXNmXjX6gUfQaDK_RCqxoNSu8BSJ6xFld0aBZLmWhlm2kOZIMmRzszrEc415XyOvM3X_hwIxnMkcw/s1600/20180718_153250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU0dFTM5jhvStO1P0N_KhcvTklQLIh8anVpK1UQrEW2KlrcL-awQUKyzrnj4WhllXNmXjX6gUfQaDK_RCqxoNSu8BSJ6xFld0aBZLmWhlm2kOZIMmRzszrEc415XyOvM3X_hwIxnMkcw/s640/20180718_153250.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Such a beautiful day to be sailing.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb0pydNBgFEglHKdW54WFoV-Z7XLdZP1ZXIMJm5axMrTCuhL-SBjR8HaL3sSerDhWKqJs86zwuKIU6aLdC845zBNsuLiFXOLz6XKxkNzsOseswLU-x0SWPf_MF_wuO967APyNlQWWe5I/s1600/20180718_162939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb0pydNBgFEglHKdW54WFoV-Z7XLdZP1ZXIMJm5axMrTCuhL-SBjR8HaL3sSerDhWKqJs86zwuKIU6aLdC845zBNsuLiFXOLz6XKxkNzsOseswLU-x0SWPf_MF_wuO967APyNlQWWe5I/s640/20180718_162939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you think of the Pacific Northwest you think of rain, and more rain. A little known secret is that the San Juan islands are in a rain shadow and is much drier than Seattle of Vancouver B.C.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlp4lqCsf_R5MN2Dxz6qpVlnYqy2gFKWNvG8lJ7xG-KGMzSw9te5C5SQZVftHhJB_vtI_cSnsfQPE9tRdUnBFHqEz2xpm0mGESZOad0dstrcUYwUli_z6zW9b_LSDWiokAgNjCUvCLF4/s1600/20180718_184141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGlp4lqCsf_R5MN2Dxz6qpVlnYqy2gFKWNvG8lJ7xG-KGMzSw9te5C5SQZVftHhJB_vtI_cSnsfQPE9tRdUnBFHqEz2xpm0mGESZOad0dstrcUYwUli_z6zW9b_LSDWiokAgNjCUvCLF4/s640/20180718_184141.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our drive along the coast of Vancouver island.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ3pAe7pEg2D9KqQaq_sPkw0S61xqJfpbgi028CnObxGG2B5B2w97tsRfD0nrMdBclyNBTgwMVYJQr4QG63QrrNdPVQqqCRkKEVB8yVJvq2PMcT4FjxUWUv4pcqYxwZ8MIzEsHO8CUgA/s640/20180719_124621.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Berries are slowly starting to ripen in late July.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ3pAe7pEg2D9KqQaq_sPkw0S61xqJfpbgi028CnObxGG2B5B2w97tsRfD0nrMdBclyNBTgwMVYJQr4QG63QrrNdPVQqqCRkKEVB8yVJvq2PMcT4FjxUWUv4pcqYxwZ8MIzEsHO8CUgA/s1600/20180719_124621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH7ZjnFiApjjr4nm_NZ57CsWawFqfA1jbrkZ59b677UelIuuqCBAXSubxrbXKvUFEd6SpZkOt-28Yzc7zZ7XL9AMEtjsRr62Hmto1EPuOHskz9u44lFfCp4XjgU8Z9v4Dk_5I0spXIPo/s1600/20180719_125214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH7ZjnFiApjjr4nm_NZ57CsWawFqfA1jbrkZ59b677UelIuuqCBAXSubxrbXKvUFEd6SpZkOt-28Yzc7zZ7XL9AMEtjsRr62Hmto1EPuOHskz9u44lFfCp4XjgU8Z9v4Dk_5I0spXIPo/s640/20180719_125214.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unprompted and unscripted hug, tugged on our heart strings.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpop07MwGTD4Ys7IzQtm86oS14JlIKJRM01DhVMj69s-xGvBS1fHNsLqZmfxJaroZFAEcaCiQUcpwpGVXPhZ0krN90kX6BA-_0kr_NCIEXAjtuNz-dGqpC__Pd0NF0amRL58JnzqwfiB8/s1600/20180719_140847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpop07MwGTD4Ys7IzQtm86oS14JlIKJRM01DhVMj69s-xGvBS1fHNsLqZmfxJaroZFAEcaCiQUcpwpGVXPhZ0krN90kX6BA-_0kr_NCIEXAjtuNz-dGqpC__Pd0NF0amRL58JnzqwfiB8/s640/20180719_140847.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friends are good for your spirit.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhXgrxnn9fNJTyRcE0IuAcQ8MHKlAgNsdqRYAL_WO6SZl7TkUVPHcMGaRYNF04zseMfDnOB2i3nIgN-2MvnR1ZRpt_TOOEzyPxBLEzHVWl59J98cOHqeow8y-Qnb4SQM7b85qxlYqOXo/s1600/20180719_142010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhXgrxnn9fNJTyRcE0IuAcQ8MHKlAgNsdqRYAL_WO6SZl7TkUVPHcMGaRYNF04zseMfDnOB2i3nIgN-2MvnR1ZRpt_TOOEzyPxBLEzHVWl59J98cOHqeow8y-Qnb4SQM7b85qxlYqOXo/s640/20180719_142010.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of activity in the Nanaimo harbor </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1EKMbkRGnY6EXI4vhfZtpSso3vnCsnUjkukrkiJNx919gODPm91tnzIjBrrQQESypqKFHpRreJdnH_mSK4OQNgemI1Iij1_K12n5QVrpnWfOIQeemfx7stZDNX_V9CCekB9HUrG-BSc/s1600/20180719_142909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1EKMbkRGnY6EXI4vhfZtpSso3vnCsnUjkukrkiJNx919gODPm91tnzIjBrrQQESypqKFHpRreJdnH_mSK4OQNgemI1Iij1_K12n5QVrpnWfOIQeemfx7stZDNX_V9CCekB9HUrG-BSc/s640/20180719_142909.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friends to the end.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr5xQY_1oVZrrEspNxZ9dsi3EWXAAsdroUuOmOjMoZVWmsg2FmKXWDk2V2MpW4pkdIlkg6Ls-GEUok-RnlJm1UBJ1E38SgG2W37rh_ckM4bldjfjjLAKvV9wVnPIgutjEma5Q_WnHbaI/s1600/20180719_143459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr5xQY_1oVZrrEspNxZ9dsi3EWXAAsdroUuOmOjMoZVWmsg2FmKXWDk2V2MpW4pkdIlkg6Ls-GEUok-RnlJm1UBJ1E38SgG2W37rh_ckM4bldjfjjLAKvV9wVnPIgutjEma5Q_WnHbaI/s640/20180719_143459.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was while walking along the boardwalk in Nanaimo harbor.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JqtM8w8k4hfgQeC1f-ACWz7TvN17azkJKD3BYkTgm-J6YPfH02vsveR6X8ZDZHBLTke3pgtY-Ni60-guprgox2o5E37Q9szIJ3cPbzNDkWfcFw70vVxLSAadgZuboirzEGkaMGsT-Dw/s640/20180719_153824.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovely setting in the harbor.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JqtM8w8k4hfgQeC1f-ACWz7TvN17azkJKD3BYkTgm-J6YPfH02vsveR6X8ZDZHBLTke3pgtY-Ni60-guprgox2o5E37Q9szIJ3cPbzNDkWfcFw70vVxLSAadgZuboirzEGkaMGsT-Dw/s1600/20180719_153824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJs5bbX2J3zzqlUUxFng1cR7vl6a1nB0AboXzYDsebbjf1_Amj7QH9HMS3rXtvqZGkF_Zxbdo-QL_4VxOa1zeA20Gtqpq-kyoJoMg7K0nZzm8dYvFphQdjuKo5hcXwlbDJfc8N0lxe38/s1600/20180719_171705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJs5bbX2J3zzqlUUxFng1cR7vl6a1nB0AboXzYDsebbjf1_Amj7QH9HMS3rXtvqZGkF_Zxbdo-QL_4VxOa1zeA20Gtqpq-kyoJoMg7K0nZzm8dYvFphQdjuKo5hcXwlbDJfc8N0lxe38/s640/20180719_171705.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nanaimo is attracting a lot of foreign investment right now.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6y2HiK7gKQhuSr9s5OTbgr_aHMzj94gKfYcUK7bZke6-YZ0WoLRdUB6mj9F9jW2FEd-YH6nb9GWykZMAhTxZ6ysZNl6z85sUeBKFhR5VyuAFM9EsxsJ9xTPPErPjPXv0o4KBDIs7Eyg/s1600/20180720_131259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6y2HiK7gKQhuSr9s5OTbgr_aHMzj94gKfYcUK7bZke6-YZ0WoLRdUB6mj9F9jW2FEd-YH6nb9GWykZMAhTxZ6ysZNl6z85sUeBKFhR5VyuAFM9EsxsJ9xTPPErPjPXv0o4KBDIs7Eyg/s640/20180720_131259.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The parents are friends too and reminds us of our better times in Nicaragua.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5clL-REHL3_aiv2bA34OIPDANG8fm1LU85eJLO23yw2r83wBKoVgIAC2lWJU2nDQpayM1Fi6CQQ7RqMVLSCxmcQ1PVu3sejZuINek1oEYDx3_0zL1XYXA_oNyx_UryL4OkDGvkMmmsUM/s1600/20180720_172813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5clL-REHL3_aiv2bA34OIPDANG8fm1LU85eJLO23yw2r83wBKoVgIAC2lWJU2nDQpayM1Fi6CQQ7RqMVLSCxmcQ1PVu3sejZuINek1oEYDx3_0zL1XYXA_oNyx_UryL4OkDGvkMmmsUM/s640/20180720_172813.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nice hiking paths around our RV park. The kids played until dark every night there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON1NTQIN6TMdAmRpHlsQNVTC0uv_988LfPcLWW9HvJVSgWl5w0JAn5kYi4muHK-q-zo_DS9jW6IOMS4pIj3-WdVEArQF39WczD47vidM6nPefxKmpsbEYLAeqAu_TkX2BhwbzqpSpYiU/s1600/20180720_185644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhON1NTQIN6TMdAmRpHlsQNVTC0uv_988LfPcLWW9HvJVSgWl5w0JAn5kYi4muHK-q-zo_DS9jW6IOMS4pIj3-WdVEArQF39WczD47vidM6nPefxKmpsbEYLAeqAu_TkX2BhwbzqpSpYiU/s640/20180720_185644.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another night of fun while our kids were being cared for by grand parents.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPvMfdKwSSe6y5ytEcRJMEf4-Nyx1dIbDnhWzM7spEIUspIdRfDlTsCZisULCet8uGxK0FqbfQz9lefWnVEAw3jzeXi3FBYpSLtjQDDMWpaZ92-2vAPOpMgNmngOEGpeWRjPQ3_4uuIg/s1600/20180721_115201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPvMfdKwSSe6y5ytEcRJMEf4-Nyx1dIbDnhWzM7spEIUspIdRfDlTsCZisULCet8uGxK0FqbfQz9lefWnVEAw3jzeXi3FBYpSLtjQDDMWpaZ92-2vAPOpMgNmngOEGpeWRjPQ3_4uuIg/s640/20180721_115201.