I am so far behind…..so much has happened since I got back to the PNW. Here goes:

Surgery: Got my wrist fixed. I saw two surgeons eary in the week and had the surgery Friday. My wrist was 40 degrees out of alignment. Sheesh! All went well, but ouch!

Bought a new car: Yup. Goodby Ford (reliable, comfortable, sturdy) and hello 1987 Synchro Westie! My new home. I am delighted. It was a super great find and I am now tricking it out for an overland expedition to Central America.

Spanish: If I am going to drive to Panama, I had better speak at least some of the language. I am taking spanish via zoom five days per week. It’s awesome, I’m terrible, but I will get there. Part of my overland plan is to spend a month in Todos Santos in a language immersion class. Sweet!

Wedding: Sam and Melissa tied the knot. It was a magical event. I feel so lucky to have been able to share and even help with the planning and party.

Hiking: For the first time in a long time, I put on my backpack and went for an overnight trip. The PNW is beyond beautiful and experiencing a full weekend immersion in the backcountry is truly where I feel centered.

Ok, you are all caught up. I am hanging out at Dad’s farm until I head back to Saint George Utah to pick up Charlie Mike.

I left Ohkay Owingy (Cha Cha’s neighborhood airport) at daylight on Wednesday. Instead of flying back the way I arrived, I opted to take the more southern, scenic route.

My first stop was Paige AZ. Upon arrival, I pulled my bike out of the plane and rode straight to Lake Powell. What a treat! The water was was so warm!

Next morning, I was up and out early, headed to Kanab. I’m so glad I went early, because by 10am the wind was blowing about 20 knots. Looking at weather from there to Reno: nothing but smoke, smoke and more smoke. Ugh. Flying in smoke is tough and I’m not willing to press the limit.

My solution was to leave my plane in Saint George Utah and fly home commercially. I booked a bus to Las Vegas and found a timely Southwest flight home.

First, though, I needed to get to Saint George from Kanab. I got up early to fly out before it got hot or windy, and wow, the smoke had rolled in over night. I had to circle up over the airport to altitude to make sure I cleared the highest point. I could see the ground and that was it. I would sure not want to fly all the way home in this.

I’m so glad for the decision I made. Charlie Mike is safely tied down and together we will wait out the smoke for a safe-and fun-trip home.