Yesterday’s road trip was something I needed so much. It really breathed some new life into me. After I got back I was pretty wound up from the day’s adventure and I had a difficult time getting to sleep. It took me a while to do my trip post, but even after that I was still pretty excited I got to get out.

I am feeling pretty good and almost back to normal but have not been getting too ambitious; don’t want to take any chances, but I think I might be in the clear now. I AM feeling so much better and I am so happy to be able to get things done again.

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I considered going on another adventure today but I really needed to pick up a few groceries and get my laundry done – I was down to one shirt and will be too busy tomorrow to do it then. The down time DID feel pretty nice, too, and I thought it was probably a good idea to not push myself too much for one more day. But…we’ll see what tomorrow brings!

While I was out on my trip yesterday I got a phone call from my new cardiology office. They got my referral and were calling to set up a new patient appointment. I am relieved to have that done and was able to get in fairy quickly. I also have a new patient appointment with my new primary care doctor in a few weeks. I should be able to get some definitive answers on what I can/cannot do.

I finally got the extra stuff from the trailer out of my truck and into storage. It is nice to have it empty except for the things I need. It has been challenging to adjust to this smaller vehicle but I still really like it. The gas mileage is so nice and it is much easier to park, plus it’s quieter and more comfortable inside. I need to get some places inside figured out for some things I need to carry with me. The Avalanche had lots of storage options, but it was much bigger.

The trailer is much less cluttered now as things are finally falling into place over the past week or two. I hope to be able to get the trailer out in a few weeks for some camping – even if it is close by I am good with that; a day in the forest is a day in the forest. The smells & sounds, animals, campfires, solitude…all so very healing.

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I am so excited to not only be back out West and in the mountains I love; I am also so excited to be back where there are vast areas of pubic lands for camping and am really looking forward to getting out. When you disperse camp it saves so much money since it is free. I always had the attitude of if I am in a primitive campground and I am paying for only an outhouse, then I can do that in the woods for free. With my Federal Pass I pay half-price for camping and that is a nice perk, but if I can disperse camp away from others I will do that instead of paying for a primitive campground. There is safety in numbers as well so that may be a consideration. If there is water and a sewer dump available then I might consider spending the money, but I am more prone to disperse camp for free as long as I can.

Of course, there are differences. These days I have the trailer with all the amenities for basic comfort, plus there are now more people in the woods, and some of those who are looking to cause trouble. I have seen it happen to others and it happened to me. We just have to be aware & cautious when it comes to animals and some of the other people while in the forest. Pay attention to your campsite and how to get out in case of a fire or other problem.

The weather has been getting into the “brief daily mountain showers” mode. I actually missed that when I moved away from Colorado to Washington, but soon I got used to the PNW weather and then I missed it when I left there.

People will say “Ohhh…I have to have four seasons.”. Eff that; I want comfort and not hot weather. Why would you want it any other way or do that to yourself? I find that the seasons in the mountains just kind of melt into each other instead of going through abrupt changes. Besides…you could potentially get four seasons in a single day in the mountains!

So yeah…life is so much better again. I am once again finally back where I belong.

See you next time.

Shawn