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The older kids have more latitude to explore and buy things on their own. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzU0-xW-92sk_3Co7yC5fUuFW0ObFNuE1IDhrVy3NE4lAk-UOf8629tpnbpdmZj_dVaN3tHwlAW-QNJXsXNDPu1xcD-3h5w7pdfmNHvdaQgtL6KKoF8g6sfmpe1LV7yRsSFvG7XP2Fw8/s1600/20180721_205752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzU0-xW-92sk_3Co7yC5fUuFW0ObFNuE1IDhrVy3NE4lAk-UOf8629tpnbpdmZj_dVaN3tHwlAW-QNJXsXNDPu1xcD-3h5w7pdfmNHvdaQgtL6KKoF8g6sfmpe1LV7yRsSFvG7XP2Fw8/s640/20180721_205752.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Breathtaking views from our RV park at night.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-22137429878861081762018-07-25T22:12:00.002-07:002018-07-25T22:12:47.090-07:00Southeastern, Washington state The blue ribbon fishing along the Yakima river is world renowned and there are nearly 75 miles of protected river that is strictly catch and release fishing. The Yakima is going to flow freely again. The dams along the river are coming down and/or fish ladders are being installed so that native salmon can soon swim to their ancient Idaho spawning grounds again. The boaters and fly fishermen we spoke with take immense pride in the fact that the river will be free again. I am sure there is another side of the issue, but truly everyone we spoke with loved that the dams are coming down.<br />
Timothy hay is hugely popular for horse operations as the hay is the most easily digestible hay and promotes shiny coats. As it turns out, there is a huge international market for this hay and these local areas are humming trying to keep up with the demand. Likewise, for the local wine industry. It seems as if the delicious Walla Walla wines are only scratching the surface of their potential.<br />
Over the past couple months of cruising the western U.S. we have noticed that our rural communities are booming. We have spoken with many people, from all over the west and a common theme keeps coming up: There are simply not enough qualified workers to satisfy the business demands. Some of the business owners that we have spoken with cite issues with getting prospective employees that can't pass drug screening. Others we have spoken with can't get properly licensed employees. The problem is so acute in the rural areas that pay has skyrocketed to attract talent. While we were in New Mexico, three months ago, we heard that West Texas truckers got a 100% pay increase. Now, the starting wage for experienced truckers in West Texas is nearly $140,000. There are so many examples of this that we feel it necessary to let the world know. Perhaps a lower cost of living and higher pay might motivate others to consider a rural lifestyle. As for Southeastern Washington, we loved the area, the people were friendly, and the pace of life was easy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQGtUOHRJqOChMkTQmteOgukuJLhoQU46IywA5C7yOlLRdLUS3JcIskhTvhbma6H7uw9OVa4ytd6MokHsRE6bIB50jpZfAPn6ugjUsaZR-_dEVG_pqsEwljXKOF-3fivZNNnMsh4ulLc/s1600/20180710_115159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQGtUOHRJqOChMkTQmteOgukuJLhoQU46IywA5C7yOlLRdLUS3JcIskhTvhbma6H7uw9OVa4ytd6MokHsRE6bIB50jpZfAPn6ugjUsaZR-_dEVG_pqsEwljXKOF-3fivZNNnMsh4ulLc/s640/20180710_115159.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A lunch break for the fearless crew.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_3eUvQch9gvszGGdfQpWL5_y0NMaTp5k8HOXTgVzjGvLD5esr0dzheTapoZLG9hkXsXxPrunuDeVO-_qIxiVDjBBIV9b_kjjAaGp6ELjkSsVs0FKTWYaM4kvQuslm8rziZ8Idyno1jk/s1600/20180710_102135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_3eUvQch9gvszGGdfQpWL5_y0NMaTp5k8HOXTgVzjGvLD5esr0dzheTapoZLG9hkXsXxPrunuDeVO-_qIxiVDjBBIV9b_kjjAaGp6ELjkSsVs0FKTWYaM4kvQuslm8rziZ8Idyno1jk/s640/20180710_102135.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fun times on our rafting trip.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXYKvFikyU6TNP4HPh4ZCY46oh8q7SdCSM0lsEgrRrJWEvG8tCsDSUL21NzTNTaHwymCtpodFnWuNY4DfvVuaBRyLwvui90u0CntoEsfb_nE1i2S49FV5yM2cyE1gczVVyuziCmDYjlM/s1600/20180710_103558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXYKvFikyU6TNP4HPh4ZCY46oh8q7SdCSM0lsEgrRrJWEvG8tCsDSUL21NzTNTaHwymCtpodFnWuNY4DfvVuaBRyLwvui90u0CntoEsfb_nE1i2S49FV5yM2cyE1gczVVyuziCmDYjlM/s640/20180710_103558.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We saw bald eagle chicks in this nest.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp9Df3Pf9UL89GO-c3bFw2CBbrYDK6lce5Z_LPCtSEQmiYv7-lhQtGVV-AhCQwkZBW9i88n1stRZOvJkJwF2y966DnP5OuJCyTqAYiDVw0_HWnBsmuT1kSdJnWH-XziTMXl6thZ9BoCs/s1600/20180710_123435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp9Df3Pf9UL89GO-c3bFw2CBbrYDK6lce5Z_LPCtSEQmiYv7-lhQtGVV-AhCQwkZBW9i88n1stRZOvJkJwF2y966DnP5OuJCyTqAYiDVw0_HWnBsmuT1kSdJnWH-XziTMXl6thZ9BoCs/s640/20180710_123435.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We saw wild turkey, bald eagles, and deer along the river.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2OA_NQQp4esjzuHegHqk_fSWymnrhcmlB1G2PXG0jtG4URetr5pCOlodNFwdCArkr6BacWLEE9jW6UGy_jyqhG2Pig_eEkE3bbAycOAnxeeLWMryl8ts3JI81cUjny6snb3lsoAOwZY/s1600/20180715_134756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2OA_NQQp4esjzuHegHqk_fSWymnrhcmlB1G2PXG0jtG4URetr5pCOlodNFwdCArkr6BacWLEE9jW6UGy_jyqhG2Pig_eEkE3bbAycOAnxeeLWMryl8ts3JI81cUjny6snb3lsoAOwZY/s640/20180715_134756.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Swimming in a lake attached to the Yakima river.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-51766678660615648692018-07-17T22:29:00.003-07:002018-07-17T22:29:38.896-07:00Little Bavaria in Leavenworth, WashingtonYodel-Ay-Hee-Hoo!<br />
Build it and they will come is an old saying and you know what? It's true. Tourists, us included, pack this town and spend till we can't spend anymore. Why? Who knows, but it's fun while it lasts. The restaurants were packed. The bakeries had lines out the door. Beer glasses were clinking everywhere. From the outside, looking in, it was all a reason to party. Then reality hits, you wait and wait and wait to be served. When you finally get the food it's mediocre, but by that time you are starving so you don't dwell on it. Afterwards, you stroll the streets and decide to check out the bakeries only to realize the pastries are dry and they look a lot better than they taste. Though this town is quaint and has that alpine feel, it lacks something. In the rush of staying busy, while the summer weather permits, they forgot about quality. Sadly, along with the beautiful buildings and cozy streets we will also remember the poor food and slow service. Hopefully, it was just a one off while we were there, but we doubt it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful streets.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wagon rides through town.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My family with my sister and brother-in-law.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cute buildings</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The restaurants were totally stuffed to capacity.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alpine looking.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Summer garden with live music.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-18782862566582476512018-07-17T22:29:00.002-07:002018-07-17T22:29:28.509-07:00Craters of the moon and Boise Idaho<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After leaving Yellowstone we drove west to see Craters of the Moon National Monument. The skies in central Idaho are so clear at night, that we swore we saw a billion stars. Staring up into the abyss of space and realizing just how small we are, is humbling to say the least. Thankfully, there weren't any mosquitoes to pester our enjoyment of the stars, which was wonderful after the onslaught of bloodsuckers that we suffered through in the Grand Tetons. The beauty of Craters of the Moon is in the isolation and stark contrasts of ancient lava fields slowly being taken over by foliage. </div>
