Totally uneventful first day! I think I was just so exhausted from the wedding the night before that I wasn’t quite all with it. It is HOT here, too...90’s, but again that dry heat and the evenings the temp truly drops, like to the fifties. This makes it all bearable. Coming to Colorado always feels a bit like home since I have been coming here for so many years. We lucked out and had a clear landing day so the Rockies were all standing out in their magnificence. As the song says, So Much Magnificence”, which is \240actually all about the ocean but the mountains here are just so. It always makes me smile out loud and lifts my heart. First stop, Brooklyn’s Original (this is important) Bar to catch the Patriots game. Do you think you get use to getting to the bar by 10:30 on a Sunday to catch the game? It’s a necessity, since the Pats are never on tv! The only seats that we found were on a bench with no table. I think the table was moved so that one could get up and down the two steps! We looked a bit comical but we had seats. The waitress couldn’t have been more accommodating and we placed our nachos on the bench between us, Bruce made friends with his neighbors and got a beer spot on their table and I had a little water shelf on my side to use. BTW...we were in orange country! Orange is a very bright color when almost everyone is wearing it! Well, as things usually go...we were st the wrong Brooklyn’s! We were suppose to be at the Pepsi Co one so we got a pedicab over and joined the tailgaters of the Run ‘n Chug in the parking lot. Unfortunately it was super hot and the tv didn’t work so we didn’t stay long. I saved the best for last! Brody Bechina! The love boy! Yikes did he get heavy! Smiling, gurgling and talking all over the place! The love is rekindled!

Morning run in Arvada

Good morning sully!

September 11

I got the Brody man first thing in the morning. I love that he is a morning boy and is happiest at that time. I also love that I am a morning person so that I get him all to myself before anyone else gets up. Well after Shawna hands him off to me. She got up and went to the gym, Bruce got ready to visit Andy and I took Brody for a walk. Very, very strange to be pushing a baby carriage again and I hated that I had to keep the top up because the sun was so bright and strong. He eventually fell asleep just near home and luckily Bruce was still there so that I could run in to the bathroom and keep on walking. It amazes me how much time a baby takes up! Everything revolves around the baby! Just deciding to go out and actually getting out the door can take an hour! I insisted Shawna get a pedicure and I just sat with my love boy. The three of us went to our favorite sushi place in Arvada, then Brody and I went to Target after dropping Shawna off at home to take a nap. Everything was fine and dandy til we got home and then that boy’s Italian/Irish temper came out and he screamed bloody murder. My heart so breaks for him when he is that upset. Eventually, even Brody has to stop crying.

That evening the three of us drove up to meet Bruce at Andy and Suzanne’s in Boulder. They have a great place high up on the west side (that’s Colorado for what we would call the other side of town) and we had a wonderful time eating dinner outside. I must say…no skeeters and no humidity is quite appealing! 

September 12

Today is moving on day…leaving Brody day…so I was up at 4:30 waiting to hear his little peep! I got the first feeding and I must say there is nothing like the smile on the face of a little grandson when he sees that you have come to get him up and love him! Yes, there is the feeding…but that ‘first look’ followed by a huge grin is the best. We just hung out together wrapped up in the afghan that Shan had knitted. Brody ate and slept while I watched and savored ever single bit of it. I thought about putting him down, but he was a little restless…and isn’t that my role as grandmother??? It was awesomeness at it’s best. I loved all his slurpy sounds when he can’t quite figure out whether to drink or breath:) Of course, that set us back for getting on the road and it was a mad dash to get everything together and in the car. Shawna and Joe were great about helping and lending us equipment and supplies. Finally, about 9:30 we got on the road…not the best start…the bikes were falling off and we went 18 miles  out of our way before realizing it! Finally, we got on track and were off…about another hour behind. Oh, well…as Rob would say!

We ended up south of Pueblo, CO, to where Shawna and I were headed twelve years ago, Monarch and Alamosa, until she decided Pueblo was the right fit. Funny how life works out.  We had a great Mexican lunch at Tony’s  in/near Buena Vista, a teeny little town that we were through before we knew it. A bit further on we stopped at the Great Sand Dunes where I got pulled over! I thought it might have been because I was actually taking a picture while driving…there was NO ONE on the road!!! - but it was because I was speeding by 20 mph! The speed limits are crazy! They change like New England weather and I was so aware of it all the way down. Apparently, as soon as you enter the park the speed limit goes from 55 to 30. Lucky day…no ticket OR warning. Annndddd...finally New Mexico which was a lot like Colorado! I am glad that there was a sign or I would not have noticed the difference. Taos is absolutely lovely! Just the right size…kinda like a Nahant with a business area:) Traffic was busy, but we quickly found the back roads…well I did when I went on a run in the AM. World Mark Taos is a great place to stay and Bruce has finally slept in a Murphy Bed! LOL! We have a great studio with everything that we could possibly need. A quick tired trip to the grocery and we were done for the day. I think that if we hadn’t had the extra hour added on in the beginning we would have been fine.

Great Sand Dunes!

