A Little Extra

Here are some links to websites that have informed and educated me along the way and as I move forward.  I thought I’d share some of what I think is neat:

1. These are my friends Jeremy and Winnie.  I have mentioned them in my blog.  Their journey is very different than mine, but they took the offramp the same time I did.  J. is an entertaining writer and W. is an astonishing photographer. 

http://www.gocurrycracker.com/

2. I only know Korey through friends.  His journey is a bit more similar to my own, but he refers more to traveling to find himself.  As I have said to everyone who asked me if I was doing the same, “I didn’t lose me.”

http://midlifetrippin.com/

3. This is just a fun site to read about travel, with an open heart and perhaps a more thoughtful budget.

http://www.bootsnall.com/

4. Oddly, I only read this today when a friend linked this to me on Facebook.  But boy, does it resonate!

http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/why-you-should-quit-your-job-and-travel-around-the-world/

5. I have looked at minimalist blogs for years.  I have always felt oppressed by owning too much stuff and the responsibilities of caring for it.  This blog expresses the philosophy in lovely prose (and their formatting is great!).

http://www.becomingminimalist.com/the-10-most-important-things-to-simplify-in-your-life/

Twenty countries. Four Canadian Provinces. Fifteen US States. Am I done yet?

No.  How could I be?  Do you really think I’m ready to drop my butt back into a desk chair?  Luckily, as an archaeologist the hop back into work means going for a nice hike.  In 15 meter intervals.  Likely in Montana.  We’re just waiting on the permit to get signed.  Earning some money will be a nice change.

In the meantime, I am back in Seattle catching up with family and friends.  Proving that you can’t plan for everything (anything?) the guys from France – Justin and Ivan – are filming in town this weekend.  I’m helping out again.  Maybe I’ll get in the credits this time!

People keep asking what my favorite place was while traveling.  I just cannot come up with one.  I’ve never been good at that.  What’s my favorite book?  Out of the thousands I’ve read?  Ha!  Doesn’t work that way for me.  I’ve loved virtually every place I’ve been.  One or two exceptions, but by and large.  I’ve loved traveling.  I’m not tired of it yet.  I’m planning to keep moving.

So, what are the takeaway lessons from the trip? 

1.     I worked to break some bad habits.  Like over planning.  I’ve definitely managed that.

2.     I also tried to break the habit of taking responsibility for things that weren’t mine.  Better there.

3.     I’ve learned to live with far less stuff.  Since being in Seattle I have done a bit of shopping to reup the supplies.  I have a pair of flipflops ($8.76 at the consignment store).  I have taken one bag of clothes out of my storage unit.  Haven’t looked at the rest of the boxes, but know that I will be getting rid of much of it.  Anyone want a nice computer monitor? 

4.     With less stuff to care for, there is more time to do other things.  Spending time with friends.  Travel.  I’m hoping to remain a minimalist for a long time.

5.     There are wonderful, loving people everywhere.  Full stop.

6.     American portion sizes in restaurants are ridiculous.

7.     Public transit makes me happy.

8.     I want to be a Park Ranger.

Walla Walla

On to the southeastern corner of Washington State, wine country, and Walla Walla.  Of course I am here visiting family, what else?  I have few pithy anthropological observations, because I am circling back amongst my people.  And because sitting by the swimming pool in the backyard doesn't lend itself to such things.  I have attended two Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival performances.  I could comment on the audience variety.  This town has a good blend of academic, agricultural, oenophillic, and others.  Mostly I can say that Tchaikovsky's 'Souvenir de Florence' is gorgeous music.

Perhaps psychological observations?  The NYT crossword puzzle solving is good sport here.  It's too hot for much else!

Wyoming

Back in my old stomping grounds of Teton Village, Wyoming.  I've now hiked nine out of the last ten days in Grand Teton National Park and environs.  I've seen bears (a leeetle too close today Mr. Grizz), moose, elk, antelope, deer, bison, and some really fat marmots.  Plus a world of fluttering moths and butterflies.  Absolutely gorgeous.  The wild flowers are out, the sun has shone, and I'm sad to be moving on.

Still a lot of snow out here!

And therefore, snowmelt.

Beautiful, but too early for swimming.

Hilary decided to join me for a few days.  Again.

Just perfect.

Steamboat Springs

Drove up from Denver to visit friends Erica and Greg is Steamboat Springs.  It’s my kind of town!  Very Alaskan – everyone is friendly and chatty, the mountains are gorgeous, the lilacs are out.  Unfortunately, so are the mosquitos.  My Therapik was kept busy. 

Erica and Greg were amazing hosts.  They cooked wonderful meals and made me feel right at home.  Plus there was the great girl time: haircut, pedicure, and massage!  I have to admit I took a peek at the local real estate.  June in the Rocky Mountains is a bad time to be thinking about going back to work.

The neighbors

So cute!

I can't help it.  I love lilacs so much.

Avon, Vail, and Denver

After hiking  to a few more spectacular places in Arches National Park, I headed north and east to Avon, Colorado.  Why Avon?  To see Wendy and Warren, Lindsey’s aunt and uncle.  Confused?  Go back and Check November and December.  More family!  We had a lovely visit which included laundry, a car wash, and the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail.  The “games” – I really can’t bring myself to call them sports – included bouldering, kayaking, slack-lining, and bicycle jumping.  Fun to watch, nonetheless.  Wendy and Warren are wonderful hosts.  I’m already angling to return during ski season!

Then I headed down to Denver to see Christine (and her new dog Opus).  We visited the Botanical Gardens and talked and talked and talked.  Wonderful to see old friends, and the bonsai collection in the gardens is splendid.

Spent today visiting Julie – yet another old friend!  Yes, Dad – more of them!  We hit the Golden Triangle of Denver – seeing museums and other cultural locations.  That’s me in front of a giant cow.  Denver’s version of art.

It’s striking how different traveling is now that I am back in America and it is after Memorial Day.  I forgot about the day (and oops, a birthday or two) while rafting in the canyon.  The crowds in Arches reminded me, and now the heat in Denver is bringing home that it is summer!  My future plans are written in Jello, but Alaska is sounding better and better.  Except it hit 78 there today.  Maybe Antarctica? 

Canyon de Chelly and then some

It's so odd coming from the timeless (well, I didn't have a watch on for 2 weeks) Grand Canyon and then hoping into a car and using all the modern conveniences.  I headed out of Flagstaff and hit Winslow, AZ.  The town isn't much these days, but the extant Fred Harvey hotel - La Posada - is an architectural gem, and the lunch there is fab.

I continued northeast to visit Canyon de Chelly National Monument.  I worked in Mesa Verde National Park ages ago, but this is a far more remote location.  As a result, fewer visitors and a very different approach to usage.  Quite lovely, quiet, and wonderful.  The Grand Canyon time is such an away space, but is also intensely sociable due to being stuck in boats and campsites with your nearest and dearest.  It's quite a mental balancing act.  I had several conversations with family members and friends about the nature of loneliness.  Food for thought.  I am quite happy to have my solo time to hike and enjoy.  My next few journey legs will be sociable and I like the balance.

Wearing Elliot's hat.  Thanks cuz!  The light at Canyon de Chelly is best in the evening.

But that didn't stop me from taking a hike early this morning.

600 feet down to these ruins.

And then I travelled to Arches National Park to catch the evening light there.  More early morning hiking scheduled for tomorrow!