I left home. We all did. It was time.
We packed our bags and left with somewhat of a plan of where we were going and how long we would be gone. But it could change. And it did. As the distance from the house increased, we began modifying our plans. It was great. Exactly how it was supposed to be. Perfect.
After several months busy with our jobs and city life, we decided it was time to escape the hustle, even if for just a few days, and head into nature. June is, after all, great outdoors month. It was time for a recharge, and even if we can find peaceful and fulfilling moments during our daily routines, it’s important to take time off to explore different places. And that’s exactly what we did.
Our family loves long car rides. We get to spend time with each other, talking, singing, and being silly. We look at the world pass by through the car windows and find new places to see and explore. We stop often, drive through dirt roads, find hidden gems at the end of the last curve, and often take a different path to get a glimpse of a familiar place through a new perspective. Our eyes and hearts feasting on the landscape before and around us. The rock formations of the vast desert, hills painted in layers of different colors of sand and stone. A place where our feet can touch four different states at the same time. Pueblos built inside the cliffs of hills and canyons. The large expansion of trees decorating tall mountains and bright meadows sneaking up here and there. Mountain cabins spiking our curiosity of what life is like up there.
Then there’s water. Rivers, lakes, streams, all filled with life and so many interesting things to see. We spotted a lake from the road and decided to check it out. What a fascinating place it was, protected by tall majestic mountains. The sun shone brightly on the water. We saw several nests with baby herons. And we got to observe the lives of killdeers, swallows, different types of ducks, red wing black birds, and even shy prairie dogs. As we were busy exploring the lake, an osprey left its nest to catch its evening meal. And we were there to see it in action and to photograph the whole event. All while enjoying an occasional heart-racing game of tag.
We arrived at the next city after dark, so it wasn’t until morning that we realized we had slept surrounded by beauty. A hearty breakfast gave us the energy for a quick swim in the hotel pool and to explore the river that runs through town. Wet feet, river rocks, hot springs, warblers and waxwings, sunshine and a suntan, fresh mountain air, the sound of the river flowing, and flowers. Many flowers. I felt saturated with nature. Exactly what I needed.
Now home, I am recharged and ready to face the world again. I do pause often to look at the pictures we took or to talk about the time we had together as a family exploring a little corner of this beautiful world we live in.
And patiently wait until it’s time to go out in nature again.