September 13

What a glorious first day in New Mexico! I woke early, but waited to go for a run…you know me…there are wild animals out there! It’s true! I get myself outdoors, but that city girl heart is still beating loud. Anyway, I ran leisurely, just checking out the neighborhood, but also, at 7,000 feet is was a bit labored. I skipped the downtown plaza area because I wanted to do that the first time with Bruce. The Mexican flavor was everywhere - who can not love the brightly colored clay pots filled with geraniums and other flowering plants, framing the even brighter colored front doors to the houses! Back at our base, we had tea and breakfast as we planned our day…or should I say what we would do first! We stocked our backpacks with water and snacks and headed out to hike the West Rim trail of the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. One must first cross the bridge and the goal is for one to walk back over the bridge spanning the Rio Grande at 600 feet above! Needless to say…there was a teeny bit of anxiety! While Bruce hit the men’s room I walk as close to the rim as the fence would let me and hung on looking down. I am always positive that if I face my height phobia head on, it will cease to exist. This has not been the case, but I have been able to get a handle on it now and then. Off we walked to the bridge and I looked straight ahead as I clawed Bruce’s hand and could have probably knocked him over with the way I was leaning in…of course, all the while trying to be oh-so-cool! HA! My goal was to stand on the railing and get a picture of my toes over the Gorge. HAHAHA! You should have seen the oh-so-not-cool me as I lay flat on my back trying to get the courage to slide my feet through the railing as I inched up a smidge at a time! Oh, the stress and agony. NOT my best moment! But…it was the best I could do and I KNOW that a few years ago I wouldn’t have been able to do that. I don’t quite get that my somewhat rational mind could not force my illogical heart and soul to just do it! We had a great walk along the West Rim, another accomplishment - but, I have to admit that we were at least 10 feet away from the edge at all times! I forced myself as close as I could a few times…any of you that have any kind of phobia can relate when I say, a switch goes off and you are scared to death! Other than those close calls, it was an amazing hike with the same Colorado blue skies that I am used to and we were on a plateau, surrounded by mountains, not a cloud in the sky. We got a late start and so it was quite warm by the time we were done at 11:45. What a great time we had! Just what we were here for. Back to town we headed, dusty, tired and satisfied, to look for lunch. We had scoped out a few places on trip advisor, but ended up at the one that was open and that we could find, Lamberts. We chose the outside patio out back with an apple tree right in the middle of the tiled patio, surrounded by umbrella-y tarps. Ya know when it just feels like a sigh…that’s what it was like. We had a lovely time just chillin’ until we realized that the place was empty and that all the tables were completely cleared off - even the s&p were gone! We took the hint and headed out to wander the Taos Plaza on a sunny, hot afternoon. Now, I agree and love that there is absolutely no humidity, but it got a bit hot, so off we went to our hotel to plan the next adventure, which you won’t believe…we decide to go BACK out to the West Rim to have a picnic dinner and watch the night sky unfold. A-hem…we would untimely be hiking the rim in the dark?!?!? We stopped for a bottle of red to add to our cheese, grapes and crackers. Well, from two people that have experienced countless sunsets, both together and individually, it was not a ‘wow’, but it was still cool. We made it to THE bench, about a half mile out before the sun was completely down, and actually had to stop before the bench because it was at a lower point and the sun had set for it at that point. We had expected this place to be mobbed because it is supposedly the best sunrise spot in Taos, but there was not another soul around…awesome! We had our picnic, toasted life and watched the sunlight creep up the opposite rim (the East Rim?) and slowly set on the town of Taos and eventually creeping up the mountains behind. It was almost like a reverse sunrise, it you get my drift. And then…it took forever…but the moon came out and we waited and watched and waited and watched as the planets gradually appeared…Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Pluto (it IS!) and Neptune! What. The. Heck. The Milky Way and stars started popping out like crazy! JUST what I wanted to see in the southwest! It was amazing!!! I absolutely loved it. The tough part…the trek back through the dark, knowing that the edge of the West Rim was not far away. Bruce insisted that I not use my phone flashlight, but use my night vision! I haven’t used my night vision since flashlight tag, fifty years ago! What a perfect day to be introduced to New Mexico!

Morning run downtown Taos.

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.

Just like Tibet!

Tibet❤️

September 14

Sante Fe! Woohoo! I got up early and did my yoga then headed to the fireplace part of the lobby with my lavender tea…blissful. It was quiet and cool and just a perfect way to start the day. It is such a gift to take the time to just stop and be…however I miss the run. Sometimes it is just important to listen to what our body needs and wants, and I am still working on slowing things down even more. After our new favorite breakfast of peanut butter and banana on GF pita bread (YAY), we got on the road a bit past 9 and had a great, scenic drive down on what is called the Taos High Road. It was up and down and extremely windy, but oh…the scenery! Actually, I decided that I like this kind of driving rather than the straight aways. I am loving the southwest, NM being a lot like CO, but we see more poor folks and that is sad. There is a kind of ‘easy’ feeling, though - or is that because we are on vacation? Again, everyone we have met has been overly kind and helpful. Our first stop, on Joe and Shawna’s recommendation, was Chimayo, the El Santuario Shrine, which is known locally as the Lourdes of America, where miraculous healings occur.  There is a week long pilgrimage all through Holy Week, when thousands WALK from various parts of NM to get the healing. It was a truly spiritual experience and I am forever grateful that I we went. There is too much to say, but I recommend reading up on it. ( roadsideamerica.com - well, that’s where I researched when we got home. I am also curious about the impact of St. Francis here in New Mexico. He has a very strong presence, which sticks out to me, mostly because I know that my dad was named after him because he was born on that day. We did get some ‘blessed dirt’ to bring home and also put some on our ailing parts - mine being heart/soul/mind. It was a place that was hard to leave, but leave we did and on to Sante Fe. We went right to old town in search of ‘The Shed’ for lunch. It was recommended three times to Bruce so we had to go. Awesome! We got a place at the bar next to two locals, Juan and Tom…Juan being a born and bred ’Santa Fe-ian’ (NO IDEA!), but the food was amazing and the two local boys were very entertaining!  I couldn’t decide between the gazpacho and the cold raspberry soup and so I got both! Yum to both! Then we shared an enchilada which was also wonderful…luckily the boys highly recommended getting the red and the green chili on the side. Hot! Hot! Hot! I added a touch of Italy by ordering an Aperol Spritz, which came with a bit of mint…surprisingly good. We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the shops of old town and sitting in the park later in the afternoon where I got to do some painting. Bruce was very generous in buying me a few gifts. Thank you, Bruce! I bought him a tube of lip balm! He so would not cooperate…but honestly…we really do not need anything!  I loved Santa Fe, but I think my heart leans more toward Taos as it is smaller, quainter and much more manageable. Santa Fe had a section that so reminded me or Route 1, if you know what I mean. We took the west end of the loop road back and it was no where near as beautiful as the way down, but by then we were ready to go home. At one point we were on a six lane high way, going our way, and had a red light! My biggest obstacle driving out here is keeping an eye out for the speed limit because it can change by 20mph in a snap and then go back up again!