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Boise was our next stop and was the only larger city that we actually considered moving to, upon our return to the U.S. The city itself has a cool urban vibe and yet it is totally possible to get out of town in 15 minutes. A nice river cuts through town and there are bike paths and parks everywhere. It is totally feasible to pick up some Trader Joe's snacks and ride to a park and be picnicking in under 5 minutes. We really enjoyed this aspect of Boise a lot. We can certainly see why so many people are moving here from other areas of the country. We celebrated 4th of July in Boise and literally sat directly under a huge firework show. We were next to the fire marshal, that's how close we were. Our ears were ringing for days but it goes with the territory for independence day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmkZ-D0pJPP6GFy4dXof5DLJvQG63cGYrGYUQWKPTykwIj42s-DCY5ipxNuuZLCWGoeTPZEuV3ivlDiNF7_BN2TGUxNvbFLQLW0yiCn6zmehDy-L-o-XLCSQuGj19_n5kIVbdLmvpIPc/s1600/20180704_173708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmkZ-D0pJPP6GFy4dXof5DLJvQG63cGYrGYUQWKPTykwIj42s-DCY5ipxNuuZLCWGoeTPZEuV3ivlDiNF7_BN2TGUxNvbFLQLW0yiCn6zmehDy-L-o-XLCSQuGj19_n5kIVbdLmvpIPc/s640/20180704_173708.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cooling off in a country stream.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXDm0ciqcvvEB1_shDUb7iJYCCboWLUGnxwxO8LNRnDUjCJTnkRW6Q5fsMUAyRv5NtSCOuYOgUD0PeUhLlfLv3RmKIO2YnITVBRwq8K0fYScGqIgOgtKocacNPWBnGsUg1nMJ5uEjfTc/s640/20180704_175834.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nothing better than enjoying a river on a hot day.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXDm0ciqcvvEB1_shDUb7iJYCCboWLUGnxwxO8LNRnDUjCJTnkRW6Q5fsMUAyRv5NtSCOuYOgUD0PeUhLlfLv3RmKIO2YnITVBRwq8K0fYScGqIgOgtKocacNPWBnGsUg1nMJ5uEjfTc/s1600/20180704_175834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I borrowed Sierra's bike for a quick ride along the river.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wide open spaces in Central Idaho.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Craters of the Moon </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj0zyBW72drMe_KXXKW-s6dUjMTf0OvaDMOBSCzQNA_CmXv2_0273pU7wreW4ebgpZg-hDC2edTTaCACwiH1-DIPaSiAKA2pmZvuiAMCMU8-2NxYvexEgeeHIfiI5SMDz5mM8-fQ3_Uw/s1600/20180703_112257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj0zyBW72drMe_KXXKW-s6dUjMTf0OvaDMOBSCzQNA_CmXv2_0273pU7wreW4ebgpZg-hDC2edTTaCACwiH1-DIPaSiAKA2pmZvuiAMCMU8-2NxYvexEgeeHIfiI5SMDz5mM8-fQ3_Uw/s640/20180703_112257.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Slowly the vegetation is taking over the old lava fields.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi45gWie3t8_mAiXlKgymDGEgpla3d3P2vLPX41VgKJObfP3lZjbWOKHeAUMApiwt9VAB6lWcxMfBOe0UBkk1FjqtdH9CHpBuYiG1TVG7l1s7bqhqLJgifC11VilGGn_R9fnL7Q_hYADY/s1600/20180703_112739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi45gWie3t8_mAiXlKgymDGEgpla3d3P2vLPX41VgKJObfP3lZjbWOKHeAUMApiwt9VAB6lWcxMfBOe0UBkk1FjqtdH9CHpBuYiG1TVG7l1s7bqhqLJgifC11VilGGn_R9fnL7Q_hYADY/s640/20180703_112739.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many unique species have evolved just for surviving in this area.</span></td></tr>
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4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-50173160137414469382018-07-17T22:27:00.001-07:002018-07-17T22:27:17.599-07:00The treasures of YellowstoneYellowstone is one of those places that conjures images of nature even just thinking about it's name. The uniqueness of Yellowstone makes it a magnet for all to visit. These days, Yellowstone is little more than a plane flight away for most visitors and the international tourism is booming. It is easy to see why so many people still love Yellowstone as the allure of this place is still just as alive today as it was a hundred years ago. There are many things one needs to remember to bring to Yellowstone, like bug spray, jackets and the normal camping stuff. However, one of the most important things to bring with you is patience. Though not as congested as Zion park, there are animal traffic jams that can stretch a mile or more if bear, bison or other animals are spotted. Still, one of the great things about this park is it's size and your ability to go elsewhere and avoid the crowds to enjoy the treasures of Yellowstone on your own terms. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqBmfQfB6BN6zwLtIvHkIjcRf-drjCHE2e0JlHeL3ekXahKwiZgtHZ-LMBdUJ7TJ6Pu8DlthSUv0xCLC0bzQ_xromu8ZQUrKd4p2wf-r-d3idDfbgCuEIsO2U9OCJGQow5hB9k6PKgHs/s1600/20180701_065357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqBmfQfB6BN6zwLtIvHkIjcRf-drjCHE2e0JlHeL3ekXahKwiZgtHZ-LMBdUJ7TJ6Pu8DlthSUv0xCLC0bzQ_xromu8ZQUrKd4p2wf-r-d3idDfbgCuEIsO2U9OCJGQow5hB9k6PKgHs/s640/20180701_065357.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mineral terraces can form anywhere within the western portion of the park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8Y3RimXb7Ad3AEbi15s5q5A8bz2rlmcEdqApO5LCu2rDjqseMoK1UdhLD49VEqoANXI2TzXE24HdCq8FN4qNd9FP3w_obPAP5QygqHXjS7lpHfH3tPzH33zYOgXQktxTxz7u6JIXJ7M/s1600/20180701_091552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8Y3RimXb7Ad3AEbi15s5q5A8bz2rlmcEdqApO5LCu2rDjqseMoK1UdhLD49VEqoANXI2TzXE24HdCq8FN4qNd9FP3w_obPAP5QygqHXjS7lpHfH3tPzH33zYOgXQktxTxz7u6JIXJ7M/s640/20180701_091552.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Geysers are plentiful within the park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj2Q28a3aDnzcOP4-lGvkQ5r7gaeSNz33EL7w2H0cclDkfLBHeqsJnDrwmMsL3lWTZ3eY1AXfk5lIqpnQ7ZJR682fVxB0hBkhhyDRlTx3trbpE1o-hIj3DXBITRui77o_INNiMzxOSqs/s1600/20180629_121539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj2Q28a3aDnzcOP4-lGvkQ5r7gaeSNz33EL7w2H0cclDkfLBHeqsJnDrwmMsL3lWTZ3eY1AXfk5lIqpnQ7ZJR682fVxB0hBkhhyDRlTx3trbpE1o-hIj3DXBITRui77o_INNiMzxOSqs/s640/20180629_121539.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Colorful combinations of the minerals and boiling waters.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCdFNwgKe8RWIqw9xlX0VdA2TINZnb4xLXJ5CFIXFRTKH-UTF37sVPbziVMWpk_AG4tGZDSNMIfI361-x2Ye7lymKUAb6LYSY3mhE0GlCTGIIcvHGOPeH_lDmGWFSSB5_WV0ul6qrmoI/s1600/20180629_122738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCdFNwgKe8RWIqw9xlX0VdA2TINZnb4xLXJ5CFIXFRTKH-UTF37sVPbziVMWpk_AG4tGZDSNMIfI361-x2Ye7lymKUAb6LYSY3mhE0GlCTGIIcvHGOPeH_lDmGWFSSB5_WV0ul6qrmoI/s640/20180629_122738.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The viewing crowd of Old Faithful.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0oOxiXC7YgWOt7Jl7tQcQaa4S7AClJiP6awb1M5bgsQUqBUJWm49LQvu-BdvvtaSNa9tB4wTZO4DQxuBqt6XICK0a9lZbiYIo00h9X8OCifW3IlIaNouELwHk0GALxh1-DfC8j8qbjA/s1600/20180629_174550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0oOxiXC7YgWOt7Jl7tQcQaa4S7AClJiP6awb1M5bgsQUqBUJWm49LQvu-BdvvtaSNa9tB4wTZO4DQxuBqt6XICK0a9lZbiYIo00h9X8OCifW3IlIaNouELwHk0GALxh1-DfC8j8qbjA/s640/20180629_174550.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Magnificent waterfalls.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHr-yJpwiMEJ7U_Z5T23mjjtmfn9bcf0cZyWqN6xY5KmtzZ5wzLXpjhO2VmujEPZT6Rg58K-33i6QIHarcuEvwLOVHMmyYCzaKI84cKloi1WBPHWaxOS7J0cPnAMwE7EbdKxYSoZne-Y/s1600/20180630_091043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHr-yJpwiMEJ7U_Z5T23mjjtmfn9bcf0cZyWqN6xY5KmtzZ5wzLXpjhO2VmujEPZT6Rg58K-33i6QIHarcuEvwLOVHMmyYCzaKI84cKloi1WBPHWaxOS7J0cPnAMwE7EbdKxYSoZne-Y/s640/20180630_091043.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spring brings the new generation.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Picturesque mounds.