Balance is the Key

We are officially carrying the snowbird label as a result of our actions as of late. That being: our boondocking in the desert a few miles from Mexico, keeping watch on the surrounding changing weather trends, and thinking about our eventual return to society. With our trip’s end possibly in sight it’s not as though we will never have fun again, because fun is the backbone of our existence.

This adventurous family came to visit us! And one of them made the very best pancakes ever!

Talk about fun, we just spent the last few days with my high school friend Susan and her family. Twenty-three years passed since the graduating class lock-in at John Glenn Junior High. That was the official last time we shared the same GPS coordinates, and I brazenly solicited her family to meet us in the beautiful Sonoran Desert. My argument was this: it’s the most beautiful, green, full of life and songbirds desert I’ve ever seen, and the amount of Saguaro cactus provides the appearance of people standing in a packed arena when the sun is just right. We are nearby, and they should step into this world of natural beauty with us for a night or two. It may be unlike anything they have ever done as a family before, with the potential of creating memories that last a lifetime. The night sky here defines immaculate. There was much more “fluff” (intentionally leaving out the javalinas), but these were the key notes. So they rented an RV for the first time came for a visit !!!

Upon their arrival we continued to have a nightly campfire in our heart-shaped fire pit, but Cassie and I had the company of chatty young girls that served endless s’mores. Our days were filled with group meals, trying to harness the wind for a mini kite festival, treasure hunts, avoiding cholla cactus, multiple hikes, teepee building, afternoon s’mores, and GPS geocache games. I briefly opened up our RV unit as a hot chocolate store, and we took pretty rocks for payments. We are now rich! … and our campfire ring has a sparkly-rock-dazzled appearance. Indeed a good time was had by all. Their dad Jeff, whom must be well versed in the etiquette of afternoon tea parties and hair ribbons, enjoyed a little “bro-time” with yours truly off-trail. He and I conducted a four hour round trip hike to the top of Black Mountain and back, completely worthy of a “fist-pump”. Old friends, young friends, and new friends. Friends are good. Without friends and family, life is pretty lonely, and when these three young ladies left all we heard was the wind. Their visit went fast and was akin to being in a field of green when all of the sudden you’re surrounded by several beautiful, colorful, swirling and dipping butterflies that fly away on the wind just as quickly as they appeared. Where they come from and where they go is unknown, however, the few moments you’re graced with their company is something sweet.

Their rented RV and views of camp.

If not for our close-by road friends, Greg and Kathy, we would’ve been in dire straits. We’ve also enjoyed them as neighbors over the last week, and they played a big part in some of the family oriented festivities. Everyone being from Minnesota, our road and high school friends gave me the feeling of having a family reunion in my perceived perfect situation.

Gratuitous shots of our sweet, bossy dog.

There has always been an open invitation for our peoples to make a visit. Just get here and we’ll take care of the thinking from there. A list of brave folks that I can count on one hand have actually made the trip. By doing so, they have concreted themselves into the foundation of some of our best memories to date. If any of y’all need some extra pressure to make it happen, now is the time. Send a note and we will bombard you with a list of reasons to come now, or maybe to our new residence that is looming in the future.

Desert art

The time we’ve spent traveling, exploring, and dreaming has been immeasurable (much like the cuteness of our dog). These special times have given us a deep look into ourselves and has provided a sharp image of where we see ourselves a few chapters ahead in the story of our life. We miss being part of a community, better yet, a smaller team that strives to meet a series of common goals and the feel good feeling of successes. Work ethic all by itself is something we feel compelled to exercise, making us ready to resume occupations and the associated commitments. Chickens, we still want chickens, and life on the road makes this extra difficult. A better connection, or spirituality, of food independence is calling to us. A garden, canning, the sport of bow-hunting, manageable livestock and a community where neighbors share what they have excess of is where we’re headed. if its not quite happening when we get there, maybe the missing ingredient will be us.

Our year on the road was just that, and the end is on the horizon. It had to be done and there are zero regrets. Everything has a cycle. Trees can only grow so tall, a caterpillar grows wings, winter becomes summer, tall mountains weather and crumble, rest is a strong component to proper training enabling the attainment of lofty goals, and balance is at the heart of it all.

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