September 15

Another early morning of tea by the fire in the lobby. I should have run…but we were planning a mountain hike and truly, sometimes it is nice to just sit and drink a cup of tea with silence except for the crackling of the \240fire. 

We tried to get out early and headed to Devisadero Loop, a five mile mountain hike with a  vertical increase of about 1300…well...we did the best we could, but did not make the whole loop. We did three miles in about 2.5 hours and we were very proud of ourselves. The whole hike was spectacular...cloudless blue sky and awesome views with no humidity. Can I move here? It is the first time that I have ever walked a ridge line…loved it. We googled the best Mexican restaurant when we got back down and ended up at this tiny little place with a patio covered with multi colored umbrellas. Again, the temp was in the 80’s and we were fine to be outside. Since wine and beer were all that was served, I took a chance on a Corona, as most google sites state that it is legally gluten free. So far so good…boy was it delicious! Bruce had a chimichanga and I got delicious tortilla soup. YUM! And it was cheap, too. We headed back home to clean up and regroup for a couple of hours before heading out to Taos Pueblo, a Native American community that has been here for over 1,000 years. At least I think that is the number. It left me speechless…it was so beautiful. As soon as I saw one home/shop, I completely fell in love with it and we sat under a tree on a handmade bench next to the babbling brook. I sketched while Bruce read and drank a refreshing homemade lemonade/watermelon. We went over to the shop and the woman that owned it said that she had grown up in the house and that it had been in her family for many, many generations. It was amazing and so interesting to be able to explore the inside. Too. Cool. We were so intrigued that we both want to learn more about the history. The saddest paras the cemetery. such injustice to the NA.

Off we went to downtown Taos to check it out a bit more in depth. What a great little place, especially around the plaza which was filled with shops and restaurants. I was keen on finding Chokola, known for it’s sipping chocolate as well as other fine chocolate fare. We each got the trio which was the option of choosing three mini chocolate desserts…Bruce got two different chocolate mousse and a dark raspberry chocolate. I got a lavender sipping chocolate, a rosemary dark chocolate caramel and lavender dark chocolate caramel. The presentation was the best! And we sat outside at a little white table and shared our treats as a street musician sang down the alley. Chocolate is the way to my heart and this totally rivaled Puccini Bomboni in Amsterdam. I’m ready to pack my bags and move! Next stop the The Alley Cantina, the oldest building in Taos that serves the locals. Great fun! We sat at the bar and I had a grapefruit vodka based drink and Bruce had a Modela. We sat and watched the locals. A woman of about 85 came and sat next to me…she had died hair…half blue and the rest was multi colored:) She got her half priced gin martini and was off.  Another awesome  day of adventure…tomorrow we head to Durango!

the view...the skies...

September 16

Must be the excitement of going to Durango! I was up at 3:20am…ugh! I quietly did my yoga practice and then sneaked out of the room with all my stuff in toe and had my first cuppa tea by the fire. It really is such a relaxing way to start the day - especially because I am in the lobby and there is nothing else to do! At 6:15 I was off to Smiths grocery as they open at 6am before I fit in my run. What the heck?!? I actually don’t like to run in the dark or early morning here (or in any of this wilderness!) there are too many wild animals. Truth! We have seen quite a few coyotes! Apparently, you cannot buy a mini box of wine before noon on Sunday. What did they think of me? I was just trying to prep for our picnic on the long drive to Durango. My morning run was great as I actually got four miles in. The early morning sun was gently lighting the mountains and the goats bleated as I ran by. THAT is a first for me!

I did stop in downtown Taos to look in the art galleries even though they weren’t open yet. Must go along with the wine thingy! I wish we had more time here as I never did get to do the galleries justice. I truly loved the smallness of Taos. It can’t be more than 3/4 mile from end to end in downtown. As soon as I got back and took a quick shower, it was time to pack and go and we were ready quickly. Getting the bikes organized was an issue and I realized that I forgot my yoga mat! I ran back in and housekeeping came up to the desk with my baseball hat in hand...I had left it in the bike storage area! Next, I found Bruce’s water bottle in the middle of the upstairs hallway - must have dropped out of my bag, in the room, not only had I left my yoga mat, but also one shoe! In my defense…the room was very dark and the lighting was pretty weak. The icing on the cake…we were halfway to Durango when the front desk called and said that I had left my reading glasses there. WHAT!

THE DRIVE:

Of course we went the wrong way and drove two hours more than necessary! About an hour in Bruce said, “What route are you on?” Yep…downhill it went! I had driven due north instead of northwest. Unfortunately, there were not any cut overs so we had to bang a left on one of those dirt country roads between fields of dirt. but fortunately, the scenery was stunning! Really, such a gift! We ping ponged back and forth over who messed up worse - the driver or the co pilot! Honestly, this is the second time we hit the road and multiplied our driving time unnecessarily! After our next left to head back to New Mexico, the road went on as far as we could see in both directions. It had been newly tarred and it just added to the dramatic landscape as it shimmered and created shiny, slick ponds in the distance. I was so happy to be the one at the wheel as I looked ahead through the windshield and back through the rearview mirror! So worth the extra time! Finally there was a sign that said, “Vaya Con Dios” about three hours in! We had a picnic in the car, our favorite with all of our favorite snacks…but no wine! Which is really a good thing on these winding mountain roads. There were coyotes left and right, alive and dead. This is really going to kill my running training. And then…believe it or not…there was a cow down! I kid you not! All along the roads throughout the mountains there were tons of cattle crossing signs and we were like, ‘Really??” and next thing you know there was one lying by the side of the road. Who hits a cow? They sure as heck don’t jump in front of you!!! And you sure as heck can’t miss seeing it. BTW…this was on a straight away. Cow Down! Now I know what ‘Cow Tipping’ looks like…sad, though. Our last point of interest before hitting Durango was driving through the Ute Reservation. Just makes my heart beat a little faster at the thought. The fact that I had been at Taos Pueblo yesterday also fed into it.