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCFr8EXy45vF6dzFrJcoFKRJTFFd6Ex7eN8J4Ji136Cnv1wf1VXmgwkgpNFjftgOWp3hCFtFxH-azD1JODstzqjGz3pIjPnMZBjDg-6DnzlVCrxlbq7bpA7U5m3l2eSbhzgJZeLW6X04/s1600/20180630_120543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCFr8EXy45vF6dzFrJcoFKRJTFFd6Ex7eN8J4Ji136Cnv1wf1VXmgwkgpNFjftgOWp3hCFtFxH-azD1JODstzqjGz3pIjPnMZBjDg-6DnzlVCrxlbq7bpA7U5m3l2eSbhzgJZeLW6X04/s640/20180630_120543.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mammoth hot springs</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PTHNjtNo461UTGILdW6id38E5nHq1m4UfAHvN2_MHIZDdYMWXXIJPkUPwPI0bLRO6osiVQyDH3WqNvs40kLBgL8KDbZotds7En7AAPxlyex5NyjEbaXehBpNQOoq7t5g8Lb_NntAj6M/s640/20180630_121516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Federalist style construction at Mammoth Hot Springs village.</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PTHNjtNo461UTGILdW6id38E5nHq1m4UfAHvN2_MHIZDdYMWXXIJPkUPwPI0bLRO6osiVQyDH3WqNvs40kLBgL8KDbZotds7En7AAPxlyex5NyjEbaXehBpNQOoq7t5g8Lb_NntAj6M/s1600/20180630_121516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMNM8BNTn4o0I-YKw1d7jEFdbsCg68x_vhR5mvsev3-M6xJbdLVrQnZJ0-lk-fnkS5ZYwuqnPmX1jSbJ-fw8iXGXzSfBEslf1-EIv9Nk4s9CNFJE7FO7-cG45nLy5RCwssmTvBdb3Yak/s1600/20180630_122021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMNM8BNTn4o0I-YKw1d7jEFdbsCg68x_vhR5mvsev3-M6xJbdLVrQnZJ0-lk-fnkS5ZYwuqnPmX1jSbJ-fw8iXGXzSfBEslf1-EIv9Nk4s9CNFJE7FO7-cG45nLy5RCwssmTvBdb3Yak/s640/20180630_122021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We had our picnic on the soft grass in town.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtahobPAm6JjVw2FHYTWa29yuMtNbiMY9KKr409Ufu7G2b0JsbG3l28DgAZ1HTc7bsl2qS8NQTXJEcgtqAiYJAVhBeb9X-NUxNX8HLhrdnk1srZZyeZ4BIfPoIdYLvHLtA1FC4ftPUw8/s1600/20180630_124758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtahobPAm6JjVw2FHYTWa29yuMtNbiMY9KKr409Ufu7G2b0JsbG3l28DgAZ1HTc7bsl2qS8NQTXJEcgtqAiYJAVhBeb9X-NUxNX8HLhrdnk1srZZyeZ4BIfPoIdYLvHLtA1FC4ftPUw8/s640/20180630_124758.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Employee housing</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTTJn4r9MH4FLHdmKJ-sD7qxEzK9X1T4DvziY-OEV3nHfyehyphenhyphen-teMdcYEjBMkAeKY3eAXLT6QylFXqMtratYqn3CPJAej2ldlg0j19o5J9-n_yv27s0PrT9KBcsAkqTfRR8CL18qgbVI/s1600/20180630_140858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTTJn4r9MH4FLHdmKJ-sD7qxEzK9X1T4DvziY-OEV3nHfyehyphenhyphen-teMdcYEjBMkAeKY3eAXLT6QylFXqMtratYqn3CPJAej2ldlg0j19o5J9-n_yv27s0PrT9KBcsAkqTfRR8CL18qgbVI/s640/20180630_140858.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful views.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZhGb6xRsuDxwVVzPQ2isO4AWRkBR0PCaRodKQ3dlY5t58qjGHWPVZ83r-R_I4eCsGudad20x4Abej3xNaNOiBAbSQqHG_f_aR_yjGIFeMguhE5xIrVS_3oNQTHa9a4UBMib3pPvyFyg/s1600/20180630_145941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZhGb6xRsuDxwVVzPQ2isO4AWRkBR0PCaRodKQ3dlY5t58qjGHWPVZ83r-R_I4eCsGudad20x4Abej3xNaNOiBAbSQqHG_f_aR_yjGIFeMguhE5xIrVS_3oNQTHa9a4UBMib3pPvyFyg/s640/20180630_145941.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sisterly love.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lOiYHXSZrrcuHBmWlbj_mR2jwI-6oSawOc9G0XLJQ7ot9mr1q0TZd83nSJQ3AoKd3P_WcWTEO54PFvSrSEoKU2X4s8AxyFhP5a0fZcPk5hxtLHf-uNedhJrre5lHLfAqZZzUlR_dqzw/s1600/20180630_151138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lOiYHXSZrrcuHBmWlbj_mR2jwI-6oSawOc9G0XLJQ7ot9mr1q0TZd83nSJQ3AoKd3P_WcWTEO54PFvSrSEoKU2X4s8AxyFhP5a0fZcPk5hxtLHf-uNedhJrre5lHLfAqZZzUlR_dqzw/s640/20180630_151138.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snowball on the head, sisterly love.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjMeyXFpgLlcwclikJdxIxxq4JLHjPF2hpBewW9fvLI8Dvn-PWqV9hQfbjxjHey8zN912AmgHw1zvWNqaL2nRK057ctis_yeBWkhooQmzhip07T9msLKaEwkdq1jifFUm70ZQ0j1S-UM/s640/20180701_065538.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mineral terraces</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjMeyXFpgLlcwclikJdxIxxq4JLHjPF2hpBewW9fvLI8Dvn-PWqV9hQfbjxjHey8zN912AmgHw1zvWNqaL2nRK057ctis_yeBWkhooQmzhip07T9msLKaEwkdq1jifFUm70ZQ0j1S-UM/s1600/20180701_065538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjMeyXFpgLlcwclikJdxIxxq4JLHjPF2hpBewW9fvLI8Dvn-PWqV9hQfbjxjHey8zN912AmgHw1zvWNqaL2nRK057ctis_yeBWkhooQmzhip07T9msLKaEwkdq1jifFUm70ZQ0j1S-UM/s1600/20180701_065538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAUqMZ4N6WJ_u6uFg_5WlL-mbyPZAqAuiRGw4XMAXVtN3ut0rJLQV6m_xxxqAH_WS5O1B2G4m9Q_BW22QuFgXPsxqvtCxhrhkQUD2hj4ggcFwVTynEUbXgjjnJ_gr9WnJd5UE2GA5o64/s1600/20180701_090736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAUqMZ4N6WJ_u6uFg_5WlL-mbyPZAqAuiRGw4XMAXVtN3ut0rJLQV6m_xxxqAH_WS5O1B2G4m9Q_BW22QuFgXPsxqvtCxhrhkQUD2hj4ggcFwVTynEUbXgjjnJ_gr9WnJd5UE2GA5o64/s640/20180701_090736.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The minerals and water temperatures sometimes kill the surrounding trees.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_49PD_9ar01XYxplJ66SQTvYV7cukqv5BDe_znEsguG6eK2fhb5T9P6-VvlrdGrV8UCnqRyxOzHKKWzqI3TiuWUCip7lpbhsxaGhPZMZsragIvPDidsieCMs4XAjtPLOuDA56GkMDngs/s1600/20180701_093452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_49PD_9ar01XYxplJ66SQTvYV7cukqv5BDe_znEsguG6eK2fhb5T9P6-VvlrdGrV8UCnqRyxOzHKKWzqI3TiuWUCip7lpbhsxaGhPZMZsragIvPDidsieCMs4XAjtPLOuDA56GkMDngs/s640/20180701_093452.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Experiencing geothermal power first hand.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0lzQXt7OlAWMG4SvKsPKnyEM9NBOuewSNyuyMcU1P_AVzpkF_Up_7F75yXG6cq9_pVQXTT-JaO2bteAflu2ImVUeW2siTGI_wYtjjU59SdSvLXOm6usQKo168qpLAldexfICrFHC09o/s1600/20180701_094326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0lzQXt7OlAWMG4SvKsPKnyEM9NBOuewSNyuyMcU1P_AVzpkF_Up_7F75yXG6cq9_pVQXTT-JaO2bteAflu2ImVUeW2siTGI_wYtjjU59SdSvLXOm6usQKo168qpLAldexfICrFHC09o/s640/20180701_094326.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paths were created to keep people off the unstable grounds.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-yoLdgayQmDlxdGAv0RV1b8W07LJWseFM5pJsK2YETUWTjrAFq6tQxAx7z3KaggOnA7qcmb_MmfTokZ5TZP1Yuo7NTqkrEFcIm5qR8PoSOJsmQTt8O7hROCYFHB8zQKBo9WL_dx_YHA/s1600/20180701_094639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-yoLdgayQmDlxdGAv0RV1b8W07LJWseFM5pJsK2YETUWTjrAFq6tQxAx7z3KaggOnA7qcmb_MmfTokZ5TZP1Yuo7NTqkrEFcIm5qR8PoSOJsmQTt8O7hROCYFHB8zQKBo9WL_dx_YHA/s640/20180701_094639.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like a Martian landscape.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBRo7WH1zRanNmxynLG0-kJuRli9iwjMtNiSBCT_07iUdDozirjZhyphenhyphenL9ueG60Y_crGiRTPGnuNn4s3bR3w51Bvq-JgDmdtlhhi75ZtxA6Y2phUaO9RWk8vo_nFCEJPBpLBpgfg-X4WS4/s1600/20180701_103216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBRo7WH1zRanNmxynLG0-kJuRli9iwjMtNiSBCT_07iUdDozirjZhyphenhyphenL9ueG60Y_crGiRTPGnuNn4s3bR3w51Bvq-JgDmdtlhhi75ZtxA6Y2phUaO9RWk8vo_nFCEJPBpLBpgfg-X4WS4/s640/20180701_103216.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sizes of some of these pools were gigantic, you can see the people in the background.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXFgxCHf-F7-C7a383fKb-Tc4meu59KOQtbZILEifdqhc_pvchhDcHkxj8VWaIDOmZ3QrJot7KayrRUR6LPd4kz3xtqzZmaiYGwic3GRbvQE4UkQB7ogb4zFMNyQgnnKFvdxIKdgUWcc/s1600/20180701_121811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXFgxCHf-F7-C7a383fKb-Tc4meu59KOQtbZILEifdqhc_pvchhDcHkxj8VWaIDOmZ3QrJot7KayrRUR6LPd4kz3xtqzZmaiYGwic3GRbvQE4UkQB7ogb4zFMNyQgnnKFvdxIKdgUWcc/s640/20180701_121811.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A peaceful fishermen enjoying his day.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zLzOqG8akRMBt_9tzU3korCXxuARpUyBVGpNI6m5L0zJG-6ImcsyqW3nR9PhQ8Tu-Eo54S3o0CjXnVL55lsTfQ9-n6mESjwmI38P0aVDWyQpK7RJuPY3lf2OcabytHYjNyAvpVJYmwM/s1600/IMG-20180709-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zLzOqG8akRMBt_9tzU3korCXxuARpUyBVGpNI6m5L0zJG-6ImcsyqW3nR9PhQ8Tu-Eo54S3o0CjXnVL55lsTfQ9-n6mESjwmI38P0aVDWyQpK7RJuPY3lf2OcabytHYjNyAvpVJYmwM/s640/IMG-20180709-WA0001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A grizzly bear (it is so grainy due to zooming in)</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtKuboNUYHVn8sWvDFiJm1F2NPkxxvNJ2Ng36fA9QMVG9_OWfpm8ueaDyMsEhxxNav8_T5RcfD1IDGnQIG1C8OfxQPw_cibSj9ciWmkH8605peYa57X03Epsd7xXVO4A2_bUFUF-DpB4/s1600/IMG-20180709-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="1102" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtKuboNUYHVn8sWvDFiJm1F2NPkxxvNJ2Ng36fA9QMVG9_OWfpm8ueaDyMsEhxxNav8_T5RcfD1IDGnQIG1C8OfxQPw_cibSj9ciWmkH8605peYa57X03Epsd7xXVO4A2_bUFUF-DpB4/s640/IMG-20180709-WA0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wolves are common in the Lamar valley of Northeastern Yellowstone.</span></td></tr>
