I’m out of quarantine! Whoot! Being alone, not going to any stores, and hanging out with just me for a week was both lovely and excruciating.

I had time to trail run, hike in snow, bicycle, lift weights, knit, and hang out in the hot tub. I could not have been in a more lovely place.

Thank you LYNN, ERIC and LISA!!

While I was sequestered; Charlie Mike’s engine made it to Canada, thanks to Ephraim. I basically ran out on him two days before the trucking company was set to pick it up. Ephraim packed it up for me, met the truck, and made sure it was loaded. He also found a place for CM to ride out the winter.

THANK YOU EPHRAIM! 

Aero Sport Power send me an email this week asking for a decision. I get to choose the color they will paint the engine. How funny! They have several shades of black/grey and also red, yellow, and blue. Help me decide!

My plan is to get my Westie packed up by Thursday for a Friday morning depature to Baja.

First stop is Reno, to do some work with Burningman.

Second stop is Oakland to pick up some heavy-duty bumpers and have them installed on Westie.

Third Stop is TBD!

Let the next adventure begin!

I had to get a covid test for a medical procedure. Seemed simple enough, and I thought nothing of it…..until I got the result. Which was positive! What!!?? I’ve had three vaccinations!

Being in town, I had stacked up Dr appts, which I had to cancel immediately. I was also supposed to house and dog sit – for my sister, which was out. The procedure was off too. Ugh.

I called my rhumatologist to ask him what to do. He said I had two options: ride it out and hope for the best, or go to an emergency room and get monoclonal antibody treatment. I went for the latter. No need to play with this virus that has killed so many.

Next, I had to find a place to quarantine. Staying with my 85 year old father was out, my house was rented, my westie is still in the shop……

My friend Lynn, always a life saver, offered her house for the following Monday through Friday. She lives on the Methow River, has a hot tub, and is a place I feel “at home”. Thank goodness for Lynn.

I found a hotel room in Winthrop, where I could stay the three nights until Lynn’s house opened up. Is that cool? If you have covid, can you check into a hotel?

Then Lynn offered to ask another friend if I could stay at her house while she is away. She said yes. A much better option. It’s always nice to have a kitchen and I just don’t want to be a covid spreader.

In the end, I am living in pure luxury, in a beatiful home, overlooking the Methow Valley. There are trails, fall colors, and plenty of space to be alone. I have no symptoms, so long runs on vacant trails keeps me entertained.

My hope is that I can be this helpful and generous for someone else someday. Feel free to hit me up. I would love to pay this generosity forward.

High Sierra Fly-in soared above my expectations. I left Seattle on Monday to be sure I didn’t get stuck because of weather. First stop was Hood River.

Along the way, I stopped in The Dalles and saw Andy, a rafter on my trip down the Colorado. Then on Bend to pick up Alyssa, my companion for the event.

Flying from Seattle to Dead Cow (location of High Sierra) was uneventful – always a good thing.

As soon as we arrrived, we set up our camp, then began strolling. Within fifteen minutes, I had run into Purple Haze, a Burner I have known since I first arrived on the scene at Burningman. He was wearing a coyote jacket, riding a “playa bike” (so sorry I don’t have a photo). We knew immediately, that we were in for a thrilling weekend.

We were there to watch the STOL Drag races, but got so, so much more. Every night, there was a bon fire where people gathered. This was the “town square” and we met SO MANY people there each night. We met Cathy and Nat – the only two female racers; and we met Steve Henry – the legend who has won the event many times. We mostly met other attendees, who will be our friends from here forward.

The races were so fun and even more so after meeting racers at the bonfire. We rooted for Cathy and Nat – the female racers, and even got those around us rooting for them too.

In the end, Steve and Nat came in second in their class. Not bad at all.

What a fun, fun time in the desert! Another event I won’t want to miss – ever! My plan is to take the training and race next year. I have my helmet, the plane will have a new engine, and I will be off to the races!