We finally arrived in Durango into the first quarter of the Patriots game and found ‘Cuckoo's Chicken House' wings and skins with the game on right in front of us and another corona with lime with wings and skins, perfect game food. Part way through the third quarter I figured that if I wanted to go explore downtown Durango then I better get moving, so I did. Durango is a big quaint western town with lots of little shops and restaurants in buildings that are not higher than three floors I think. I couldn’t resist going into one of the Tibetan stores and chatted with the owner who lived a four hour walk from where I was Lhasa...notice the ‘walk’. It brought back beautiful memories of an amazing people. Walked the length of Main Street - why are they always called Main Street?  - and then it was off to the grocery store where I completely hit the wall. Good thing Bruce was up to driving the last 30 miles to our place in Cascade Village. Great condo with gorgeous views!

September 17

Bruce brought me out to the balcony at 5am to see the spectacular night sky. Too many stars to count, and oh so bright! It was magical! I wish we were way out in a field or on top of a mountain…but then again…coyotes, elk and bear, oh my! Bruce went back to bed, but I stayed up and worked on my Miracle Morning stuff…yoga and writing. We hung out all morning and it was great to make a homemade breakfast! Scrambled eggs with rosemary from Joe’s garden on top of fresh baked sourdough toast accompanied by grilled pears with maple syrup…oh, so, good! After our breakfast, we really wanted a day away from the car after the long day yesterday, so we checked out the pool, hot tubs and fitness room…by check out I mean that we looked at them! Adequate…

Off we went on a hike to Purgie’s for lunch, this was a 1.5 mile hike along the aspen base of the hill heading toward Purgatory Ski Resort. Somehow, we managed to make this 1.5 hike into a 2.4 hike! LOL! I guess we hike the way we drive…the LONG way around! Unfortunately, Purgie’s was closed so we went to the Village Market and bought sandwiches and a beer which we ate outside…I never buy food at a ski resort and here I am buying it OFF season. grrrr

Although the hike was longer than expected, I just LOVED the scenery…mountains and aspens, especially when the aspens are all changing to that golden color. The sound of the aspen leaves blowing in the wind is like none other…a little flitter/flutter soft snapping sound. I could listen all day. It really was an awesome hike! I am obsessed with the aspen trees almost to a fault. Pretty sure I must have taken at least fifty pics! (I admit…I started to get creeped out at the thought of bear and coyotes as we neared home!)

Dinner in - Caesar salad with homemade croutons and dressing followed by lemon yogurt ‘mousse’ with raspberries. Let’s top the night off with Monday night football and a blazing fire! 

September 18

Today was going to be a big day! I got up at 4:30 and did my yoga practice and started to pack for the day trip ahead. I did take time to go out on the balcony and look at the stars…sigh. Bruce actually set his alarm for 6am and he also went to look at the stars before he got ready for the day. The day??? We were off to Mesa Verde! Woohoo! We headed out about 7:15 and as we drove down the mountain to Durango, we got to see the sunrise six times!! What??? It was crazy! We kept going down and the sun kept getting hidden behind the peaks. It was so cool! One of those being in the right place at the right time AND being aware! Bruce kinda bucked me on the continuous sunrises, but a sunrise is a sunrise:) There was one elk/deer sighting as he sprang across the road…this was enough to slow me down. After we got through Durango and headed west, we cranked up the radio (Bruce’s phone on bluetooth) to the songs of the 50’s through 70’s and just sang our hearts out! Loved that just as we were coming to Mesa Verde, Sweet Caroline came on and we sang like crazy! It reminded me of kindergarten…a bit sad. Totally contrived by Bruce I am sure as I was driving and he was the co.

Mesa Verde was absolutely gorgeous! It was a long road in, forty five minutes without stops, we had an 11:00 tour time at the Crystal Palace. I let Bruce drive this part in the park because I am still not ‘oh, so great on the cliff business and the reviews were a bit skepticalish. My mindfulness bell went off as soon as we started the drive, when we stopped to picnic at the Park Point elevation (8,520) and during our tour. Very, very appropriate, me thinks! The cliff dwellings at the Crystal Palace were amazing. We stopped right across from them and they looked so small, even the pics I took look like toys. It was such a gift to see them up close and personal…simply amazing to think that this was left over from so long ago. The question is…why did they leave since they had everything that they needed right there, food for years and enough water. Possibly there was some disease and some internal fighting, but when current ancestors were asked to shed light on why they moved on, they replied that ‘it was time’, in other words, the Pueblos beliefs focused on the belief of everything in their lives needed to be in sync or in balance and it just might not have been anymore.

After leaving Mesa Verde, we bit the bullet and drove 50 miles out of our way to go to Four Corners. We were so silly…jumped out of the car, took the pictures and back into the car we went! Just singing and driving. This was Bruce’s third trip in this area and he never did it, so now it is done. It was silly and great…we had a lot of laughs about it. On the way home, we stopped in Cortez for a late dinner at La Casita de Cortez and I had a HUGE bowl of tortilla soup. Yum and Yum! Home and chill.

September 19

Today was Million Dollar Highway Day, so I decided that we needed a 'million dollar breakfast' in case we didn’t survive the ride…grilled toast with avocado and brie followed by lemon yogurt/raspberry parfait. And off we went...

Moles Pass, Red Mountain Pass (my new favorite Colorado mountain) and on by Silverton. No need for me to even begin to describe the scenery:) After Silverton, things got a bit hairy, shall I say scarier than anything!!! Bruce actually went LESS THAN the speed limit so that he could peek at the scenery…there was no way that I could even begin to drive this! I did ok til we got around Red Mountain and then it was simply too drastic of a drop off the edge. As soon as we got to Ouray, we went to Box Canyon, which I recognized from being here with Shawna and Joe oh so many years ago. This time I was much braver and with Bruce’s help crossed the steel bridge high above the river in the canyon and even climbed all the way down the iron staircase to the bottom. You know…the kind you can absolutely see through! I kept my eyes open and also looked down! A few heart turning moments, but I did survive it.