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<span id="goog_2106979241"></span><span id="goog_2106979242"></span><br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-18220796886428205272018-07-17T15:42:00.002-07:002018-07-17T15:42:37.294-07:00Grand Tetons and endless vistasEver lose your thoughts while gazing into the flickering flames of a campfire? I can assure you that staring at the Grand Tetons mountain range is just as relaxing and thought releasing as gazing into a fire. This is my third time visiting this area and I am never disappointed with nature's awesomeness. One of the better aspects of the Grand Tetons is how spread out it is and as such, feeling encircled by other people is somewhat avoidable. This park is a driving type of park. So in order to see it, one needs to traverse big areas and walking between the sights is not practical, unless you have a lot of time. There are boats on the lakes to ferry you to and from, when cars aren't available. We loved how there were plenty of well maintained bicycle paths for the non motorized visitors. It was definitely the way to get around if you don't want to drive. In fact, most of the bicycle paths that we saw were relatively flat and completely segregated from the highway, making them both safe and quiet. The biggest issue we had while visiting this park were the clouds of mosquitoes haunting our every step. I guess swarms of mosquitoes go with the territory at these latitudes, so bring bug spray.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Breathtaking vistas.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Alpine meadows.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Great views can be had all over this park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zoe likes watching birds just like her grandpa.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The marina was busy while we were there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The path less followed.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Mormon settler area</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Springtime in the Rockies. </span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-21600864363740699232018-07-17T15:39:00.000-07:002018-07-17T15:39:53.843-07:00Jackson Hole, country air and good timesWe arrived to Jackson Hole in the early afternoon and we were exhausted after driving incredible 10% grades on highways 22, both up and down the Rockies. Towing a trailer makes these type of inclines and declines especially difficult on the engine, the brakes and the driver. Thankfully, Jackson Hole is a nice place to unwind and let loose for a bit, after such a journey. The weather and scenery in Jackson Hole was ideal while we were visiting. The Wild West theme really does permeate all aspects of this touristy town. City slickers got there "country" fix while shopping and meandering the pedestrian friendly streets.<br />
Inexpensive, this town is not. However, Jackson Hole is one of those places that is worth spending a little extra for the experience. Interestingly, the National Elk Refuge abuts the town to the north, so getting to open spaces here, is both quick and easy. We saw many long distance bicyclists, similar to what we saw while driving to Argentina. These cyclists were seeing the countryside one pedal push at a time and we had tremendous admiration for them. As the old saying goes, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." As for us, our respite came at the right time and my wife even found time to buy me a hat. How cool is that? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stage coach meets the modern era.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The elk antlers are collected each spring and some are used for the city park entrance.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The hills come up to town.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This guy was putting the finishing touches on my hat.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wine bar</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The green hills were really this green on the north facing slopes.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The flowers and this tee pee made this front yard so adorable.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We would have gone river rafting but class 3 and 4 waters were too much for us.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nice restaurants and stores on every street in town.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My hat that Elise bought for me.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-29535297020275331992018-07-05T07:42:00.000-07:002018-07-09T06:56:43.876-07:00Lava Hot Springs is for everyoneImagine the frustration of going to a cooler area, where the pools are too cold and the kids cannot jump into the hot tubs to warm up. It kinda ruins the experience for the whole family. This is NOT that area! Kids are welcome anywhere in these parks, even in the 112 degree hot tubs. You read that correctly, 112 degrees. We were amazed to see every pool open to every age group, period. Many of the adults stayed clear of the hotter tubs but anyone could have gone there if they wanted to.<br />
This area, of Idaho, has a long tradition of Native Americans using hot baths for medicinal purposes. Historically, the tribes of the area regarded the hot springs as sacred and some even held purification ceremonies using the steam for sweat houses. While we were in the hot springs we heard some Native Americans speaking their indigenous dialect. This was a wonderful thing to watch and hear in this modern age of techno-everything. Hearing the original language of these lands, while we bathed, made our hot tub experience more special, even surreal.<br />
The park is divided into two parts and separated by several hundred yards. One section is for soaking in the hot mineral waters. The hot tubs are in a very subdued natural setting with lots of flowers and rock work. The other section is a modern water park that is wild and crazy. Slides drop from the sky with kids and adults screaming from the tops of the lungs as they seemingly plunge to their deaths. There are springboards, high dive platforms, and smaller slides that drive the crowds nuts with excitement. These parks have something for everyone and are very affordable for a family of 4. In fact, it was so affordable that we forgot the price.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The hot tub area</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crazy slides</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The nuclear drop was awesome.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Downtown Lava Hot Springs, Idaho</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Proof I was not fibbing on the temperatures.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">An adorable inn in town.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nice setting to have a town.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The flowers were blooming in full force.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-25533032195109032692018-07-02T14:54:00.002-07:002018-07-09T06:56:43.839-07:00Beauty that makes you smileWe stayed at a quiet riverside RV park in Idaho and the stream adjoining the park was stunning. The girls and I took a nice hike and admired the sites and sounds of this slow moving stream. The crickets, frogs and birds sang their ballads to the trickling sounds of the crystal clear waters. Their melodious chorus was occasionally interrupted by the abrupt quack of a duck. It was so idyllic that even my kids were struck by how beautiful nature can be. They kept saying, "Daddy, it smells so good here!" I explained that they were smelling Springtime. They kept exhaling and breathing in lung loads of air each time, to the point that they were getting dizzy and giggling. They were being silly, getting high on spring air, and somehow I believe, they'll never forget it.<br />
