It had a Rattle
I knew there were rattle snakes in Phoenix AZ but as yet I hadn’t seen one. Today while hiking at Lake Bartlett just west of Carefree we suddenly came across a HUGE diamond back rattle snake sunning itself across the trail. As we are two sensible people we stopped short and took a few steps back. The snake began to move and coiled the top 1/8th of his body so he could get a better look at us. He lay there flicking his tongue tasting the air and feeling the vibrations trying to determine if we were a threat or not. Eventually he got tired of us standing there disturbing his relaxation and slithered up the hill and out of sight giving us safe passage. What a moment! What a memory!
Arizona, hiking, rattle snake, scottsdale, wanderwomansadventures
A Full Life
Today I met a woman just a couple years older than me who is also living the adventure life. It was neat to chat about places we have been and places that we couldn’t wait to leave. (yes, there have been a few of those) We talked about our favorite moments and the places where the beauty takes your breath away. She has done the around the country trip a few times now and as she talked the excitement and fun in her stories spilled out. I hope people feel that same excitement when I share my stories.
Throughout this journey I have met many people from all over the country, different stories and different situations for sure, but last night as I was reflecting on these individuals, I realized that almost everyone that I have had conversation with, in one way or another expressed a desire to live life to its fullest. Whether they felt they were or not, that was the common theme.
So, what exactly does that mean?
Live life to its fullest doesn’t mean that every moment will be a positive experience, neither does it mean that life should be lived with abandon. I think that concept looks different for each of us, and it changes with the stages of our lives.
But just imagine how different things could be if every moment was lived to its best possible outcome.
Well it’s official
My first full on campground experience was at a great little private campground just north of Columbus Ohio. With the weather turning there aren’t many people outside enjoying the pool, or the mini-golf, the tandem bicycles, or the sand volleyball court. Just to name a few.
This would definitely be a place that I would come back to in the warmer months. I had a quiet spot on the back of the campground so I could get my work done before taking a ride on my bike to a sweet mountain biking trail across the lake. All told I rode 10.85 miles. What a day!
adventuring, enduro, Mountain biking, MTB, RVliving, wanderwomansadventures
It is a little Erie
I have heard many people talk about the great lakes but I have never been there. Today I am sitting next to Lake Erie enjoying a sunny fall day with the wind blowing fiercely off the water.
I have often heard people say that to look out over lake Erie feels like looking out over the ocean because it is so large you can’t see the other side. I don’t disagree, but there is something about the ocean that a lake just can’t compare. I don’t have much time here today as I am heading south and west for a wedding.
Ivy League University
Ithaca is a neat town, a little hard to navigate in an RV but a neat town all the same. I spent some time on the campus of Cornell visiting with my daughter and catching up on all the neat things she is doing in the research department there.
It is pretty neat to look back over her life and see how each piece of her personality was developing into a wonderful and incredible woman. I don’t think words can describe how proud I am of all her hard work and where she has taken herself. — Ivy League
adventuring, New York State, RVliving, wanderwomansadventures
Let the Adventures Begin!
Today I begin what promises to be an adventure beyond imagination. For more than 17 years I have been dreaming about the opportunity to say goodbye to everything and travel. The destination and means of travel have gone through many adjustments throughout the years but the dream of travel has remained firmly in my heart and mind.
Today I hit the road. My first stop is Ithaca New York.
adventuring, America the Beautiful, hiking, Mountain biking, RVliving, wanderwomansadventures