As we headed into town, we saw a junior elk just meandering down the street…HA!…different world for sure! Lunch was at Maggie’s Kitchen, let’s say burgers and graffiti and of course Bruce’s burger on grilled bread was way, way better than my bun less burger. In order to have a beer, one must walk next door to Mr. Grumpy Pants. We walked up and down Main Street, mostly window shopping, but of course going into the chocolate shop, and then we headed for home, this time driving through Silverton, a super quaint, western town. We took it slow and easy back to home in Purgatory, getting home early, but just before Andy and Suzanne arrive. We lit a fire and had a yummy meal together.

Brody came around 11:)

September 20

How great was it to wake up to Brody on his four month birthday! We had a great breakfast of eggs, bacon, grilled toast and cantaloupe salad. Then off to jeepin’ and hiking up at Andrews Lake off the San Juan Skyway. Yesterday on our day over the mountains it was rainy and there we had wished for snow on the peaks...well today a few of the peaks around us had a light sugar coating. It was a great hike through the woods and then we sat above the lake and just enjoyed the sunshine, the scenery and each other’s company. And there was a dragonfly:) After an awesome lunch…I DO so love to cook.

Shawna, Brody and I stayed here and the other four went jeeping, followed by a dip in the hot tub. Shawna and Joe went to the store and got stuck caring for a guy that had flipped his car. We had a great dinner around a big table with family and friends, as the night sky darkened and the fire roared. Bruce’s rule was that every time you came up from parking you had to bring a log from the pike.

September 21

I woke up about 5am and dragged my yoga mat next to the sliding glass doors and did my practice under the spectacular star lit sky. Usually, I like to close my eyes during practice, but I loved looking at the awesome southwest night sky. Then Brody woke up and we were singing and loving and sharing sleepy smiles. I dragged his cradle into the kitchen and we did our first bakes! Chocolate dipped macaroons to the songs by Raffi. So much fun as Brody just giggled and sang with me as I danced and acted like a fool! Andy and Suzanne took a day off from travel so the five of us went off jeeping:) Soooo did not wear enough or the right clothes, but we survived wrapped in beach towels and anything else we could find…the temp was 37 degrees at one point! We went up over the Ophir Pass on our way to Telluride, again with the amazing scenery... blue skies and bright yellow aspens. We played “Great Day to Be Alive” along the San Juan Skyway. Pretty appropriate as we passed by Wilson Peak and on into Telluride. First stop, Bridal Falls- the highest falls in Colorado - and Joe went off to do some crazy assed cliff hike in which you have to be on a cable…we went to lunch a the Floradora Saloon. Nicely done, Bruce. When the crusted brie with grilled bread and green apples came out, we were absolutely thrilled! Not a crumb remained…YUM! The rest of lunch was good, but the appetizer took the blue ribbon. Next stop was market day and Bruce connected with Hannah, a bread maker, who is the daughter of a friend of his. She threw in a loaf of awesome bread! We took the gondola to top, but did not continue over and, this may get old, but the aspens and scenery were crazy beautiful like Switzerland. Shawna and Joe took Brody’s four month pics and some family pics before we headed out of town. We stopped at the Dallas Divide on the way home and I refuse to repeat myself…let’s just say spectacular. Now it was time for Brody’s first pool splash so we went to Ouray Hot Springs. None of us were really sure that we wanted to stop…except for Joe that is, but stop we did and it was perfect. Brody???? He got in the water and just fell asleep!!! I love that kid. About 30 minutes from home the three in the back seat hit the wall…Brody was the only one that screamed, but Shawna and I were right there with him:) Andy and Suzanne had a great time here at the condo and planned an amazing dinner of rib eyed steaks and baked potato! Perfect ending after a day out in the Colorado sunshine.

Bruce and I shared our ‘home pics’ of our travels. Great, great day!

September 22

I simply love the chilly Colorado mornings! We even had a fire this morning and waited for the sun to rise. Brody and I baked white chocolate raspberry scones…a bit mickey, but what the heck. This morning is a ‘chill at home’ morning after such a busy week. Every day was jam packed, which is perfect, but it seems we all need to slow down a bit and just pause! No more boings! Everyone was kind of on their own for breakfast, but scones and chocolate dipped macaroons were sliding down!

Suzanne and Andy left around 10 and we still lah -leed around til noonish and then headed to Durango for a walk around and to find a bar that was showing the ‘bama game…all three Bechina’s were dressed in the appropriate sports wear:) I had wanted to do the Animas River Walk, an 11 mile paved walk/bikeway right along the Animas River, so Brody and I headed off and did 2.5 miles. It was absolutely gorgeous. The river was gurgling along and the divided path was sunny and shady with over reaching trees. All the colors of Colorado were present and Brody loved it, smiling and laughing the whole way. We met up with the other three at the Pour Bar and sat outside under a canopy watching the game. PERFECT viewing weather! We stayed through the third and then Shawna and joe went on a date and we stole Brody away:):):) He truly is the best baby in the world…we played on the floor then he rocked in his cradle and finally I got to pick him back up and he fell asleep in my arms. I. LOVE. THIS. It is 8:30 pm and he still hasn’t woken up. It never gets old…seeing his face light up when he sees me and holding that strong little pumpkin bundle in my arms. We had a great week with family and friends! Off to Sedona, Arizona tomorrow!