The grasses, flowers and trees were budding in the spring of late June. That's right, late June and spring has just sprung. It's really fun to see how my daughters react to new things like fresh spring air and picturesque mountain streams. After all, they're more used to the tropical air and lakes of Nicaragua then the sights, sounds, and smells of a northern temperate valley. This was a joyful reminder that experiencing life through the eyes of children is as unique, as it is fleeting. Nothing could ever replace seeing my daughters' super-wide-open eyes and their jaws drop at the sight of a grinningly beautiful natural setting. You know... the kind of beauty that makes you smile uncontrollably.<br />
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-55981693076062220612018-06-28T15:52:00.002-07:002018-07-09T06:56:43.913-07:00Zion and the inescapable bottleneck of mass tourism I tried to pick a title that was less direct but it would not have captured the essence of our experience. Fact is, there are times when disappointments occur, which is okay, but we need to explain those too. We knew there would be shuttle rides from the park's entrance to each of the 12 or so stops, within the park. What we weren't planning on, was elbow to elbow hiking with several hundred of our closest strangers and all of this occurred after being crammed into the shuttle buses like sardines. Hard to imagine getting stressed out just trying to enjoy the outdoors but that's exactly what happened. The scenery is stunning and we can certainly see why this place is so popular. But, in cases like this, with all of the people, we might be loving the park to death. I am not sure what answers there are to this issue, but imagine this park in another 20 years without some visitor caps in place. What would hiking be like then? The driver-less shuttles would play their overly cheerful prerecorded messages as people quietly disembark.<br />
<i>"Please remember to hold on to your yellow GPS tethering cord at all times. They are what connects you to the hikers in front of you and will also be your guide for your return ride on our shuttle bus. Please enjoy your time at Zion and remember to enjoy the hologram images of the park's history, provided by our corporate sponsors. Don't forget to check out our award-winning souvenir shops as you are guided through our wonderful park. Again, on behalf of the federal bureaus of infotainment, enjoy Zion!"</i> <br />
I know that paints a grim view of the future but in many way that's what is occurring now, minus the GPS tethers.<br />
We have heard that several other parks are experiencing similar issues with congestion. After what we saw at Zion we have decided not to go to Yosemite because, simply, the thrill is gone when you experience dog-pile tourism. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sgGIY0vgC-AUqoS9A1CJmua0hQ7ewcRyVLhWSQg08EiECiKX68ZyZdtSvs170ar_-IVJTYf4Cv0Ermk06dZ1S1oszCOCRJw4zwwFBUg4didG10xr3siDcdNPp-j1t_9YWAxBgvOHUus/s1600/20180621_110751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sgGIY0vgC-AUqoS9A1CJmua0hQ7ewcRyVLhWSQg08EiECiKX68ZyZdtSvs170ar_-IVJTYf4Cv0Ermk06dZ1S1oszCOCRJw4zwwFBUg4didG10xr3siDcdNPp-j1t_9YWAxBgvOHUus/s640/20180621_110751.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walking the narrows.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqCS1LrvvyIm1OKU9TVYi_jl_AO3tZ3yO-abecf_di82JL5T1p2HCmizpwUPCSeXpwGwpkkbRxOiSEjBWgjEisML8SsNFaG3xyHeekyUm126JF-DRRgVzAYdq-OiB4Z3wodfQM6ULaLY/s1600/20180621_081058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqCS1LrvvyIm1OKU9TVYi_jl_AO3tZ3yO-abecf_di82JL5T1p2HCmizpwUPCSeXpwGwpkkbRxOiSEjBWgjEisML8SsNFaG3xyHeekyUm126JF-DRRgVzAYdq-OiB4Z3wodfQM6ULaLY/s640/20180621_081058.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Near the beginning of the park and before the shuttle rides.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqt366NFSZqbYjJYcZDB5fiOZpIT3xDS-7fwutL5ntQzxuThGE-qfXOOPSbKL-V-U8yYLPjYmwpHf6MbJ_jceVkIvFbejn5q3QLynX72M1O-I8Eo1ml-3DsqGXrVqh-Ons0fQhyphenhyphenGAQy8/s1600/20180621_082328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqt366NFSZqbYjJYcZDB5fiOZpIT3xDS-7fwutL5ntQzxuThGE-qfXOOPSbKL-V-U8yYLPjYmwpHf6MbJ_jceVkIvFbejn5q3QLynX72M1O-I8Eo1ml-3DsqGXrVqh-Ons0fQhyphenhyphenGAQy8/s640/20180621_082328.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful rock formation in the park and it is easy to see why people are fascinated with this park.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjQpBM41Qc1MPricwCFHyX_LZ-dFTRtfEB3W6hgKVfsexRSVkCvOnKBlhtX0eeUyn8GmHEeacnvMYBWtdcJTMdIdQ-aJAMdyjvCpcIze4DOM38oPzafVh5xioinLABwnPmZj6xkONvKw/s1600/20180621_085013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjQpBM41Qc1MPricwCFHyX_LZ-dFTRtfEB3W6hgKVfsexRSVkCvOnKBlhtX0eeUyn8GmHEeacnvMYBWtdcJTMdIdQ-aJAMdyjvCpcIze4DOM38oPzafVh5xioinLABwnPmZj6xkONvKw/s640/20180621_085013.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are early birds to national parks and as such we do miss some of the crowd.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r5Y9wmFtqjNFgNayjcDPLiMqshUHqNVdakcwry4_q0qa9pGcWgyoBb7fPw-lTjj_bBFGYMnqgFGNeKIkQQcIKMkEFLOEtMhQBr4uBq61gpQmQHKbEmT7U9JIVcC4LasL_xo6Ck2uIuM/s1600/20180621_085454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-r5Y9wmFtqjNFgNayjcDPLiMqshUHqNVdakcwry4_q0qa9pGcWgyoBb7fPw-lTjj_bBFGYMnqgFGNeKIkQQcIKMkEFLOEtMhQBr4uBq61gpQmQHKbEmT7U9JIVcC4LasL_xo6Ck2uIuM/s640/20180621_085454.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The calm of early morning.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugD1i2A9zAxzhR9j0ZDO97ctoC4jnUbctCRGRN5M7CfJSKaidVoBiiFOXGbpbvlq2_NxfTgojNEVVviURvqSrQqlNLbH2aW2A09b0V4U2kEHDHaREsXu6i28_eoaUsU3IVTKjJXm4WSI/s1600/20180621_085505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugD1i2A9zAxzhR9j0ZDO97ctoC4jnUbctCRGRN5M7CfJSKaidVoBiiFOXGbpbvlq2_NxfTgojNEVVviURvqSrQqlNLbH2aW2A09b0V4U2kEHDHaREsXu6i28_eoaUsU3IVTKjJXm4WSI/s640/20180621_085505.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The cliffs and ledges are amazing here.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe8C6GVtOzD3vXBESRbmGAUAk4xJaPmsCEOcZ-wVCGHGNO6gdxV2bNSpL_mLgVoQkGGMPxqv_Ld9QV-e7yASxcqhOS4N1BLOE8zqcesNavbpnMPrxjH6YtREjYJRfXV63hrF9V5FeYXE/s1600/20180621_100846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwe8C6GVtOzD3vXBESRbmGAUAk4xJaPmsCEOcZ-wVCGHGNO6gdxV2bNSpL_mLgVoQkGGMPxqv_Ld9QV-e7yASxcqhOS4N1BLOE8zqcesNavbpnMPrxjH6YtREjYJRfXV63hrF9V5FeYXE/s640/20180621_100846.jpg" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A riparian area in the desert is a most beautiful place, indeed.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj1j6BjsfthRG433gWR4OTLB01pG9-gVGVLD-pRlF7hXaTnceXxItRZjwXanlTLkJPVslY9cWUy0CZI5Gv2KTBK0TbzqY5M9QqBCo56Bixlyxd1w6u3tgRgqiplxLeJo1sEON6ccPM0E/s1600/20180621_111306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsj1j6BjsfthRG433gWR4OTLB01pG9-gVGVLD-pRlF7hXaTnceXxItRZjwXanlTLkJPVslY9cWUy0CZI5Gv2KTBK0TbzqY5M9QqBCo56Bixlyxd1w6u3tgRgqiplxLeJo1sEON6ccPM0E/s640/20180621_111306.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We hiked through water for several miles and we found these cascades early on.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx0EQZPNjhwgDwjlQkAtcCXtOokxNlVxgn4cmhTMiH5zeve8gRPfd6pu-Amf-w-6m6vP8lCo6Qk1sovfpuZi84ZdpeKOCjW1e1UDwOEJm2eepW5MTsgSGlPImmHGiFPdWtakzRFnk5UY/s1600/20180621_114742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1232" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx0EQZPNjhwgDwjlQkAtcCXtOokxNlVxgn4cmhTMiH5zeve8gRPfd6pu-Amf-w-6m6vP8lCo6Qk1sovfpuZi84ZdpeKOCjW1e1UDwOEJm2eepW5MTsgSGlPImmHGiFPdWtakzRFnk5UY/s640/20180621_114742.jpg" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On of the few areas that we weren't with a lot of other people.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5imdLlco28OgFDDuGy99QZuQKsJ29rkznQzYXBrxNSAeSf5_7newQom_LpYEYDFwbJuJ5IomjoUXti2sYuKgcSnC9yVg0znj5ZYcQdd1MCQQRSC4aFV5_LK3piq-T_omEhif3PQBYI6M/s1600/20180621_120310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1232" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5imdLlco28OgFDDuGy99QZuQKsJ29rkznQzYXBrxNSAeSf5_7newQom_LpYEYDFwbJuJ5IomjoUXti2sYuKgcSnC9yVg0znj5ZYcQdd1MCQQRSC4aFV5_LK3piq-T_omEhif3PQBYI6M/s640/20180621_120310.jpg" width="630" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This stream does experience flash flooding, at times, which continues the erosion to this day.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafszHduFDq_hrYF3mK1C16OT9M8sgPkSTifveJRLZa7PdxhTArkXBo_QhmWbGeiG0RVb2gZaNk2aBzKYQEr51S0ngyWXw36hXb8QLV3Q1soXCH7FQpQP3Azie05Q7CokiDcn30jMUFUk/s1600/20180621_120829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1424" data-original-width="1248" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafszHduFDq_hrYF3mK1C16OT9M8sgPkSTifveJRLZa7PdxhTArkXBo_QhmWbGeiG0RVb2gZaNk2aBzKYQEr51S0ngyWXw36hXb8QLV3Q1soXCH7FQpQP3Azie05Q7CokiDcn30jMUFUk/s640/20180621_120829.jpg" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful backdrops.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Vke5WihoChy27CyoeOGaYTA6ecK2UMhBIXI0gWqP-253YKrcFFU_cnFYEGINF9H7rOb_VWyk2bF9BIOqdmJPicEnPi13TC8DVOEYvKsd1i91fVz3hvJEh3MBjlSKNsrSgOo5_y9vTOs/s1600/20180621_121236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Vke5WihoChy27CyoeOGaYTA6ecK2UMhBIXI0gWqP-253YKrcFFU_cnFYEGINF9H7rOb_VWyk2bF9BIOqdmJPicEnPi13TC8DVOEYvKsd1i91fVz3hvJEh3MBjlSKNsrSgOo5_y9vTOs/s640/20180621_121236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The shuttle buses were clean, efficient and packed with visitors on each ride.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR2vVUvAI43Hrfyb_vosd7aI6OfykXNLV6nepI1EfqHxBXC__TsPvpfVXzMhyaFwjDrgWqTksV2WM3m_CrsYJsGzr8haF7y6FiW0U73wt9E_iP9M3rJpgQGvlaZyMEmX26bGmuTWk2DU/s1600/20180621_112831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiR2vVUvAI43Hrfyb_vosd7aI6OfykXNLV6nepI1EfqHxBXC__TsPvpfVXzMhyaFwjDrgWqTksV2WM3m_CrsYJsGzr8haF7y6FiW0U73wt9E_iP9M3rJpgQGvlaZyMEmX26bGmuTWk2DU/s640/20180621_112831.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our return to the shuttle bus and the endless streams of humanity.</span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4422269873956730063.post-17471218696215210312018-06-26T16:31:00.001-07:002018-06-26T16:32:57.734-07:00The spaces between the linesOur kids, like us, need downtime every now and then to recharge. Living in a travel trailer can have it's downsides, even under the best of circumstances. Privacy... fugetaboutit! Alone time... LOL! Our living room, dining room and kitchen are all connected, and a special magnifying acoustic door separates the bathroom from those rooms. We not only know what each of us eats, but how quickly each of us processes those meals. Space is at a premium and quiet time is cherished. Thankfully our family has been traveling together a lot over past few years, so hearing toots is nothing new.<br />
On a daily basis, my wife plans the details of our travels and I fix the things that break. We split housework between the four of us. I do the driving when the rig is hooked-up. Elise does the shopping when we are camped. Sometimes she is gone for several hours at a time buying paper towels or cereal.<br />
We usually don't question what each other does because things inevitably pop up. For example, when we came home from Zion National Park we were exhausted after many miles of hiking. Sierra's cat looked odd and the cat knew we were looking at her so she tried to run away. Elise pounced on the cat as we saw something that looked like a beige piece of yarn stuck on the cat's rear end. Upon much much closer examination we realized it was actually a tapeworm oozing it's way out of her posterior. Sierra grabbed some wet wipes and started to pull on the fettuccine looking worm for a while until she couldn't handle the stench anymore and shouted, "Daddy please take over I can't breathe!" So I assumed the position and yanked on the slithering beast while the cat was meowing 4 letter words at us. After pulling out a good couple feet of the foulest smelling worm I've ever had the pleasure of sniffing, my wife chimed in by yelling, "I can't hold her anymore, get it out!" All this commotion occurred while my wife was gagging uncontrollably. While I was tugging on our cat's large intestines our trailer was rocking, there was lots of sailor-like swearing and panicked meowing. I am truly surprised our neighboring RVers didn't call child protective services on us. Alas, I pulled on that rubbery, moist, smelly, beige worm until it popped out or snapped. I am still not sure which one happened, for the cat scurried under the couch to gather her thoughts after being so violated. We quickly disposed of the worm and rushed out to get medicine for all of our animals. All of this became a family affair because we live in such tight quarters.<br />
Don't get me wrong, there are good things about this lifestyle as well. We are seeing incredible places, meeting wonderful people, and falling in love with our country all over again. How cool is that? When we left the U.S., in February of 2015, on our drive to South America we just wanted to live some of our bucket list. We weren't angry at our country. Rather, we were disappointed in ourselves and how neglectful we had become about not living our own dreams. We eventually realized that our energy went to where our thoughts were. We woke up with our mental to-do list and it stayed with us all day, and who knows, maybe they even lingered into our dreams. Our energy followed our thoughts until either one got drained. We realized that our quiet times, back then, were actually recovery times and not truly detached quiet times.<br />
What occurred during our trip in Latin America is we discovered a serenity, in us, that we longed for. Our energy focused on better thoughts. You know, the kind of happy thoughts, like what do you want to be when you grow up, kind of thoughts. Should we turn left at the intersection or go straight? Unless we had a certain place to be, the path was irrelevant. This was so wildly different to our fully planned and wholey maximized days before, when every path was relevant and impacted our to-do lists.<br />
Though private space is limited in the RV, we still need to ensure the kids have their own quiet times. As we eventually find a town to call home and become integrated, in the U.S. again, it's important to recognize the fragility of our happiness. We want to remind our daughters that happiness is like a garden and it needs regular tending. <br />