September 23

And goodbye to the Bechina’s as we go our separate ways. We had a great week with them and Andy and Suzanne. That Brody smile just kills me! I love the ‘first look’ of the morning when he knows it’s me and his whole face lights up:) It’s the best unconditional love ever and I can’t wait to see him and hug him again. We got on the road early as it was going to be out longest drive ever, especially through the Navajo Nation Reservation. Why is it that I see a single well worn home in the middle of nothing here and I feel a sadness and shame, yet when I see the same thing in the middle of Tuscany I’m like ‘wow? Probably has to do with the guilt of being a white person in this country. It was so interesting to see the Navajo hogan with the door always facing east so that the first thing they see each day is the sun. Thank you Google for always being at the ready with my 85,000 questions. I am pretty sure that Bruce is sick of me asking them. The Navajo are the largest tribe in the world and are also the only ones that were allowed to return to their land. The Hopi, Apache and Ute are all around, too, as well as many I am not sure of. It was a bit uninteresting, but we played the radio loud, sang our hearts out and ate Twizzlers. FUN! Oh, Boy! ROUTE 66!!! For some unknown, odd reason, I always wanted to ride on Route 66! I laughed out loud at it all. It is just like I imagined, yet all the mom and pops are closed down. At one point, I was really missing the sisters as we crossed  into Arizona, and a tear or two was shed. I would not be right here, right now if not for them. I miss them and miss the thought of my complete family, but things change and there are new blessings…BRODY! The colors in the landscape are softer here compared to Colorado, or as I told Bruce ‘they are pastelly’. It makes him crazy when I make up words, but I love to add ‘ly’ or ‘ish’ to words…keeps life interesting:) The billboards along the way were short, stubby and wooden…a bit like going back to the 50’s here, even though I only lived through three years of them! And then…where did we go…WINSLOW ARIZONA!!! Sang the song at least ten times before we arrived. It. Was. Great! We took a million pictures and went into the one and only souvenir shop to get our tokens. Unfortunately…the pics that Bruce took of me standing on the corner does not include the sign! sigh… Driving into Sedona, we went through the Coconino National Forest and into Oak Creek Canyon, which was so different than anything so far…reminded me of the Berkshires a bit. Our little studio was 1/4 mile from the center and we drove in, unpacked and collapsed, sitting with a glass of wine on our little deck with the mountains in front of us.  Long, but fun day which we ended at the Olde Sedona Bar and Grill to watch the Patriots get creamed.

September 24

Rough sleep, but not sure why. I got up early up and had my tea on the front deck, watching the sun begin to play around the clouds and the red rocks of the canyon walls. 

Then off for a short two mile very hilly run…it is always hard to do a run without any acclimation to the neighborhood and I have a hard time focusing and settling in. After a clean up, I followed that by sitting on the front deck reading a cookbook and having my second cuppa. The simplicity and quiet is soothing. About 9:30 we headed just down the street to hike Brewer Trail, recommended by our hosts up to Airport Mesa, one of the vortex spots of Sedona. Let me tell you, it sure is interesting reading and I was super disappointed not to feel any energy. The hike was not too long, but it was mostly uphill. I loved the red rocks and dirt, prickly pears, broom brush, and lone eagle in the bright blue ‘Colorado’ sky. Of course…then we come to the edge…don’t look down…then up again to the summit. Yes…it was an official summit as there was a sign stating so. Of course, I hated the top and did my usual nervous Nelly crap, but we stayed for a while…I sat looking at the ledge I had traversed on the way up and would have to go back along on the way down. breathe…breathe…breathe. This fear of heights is all consuming, irrational and completely exhausting. There are no words that can paint the appropriate picture of what I endured, and endure it I did. I survived another summit…nuff said. Every single day I have been faced with my fears.

We found a great totally gluten free restaurant -Picazzo’s, for a slice of pizza and soup. Yum! (We came back for dinner and the Monday night football game). I thought it was super fresh and I loved that everything was gluten free. Grocery shopping, ice and the Hike House to get some tips for the next day. I got some new trail running shoes and a dress. Nice combo, huh? LOL 

We hung out and then headed out about five for sunset, driving around crazily to find the spot at Cathedral Rocks, without having to scale it was an issue. We ended up at Horse Trail, which overlooks Cathedral and it was simply amazing. Then believe it or not, back to Picazzo’s for dinner and Monday Night Football. We ended the night on our little deck watching the moon, or should I say waiting on the full moon through the heavily clouded sky. Not too bad.

September 25 

I don’t know about this Sedona vortex thing, but it does not seem to be working for me. I’m sleeping terribly and truly not feeling settled and peaceful. Caught another sunrise over the Mesa as a little cottontail hopped by and the birds began to wake:) which reminds me...I don’t like guessing who left scat on the trails! So far, with the sun rising behind the canyon/cliff/mountain, the colors are not as great. Today, we took on the Boyton Canyon Trail - another vortex spot. Nothing, I say:(  The path was long and winding and we made it 3 miles before we headed back. We were surrounded by the red canyons and then through the woods…wonderful. It was so not the right hike to break in new hiking shoes and my left foot all the way up to the hip was really sore by the time we were done. There were many butterflies and we even took the time to watch ants crazily carrying their goods…it IS great to take the time to take in nature. Again, the sky was bright blue which was spectacular including the red cliffs and stark white, puffy clouds. Loved it all. Along the dry creek bed at about 2.5 miles in, we came across this guy sitting in a beach lounge chair reading a book. He dragged the chair in, which is all fine and good (I guess), but why would he sit in the dry rocky river bed right where the trail intersected it. Dogs were totally barking by the time we were done. Beat.

Dogs. Are. Barking. Not the time to try to breaking in new hiking shoes. For lunch we picked the Creekside American Bistro, right downtown and sat on the back patio under the trees next to a dried up creek. It was great! Funny but after a week of Mexican food, we seem to have moved on. We spent the afternoon at our little studio, just hanging around, chilling, reading, writing, sketching and then off to watch the moonrise. I did not know that when the moon was full it rose at the exact same moment the sun set. Makes sense, I guess…but it just never sunk in! This is all true unless you are somewhere like Sedona, where there are huge rock formations, mesas and buttes blocking it! We waited a long time, but it was a beautiful night and just a special place to be.

September 26

Better morning run as I went a different way and I think just the openness of the area set my mind at ease and made the run \240less strenuous. The fact that I knew the area now might have had something to do with it. (Monday I was just running blind circling up and down hills in the neighborhood.) When I got home, I decided to pick a prickly pear to have for breakfast. BIG. MISTAKE. Never, ever, ever pick up a prickly pear with bare hands! I had hundreds of fine, little, invisible prickles all over my hand that I spent an hour picking out! And there were still random ones that bugged me for most of the day. Needless to say I did not attempt to try to eat it. Idiot!

Today was our ‘take it easy’ day and we got a late start, finally heading to downtown where we wandered the historic trail, checked out the art center and a few shops before having lunch back at the Creekside…just happened to be in the area. We sat up on the balcony of this little mall area and saw a real javelina run across the street! So cute!

I could look at the mesas and buttes all day long, especially in the evening light. The artist in me is in awe and actually a bit overwhelmed by it all, but I love it! Such a difference from the ocean girl from back east!

Snoopy and Lucy rock formations.

September 27

Quick quiet pack while Bruce slept on and then off I went to Bell Rock...I just wanted to feel the vortex and that was the place that was calling me back. I found and paid for my parking, then off I went on the trailhead with a thermos of tea and my art supplies. So not what is needed for a hike, but that was what I brought! Honestly...I hadn’t actually ‘planned’ to hike even though I had my Keens on. I anticipated sitting and sketching, but it was quite chilly and I felt the call to hike. Since we were leaving that day I was dressed in a short sleeved linen top and no jacket. City slicker for sure! No layers, snacks or water! I hesitated for a moment and then thought ‘How bad could it be? A quarter mile in I kind of questioned my choice. I could stab a predator with my pencil?!? Sometimes in life we head out unprepared, yet it turns out ok. These trails in Sedona are well marked, but still...the quietness is amazing at this time of the morning although I could hear a random car now and then. It is very different than my runs at home... the ocean is never silent. The quiet of the ‘wilderness’ is staggering and you can actually hear a ringing in your ears. But on closer listening...nature is awakening:)

Experiencing the initial morning sun creeping down the rocks vs behind the rocks from our Airbnb was awesome, reminding me  sometimes we just need to shift our perspective, look at things from a different viewpoint and it is a whole different show! I started walking one way with a goal in mind and then halfway through I suddenly turned and walked a different path all together. And then it happened...the vortex. There is no other explanation for what I felt...so sudden...it was an energy force that surrounded all of me about three feet in depth, it was ‘white’, warm and full of vitality. It felt a bit like when the sun breaks through on a cloudy day...there was no sun yet! The energy that I felt was tangible but anything else I might say will probably come out trite...

Perhaps I can recall and pull this ‘force’ around me when I need it. Another pack and go and we were off to Moab. What could happen today? Another long shared ride with the music and the singing, but no top down as we didn’t have one and anyway the sun was too hot and strong. We stopped in Tuba for a quick break at Mickey D’s where there was an armed security guard! What??? Made me feel more insecure than secure! The next thing I knew we were in Monument Valley! What??? These rock formations were huge! It looked like a giant chessboard spread out across the desert! I am realizing that up every hill or around every corner there is another surprise in store for us! What a great trip in the USA we are having! Moab is adorable! Loved it! We checked into our hotel and the off to who knows where???

September 28

Arches National Park for sunrise. ‘nuf said! I was so excited to go and Bruce was great to get up and out the door so early as that is so not his thing. Our hotel, was the last on the outside of town and was like two miles from the park entrance. (We loved our hotel after our little studio…so much space!) The sky was that indigo blue as we drove up the steep hill, or should I say, I drove! Again with the cliff edges and corners of no return. Every single day I am exhausted as I am faced with my fear of heights…but it was so worth it! We drove up though the biggest rocks I had ever seen and I was awestruck,  eventually, ‘Windows’ (a formation) could be seen far off to our right. I immediately fell in love. We were so excited to get there just as the sun started to light up those drab rocks and paint them a bright orange, which eventually turned the sky that amazing southwest blue. I have no other term for that color blue. It was stunning. Like kids, we hurried up the path and into our first arch, taking a ton of pictures and scrambling around like we had no business doing! We truly forgot ourselves in the excitement of it all! I tried to take the perfect ‘toes up’ picture and fell ass backwards down between two rocks. Scared the crap out of me! First off, I had no idea how far I was falling and second, I had no idea how I was going to get out! Bruce had climbed up and did not know what had happened to me, but once I explained though waves of laughter, he  laughed out loud as he had watched the guy’s face that was watching me go through all this! I tired to be ‘oh, so cool’, like I had planned the whole thing, but only a fool would buy that. Next thing Bruce has us ‘scrambling over and up to the next arch at Windows. I finally just said ‘STOP’! Scrambling is not really in my vocabulary and one of us was going to get hurt! I admit, I cried. Somehow, we got off that conglomeration and headed off to Delicate Arch. DO NOT let the name deceive you! It was a looonnnggg 1.5 mile hike completely uphill, in the sun. Yeah…I read the reviews and somewhat comprehended what was to come, but how is one to truly know and besides…I am not a details person. I KNEW that there would be a ‘cliff’ in my future…but, boy oh boy, what a cliff! I could not even adequately begin to describe what I put myself through. First there is a cliff-ish part where you kinda walk lopsided along the face of rock and then, around that last bend is a LEDGE 2-3 feet wide that goes forward and ends…actually TURNS a corner…and AGAIN! This is for TWO WAY traffic at about 1,000 feet up in the air. SHUT! UP! I will not repeat what was going through my mind and actually whispered out my mouth, but I have honestly never, ever been so frightened in my entire life! Well, yes indeed I made it to the top. It was spectacular! I could hardly get my eyes off the ground! People were running and jumping and I was happy that I could breathe as I constantly pushed out the thought that I had to go back down. What a mess I had gotten myself into! Eventually, we made our way actually TO the arch and had someone take our picture. Bruce was brave enough to actually get under the arch, and while I so desperately wanted to be THAT person, I couldn’t. There was no way that I could get over there and I knew it! Bruce left me scrunched down in the corner on a rock and when he got to the middle, I willed myself to stand up and take his picture. He looks great! Me??? I was saving what ever reserve I had left to get me back down that ledge! Well, we made it around and down and I was completely spent…emotionally, physically and mentally. We rode the rest of the park, but I did not take in as much as I would have liked to. The afternoon was chill at the pool and for excitement I dyed my hair - what was left of it! LOL

Dinner was at The Broken Oar...so so, but the family from Italy was a great reminder of my favorite place.