The four of us were recently talking about our goal of incorporating what we've learned abroad to our new lives here. It will be daunting at first but it has to occur. Sometimes words can't fully describe the feeling of receiving a blown kiss from across the room or feeling the disappointment of your father's exhale. We need to remind ourselves that there is so much depth in what can't be spoken and untold stories in the spaces between the lines. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaPDC_OQcSvAJ76p5APmNtde8-M59N5578PtwlnmfUMnPw3F5gXfrQi8a_zdU1hV5q9h-qVgLfB90WREJSS9Dnuc5wd2NM_FVuQqBcgSVqhwgVF3AtIm-_LVq_OM_oB6ZvySphIs-Jl0/s1600/20180608_092434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaPDC_OQcSvAJ76p5APmNtde8-M59N5578PtwlnmfUMnPw3F5gXfrQi8a_zdU1hV5q9h-qVgLfB90WREJSS9Dnuc5wd2NM_FVuQqBcgSVqhwgVF3AtIm-_LVq_OM_oB6ZvySphIs-Jl0/s640/20180608_092434.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">While in Durango our girls made their first friends since returning to the U.S. Considering what our kids have gone through, this made us feel great to see them rebuilding what they lost in Nicaragua. These girls and their parents are setting the stage for long-term travels as well, and we wish them the best.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eohUKegTZtimFVC0tFLx3k6R3kK-n3mrF7IL2COwXCrhGQCBfLD6uahQe-crpMxPww8cQ2Xj3haq9D_QNaenOVjaZbVrpDLeuCg-ywKTfp0-U_-Vtl_9oiDqyn5rvOoSedMj_CKf3fw/s640/20180607_144404.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Paco is one lucky doggy.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eohUKegTZtimFVC0tFLx3k6R3kK-n3mrF7IL2COwXCrhGQCBfLD6uahQe-crpMxPww8cQ2Xj3haq9D_QNaenOVjaZbVrpDLeuCg-ywKTfp0-U_-Vtl_9oiDqyn5rvOoSedMj_CKf3fw/s1600/20180607_144404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eohUKegTZtimFVC0tFLx3k6R3kK-n3mrF7IL2COwXCrhGQCBfLD6uahQe-crpMxPww8cQ2Xj3haq9D_QNaenOVjaZbVrpDLeuCg-ywKTfp0-U_-Vtl_9oiDqyn5rvOoSedMj_CKf3fw/s1600/20180607_144404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio13G88hZWBTiaR4N9WMGadVJbB2LLLueFKiDveyE1qB3QuGZCJVjyhU98T6i9qEKOQqtdBbmIJMtfdvt5athPCUMRK2eI-nlNLL256yjTDEtvk09zz5Yg6IeeNesmtxBiP92TSBkvFnY/s1600/20180619_193248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio13G88hZWBTiaR4N9WMGadVJbB2LLLueFKiDveyE1qB3QuGZCJVjyhU98T6i9qEKOQqtdBbmIJMtfdvt5athPCUMRK2eI-nlNLL256yjTDEtvk09zz5Yg6IeeNesmtxBiP92TSBkvFnY/s640/20180619_193248.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We met our friends from Granada, who are actually from Canada, in Utah. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCIiEYGkfotLSdVVrr1ywwLJiHxurov2azonVR8I1q-KiXWq-x8CCfsCc2WirSJB_AVBJflj_0OlV7kfk13o8hQOyxONP-zeppuzDmH35xAmb85r28PZ77cLU9fran9OxPOt6_mQUEUA/s1600/20180626_131013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCIiEYGkfotLSdVVrr1ywwLJiHxurov2azonVR8I1q-KiXWq-x8CCfsCc2WirSJB_AVBJflj_0OlV7kfk13o8hQOyxONP-zeppuzDmH35xAmb85r28PZ77cLU9fran9OxPOt6_mQUEUA/s640/20180626_131013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">While in Idaho we met up with other friends from Granada.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEIfX0IHI24gKG5TDIFB-qPSJ3aZJRf1CWoIRMHNd8ZbO_cIFgjpI-MDX-FCxcDH1LZXngEA0HyJFlSjLFoA6hyGDzKewmBO4zQGEnO-jnYW8QKFbvcxHoAo95WHjV7IWcIVS9mZ7hGY/s1600/20180626_150940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEIfX0IHI24gKG5TDIFB-qPSJ3aZJRf1CWoIRMHNd8ZbO_cIFgjpI-MDX-FCxcDH1LZXngEA0HyJFlSjLFoA6hyGDzKewmBO4zQGEnO-jnYW8QKFbvcxHoAo95WHjV7IWcIVS9mZ7hGY/s640/20180626_150940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On visit from Granada, our good friends who we all miss.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eoYuiwdBJ4Jwl6I8GHuAvaV1ohQfZCVqu0VN9ALvROopu0xizEpP-MsyVJ16NQJdweGihVUHFn5N0iX_scqQtMEnZv4f3JaeuVbTX5Zz5f2-EV81v2sD02aHaYr7eNqw8EHrrr217CM/s1600/20180610_182701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eoYuiwdBJ4Jwl6I8GHuAvaV1ohQfZCVqu0VN9ALvROopu0xizEpP-MsyVJ16NQJdweGihVUHFn5N0iX_scqQtMEnZv4f3JaeuVbTX5Zz5f2-EV81v2sD02aHaYr7eNqw8EHrrr217CM/s640/20180610_182701.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sierra playing mini-golf.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjrD7RDH3oLkpIBk66zhyphenhyphenVYuXy2WkZaZTU0Gqrclb1OeuDZlfvQ5d6SbH5Rd3PsG1yc54QMjLngOc3WQNi0rkHe5B5OnvdEIRcVHE_UCkyGTPFwokt4meDFmsJkOspS9Mmv0hg9qfkSY/s1600/20180611_143126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjrD7RDH3oLkpIBk66zhyphenhyphenVYuXy2WkZaZTU0Gqrclb1OeuDZlfvQ5d6SbH5Rd3PsG1yc54QMjLngOc3WQNi0rkHe5B5OnvdEIRcVHE_UCkyGTPFwokt4meDFmsJkOspS9Mmv0hg9qfkSY/s640/20180611_143126.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A community pool in Montrose, Colorado.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbOg_yUlOUBA1CkyVUzN1ct9fBszPe4SPiJUZx1qP9QyOsPgWCYwkjQeQQfDOVpyPWBFeF-52osz5qo6cqcXQlh57jfQE2PBKK8A1tSjxJBPsq836yzFY5AyPDs8l_wmdD7ZBJbe5EeM/s1600/20180611_153303_016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbOg_yUlOUBA1CkyVUzN1ct9fBszPe4SPiJUZx1qP9QyOsPgWCYwkjQeQQfDOVpyPWBFeF-52osz5qo6cqcXQlh57jfQE2PBKK8A1tSjxJBPsq836yzFY5AyPDs8l_wmdD7ZBJbe5EeM/s640/20180611_153303_016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pure pleasure, being shot out of a slide in Colorado.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ofW8xY3jd8MWk_tA5MYZHLW06oTseKbzQcA5ypd3rI8FigPKw23VjxE_WwU7CkmXGvbOBC_FOsEjt5s2aNoIgI8gGVl3tduifHdaKxO08sr6Xwa1WYErJ2nFbzVXTdXqk_ZGM4yDnIE/s1600/20180611_153540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ofW8xY3jd8MWk_tA5MYZHLW06oTseKbzQcA5ypd3rI8FigPKw23VjxE_WwU7CkmXGvbOBC_FOsEjt5s2aNoIgI8gGVl3tduifHdaKxO08sr6Xwa1WYErJ2nFbzVXTdXqk_ZGM4yDnIE/s640/20180611_153540.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The girls enjoying a hot tub.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFt1o_o1_wLlLb3ZCtP6YIads7ziuPTEoIIFZJmAEmND6pbxrYEs6ekraLi-R2ehPvQaO-MM4nWkEIlAyU5YJwNYICykET9cgALEGIulf_VX8FnGPC5OSbWEIrU8_o6Kako1ospP5EyI/s1600/20180613_100824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFt1o_o1_wLlLb3ZCtP6YIads7ziuPTEoIIFZJmAEmND6pbxrYEs6ekraLi-R2ehPvQaO-MM4nWkEIlAyU5YJwNYICykET9cgALEGIulf_VX8FnGPC5OSbWEIrU8_o6Kako1ospP5EyI/s640/20180613_100824.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zoe getting ready to dig into a Jack fruit.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxY41wvHT1QrcDARJMBhp7RzOTNQKmqVYWbn3DZXGHqMpENSqri4j9zkPPgyWbaYHX3P37uLuU2A8DzH5mzGqSgAT4D1Dl3-hIiegptdLboLZYYvfJZHv6L5NGhzMsuBHXUCRSVoDxqw/s1600/20180615_094933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxY41wvHT1QrcDARJMBhp7RzOTNQKmqVYWbn3DZXGHqMpENSqri4j9zkPPgyWbaYHX3P37uLuU2A8DzH5mzGqSgAT4D1Dl3-hIiegptdLboLZYYvfJZHv6L5NGhzMsuBHXUCRSVoDxqw/s640/20180615_094933.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The kids were playing with a kitten which we did not adopt as we already have two cats.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpKOFLUzbOZ0gbvmrg9H2lIx9djqDf_MShsDvKDgZJ-Gcc9s8f3s4rX7L7pnSP0f356soig3ienpsfbk6fUG4tMuT-7LL9ebs7fK9TwTls-k6TRmFdBAnQPbXUB4Q_akF40ap34G3QNc/s1600/20180615_163737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpKOFLUzbOZ0gbvmrg9H2lIx9djqDf_MShsDvKDgZJ-Gcc9s8f3s4rX7L7pnSP0f356soig3ienpsfbk6fUG4tMuT-7LL9ebs7fK9TwTls-k6TRmFdBAnQPbXUB4Q_akF40ap34G3QNc/s640/20180615_163737.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A riverside bike trail in Montrose Colorado.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6Pocaa4eDRDO-ahUzZC9RgnNx5RcNrFJnbQnjfZIbNUDTFXIJy4GJ4kKbuZ3kKWOJcson7n8uLT4PG4qWN6Ztlc2exfnoiA4q3zJkkIRS-51qUCANZX_avKCjbDL5uWzhcRndZQvkes/s1600/20180616_112831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6Pocaa4eDRDO-ahUzZC9RgnNx5RcNrFJnbQnjfZIbNUDTFXIJy4GJ4kKbuZ3kKWOJcson7n8uLT4PG4qWN6Ztlc2exfnoiA4q3zJkkIRS-51qUCANZX_avKCjbDL5uWzhcRndZQvkes/s640/20180616_112831.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The biking trio. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi9Etz-cOvbWRYFgMsssqXZJOrR3GlyOWe7gmMStEm8P-Juq2l3zX5j6et5WQS4Kq2sFo0H-sGCMgiKT5QP7BHHEMvMcAH7jdTbDKHoAyKxW9M9U0qFV-FHm4zIrR1EOjCD6WvYf0b3E/s1600/20180617_092018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi9Etz-cOvbWRYFgMsssqXZJOrR3GlyOWe7gmMStEm8P-Juq2l3zX5j6et5WQS4Kq2sFo0H-sGCMgiKT5QP7BHHEMvMcAH7jdTbDKHoAyKxW9M9U0qFV-FHm4zIrR1EOjCD6WvYf0b3E/s320/20180617_092018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sierra is practicing photography with this reflection image </span></td></tr>
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<br />4Souls1Dreamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03815077006638093540noreply@blogger.com0