September 30

This should include September 29, too because I don’t know where that day’s writing went! We keep doing the same types of things and all the days are running together: sunny southwest with hikes and rocks!

September 29: We went back to Arches, but it was overcast for sunrise so not quite as spectacular as day one...I still loved it so. We didn’t do as much hiking today, but played it slower and stopped along the way to different formations and took a new perspective. It was fun to ‘meander’ drive along and take a closer look, at Windows, Balance Rock and the almighty Delicate Rock- from the viewing area! It looked about two inches tall from that perspective!!! I was sorta, kinda glad to have seen it up close and personal the day before! Sand Dune Arch was a hidden favorite as was Devil’s Garden. We walked in for a quick peak and were sorry that we hadn’t brought our hiking supplies such as water! It was a short hike. Late, delicious lunch was downtown  on the patio at The Spoke, followed by a late afternoon dip at the pool/hot tubs.

September 30:

Packing and moving day...this part is getting a bit old. This was a bit of a shorter drive to Glenwood Springs so we got a lazy start and spent the morning by the pool followed by watching the first half of Patriots in the lobby after we checked out. We took SR 128 out of Moab back to Colorado and I must say it was one of the prettiest roads I have ever been on as it followed along the Colorado River with those red canyon walls encasing it. We both could not stop commenting on the beauty that surrounded us. We drove through Colorado National Monument Park...I had been before but sure as heck forgot how scary it was!!!! Bruce loved it! This time we were up and looking down at the formations which is kind of topsy turvey compared to the last few weeks! I am tired of being ‘up high’, and yet life could get a bit monotonous always in the same level!

Arrival Glenwood Springs...not too thrilled, but of course coming off of Moab a little disappointment is not surprising. We ate at Doc Holliday’s Saloon and it had a gold medal for dive bars...nuff said! My blt had one slice of lettuce and two meager strips of bacon! Our Airbnb was not the best either...dark and gloomy. Probably didn’t help that it was raining.

October 1

Early rising…3:30…ugh - even for me. I don’t know…there is something about this airbnb that just has me a bit on edge. I am so very lucky that Bruce is not a light sleeper so that I can get my yoga practice in (after my practice, I am also trying to master a difficult pose!), I follow it up with some reading and writing…living sabbatically:) In some ways it is good to be away from home, because I have to think before I act or move and usually spend time looking, very quiet, for different things - like my yoga mat! But, at the same time it is difficult to get centered because I spend so much time getting organized. Not a complaint…just an observation. I am trying to make sure that I do my shoulder exercises for bursitis each morning, and sit icing it as I write. Today was our first cloudy day since we have been in the southwest! I think when we were in Sedona, they were at day #35 without rain! Anyway, it kinda threw us for a loop and we just hung here for a bit, even though it is a little creepy, watching spoofs on Brett Kavanaugh…laugh…but it is so NOT funny. Personally, I don’t think he should be confirmed just for his behavior at the hearing. Finally, we headed out for lunch and to check out the town - seeing if it could improve over the Doc Holliday’s Saloon of the night before. A few places were closed because it was Monday, but we found a neat little restaurant, CO Ranch and sat out on the back patio under big umbrellas taking in all the western decorations. Sweetness is…it helped that the food was awesome, too. It is at these moments that I stop and think that had I not made my decision, I would be teaching school right now...sigh and smile

Off to check out, Glenwood Springs, CO… which included the usual souvenir/mom and pop shops and after a few, we settled on the bookstore. I love the bookstore, especially on a rainy afternoon. What a gift to have the time to just meander and discover. Next stop, the Blue Bird Cafe, for a cuppa and a game of Connect Four and a game of Scrabble, which was super close and I won by one point!

Neither of us could really get a handle on Glenwood Springs and as Bruce said, “With an interstate and another major road intersecting right in the center of downtown, it kind of throws off the character.” Anyway,, with the rain and all, we just didn’t get positive vibes, but then again, how to you follow in the footsteps of MOAB!

As we were looking over one of the hot springs, also in the center of downtown - now THAT adds to the interest, I suddenly did not feel good at all so we headed home and watched a show and the Broncos game on my computer and called it a night. Whew! Cozy kinda day:)

October 2

Thank goodness I did not get up as early as yesterday, but still got up early enough to get my ‘stuff’ done. I have come to the realization that I need this time for myself, because I spend most of my waking moments thinking of other people and their needs. My early mornings are just for me before the world wakes up and I am lucky that I usually get at least an hour and a half!

I have discovered part of what makes me uncomfortable here in Glenwood Springs...the place we are staying in is connected to the main house and it just feels weird. The front door is a huge window that we can’t cover and it’s a studio so that the world can see in. I admit we are in the country so there is not much world to see in, but it feels kind of like being in a fishbowl. On top of that the refrigerator actually sounds like it is running away, the dog never stops barking and there is a cat that hangs by it’s claws on the front door. Then there is the icing on the cake...the walls are beige and everything else is brown! Not one bit of color and because we are surrounded by trees it is dark...sigh...one more night.

So...it is another rainy day and on top of that we are trying to regroup from Moab...finally headed to Carbondale for lunch at White House Pizza, which was highly written up and would kill some time. Sitting on a side road making some calls re our next trip- to Ireland!- we saw an eagle on a light post! Just like Alaska:) We hung out as long as we could, walking around the town in the rain and stopping for tea at the local coffee shop. (Two days of coffees shops because of rain…not too bad.) Finally, we headed back to Glenwood Springs and went to the hot springs in the rain. Not as bad as it sounds!. For a girl that is not that fond of water, I spent over an hour and a half in it!. And then we just winded down the day. It is suppose to keep raining, but hopefully it will be clear enough and we will get to see Maroon Bells, tomorrow.