From Reno to Seattle was as smooth as one could wish!

I soaked in the Hot Springs at Summer Lake. It’s funky, fun and the pools are the perfect temperature.

Onward in a northerly direction, it felt like a full circle to stop at Maryhill State Park for my last night of this trip. I stayed there my first night on my way south, so the circle was complete.

I wanted to ride my bike after driving for most of the day, so just took off from the park. Soon, I saw Stonehenge up on the hill. LOL. Scott and I had explored there many years ago. I rode up (and up, and up) from the river to the structure.

My last stop on this leg was the Yakima River Canyon. What a GREAT time of year to visit! Everything is green and flowers are bursting out everywhere. I couldn’t help stopping to shoot photos of flowers while I was running the trails at Umtanum.

Lupines and little yellow flowers

I would have been disappointed if the rain didn’t start to fall on my way over Snoqualmie pass. It was rain mixed with snow. I drove out of the rain as I rolled toward Puget Sound.

Westie went 14,000 miles without any problems! I do LOVE my Westie!

It’s great to be home!!

Now, what’s next?

At least that’s how it feels. I’m just about to arrive in Reno for a burning man operations summit. Will be so helpful to meet many of the folks I will be, and have been, working with.

SO many miles! Since buying the car, I have added 13,000!!! Holy cow! Westie is rolling strong. I am in love!

In Truth or Consequences, NM I soaked in hot springs, had a massage, and camped in Elephant Butte State Park. It was packed (as all of the parks are these days), and the water level is about a mile from its high point. Drought is becoming a way of life.

Debby arrived in Albuquerque and after picking her up, we went to Santa Fe, then on to Cha Cha’s. Dru and Wendy (Debby’s brother and wife) met us there. What a blast! We hiked at Ghost Ranch, visited Taos, took in Meow Wolf (yawn) and before we knew it, the weekend was over.

Onward toward Reno for me! After dropping Debby back in Albuquerque, I stopped in Winslow Arizona for a few hour paddle with Thomas Kelly. Beautiful!!

From there, I drove to Death Valley. Whew! It was hot! 92 the first day and 99 the second. I went for a bike ride and the coolest hike near Furnace Creek. Again, tons of people, yet so little traffic. I really need to spend more time there next trip.

From Death Valley, I drove West toward the Sierra’s. I have never been to Lone Pine, Bishop or anywhere in that area. Wow! Just Wow! I loved it! For me, it became a hot springs tour, which was simply icing on the cake.

I’ll spend the weekend in Reno, then head north toward home. I hope to get to Alvord Hot Springs, then a stop in Pendleton, and finally Seattle. I’m excited to reach home, get some hugs, and check on Charlie Mike. Flying will be the next focus for me.

Funny that Reno feels close to home, but given how far I’ve traveled so far, I guess it makes sense!

It’s surprising how startling it is to be back in the USA. Someone asked me how it feels. I answered, “like everyone is in a hurry”.

Of course, there are more differences than that. Everyone here drives a new car. Houses are bigger, roads are smoother. Yet, I miss a lot about Mexico with its shitty cars and rough roads. I’ll be back, for sure. La Paz has my heart.

I’m picking Debby up at the Albuquerque airport on the 16th, so I have been cruising through California, Arizona, and New Mexico, trying to take in some sights.

I visited Saguaro NP, and went for a long run. I remember (maybe I remember the photos) visiting there when I was about 5 or 6 years old. I sure spent a lot of time with cactus in Mexico – mi amigos!

Next, on to the caverns below Kartchner Caverns State Park. Wow, those caves are trippy!! I was lucky to get to go on the tour because someone canceled. Side note: The campground was totally full, so I camped in a parking lot, which they allowed.

Since I was so close to Bisbee, AZ I cruised through there too. Humm…..maybe if I had stayed longer I would “get” Bisbee. The town has done a great job keeping itself alive.

Onward into New Mexico! White Sands NP is such a joy!! WOW! I biked the loop that most people drive, and then I went for the 5-mile Alkali Flat Trail which was NOT flat. The dunes go up and down and most visitors (from Texas, mainly) were sledding.

Last night I stayed in the Organ Mountains, outside of Las Cruces, NM; mainly so I could watch the sunset and in the morning do a nice trail run to a saddle.

Today, I’m in Truth or Consequences NM enjoying the hot springs, beautiful Elephant Butte Campground, and a massage tomorrow! This place needs visitors to drop some money. I’m trying to do my part.

Two days until I pick up Debby. We will then descend upon Cha Cha and Linda for a few days. Dru and Wendy (Debby’s brother and wife) will be joining us there. I can’t wait to see a group of people I know and love! The very best part of being back stateside.

Leaving my comfort zone in La Paz was a challenge. Knowing there were still beaches and towns I want to visit got me moving.

I headed East from La Paz to Playa Muertes, a beautiful, more or less deserted, white sandy beach. What a joy to spend a long weekend here! I ran, biked, and snorkeled. I finished reading a book. All the things that make a long weekend great!

From Playa Muertos I headed to La Ventana. I have a sweet campsite about 50 meters from the water. It’s quiet, beautiful, and as an extra gift, Lindsey, Peter, and Eleanor are here! What a joy to see familiar faces from home!

On a morning mountain bike ride (the trails are amazing) Kaley ran by!! Omg! What a great surprise! We chatted and then made a date to run the following morning. Another friend from home!! My heart is full.

I won’t be here long. This is a paradise for kiters and there are some sweet mountain bike trails. A paddle board ride awaits prior to departure.

I’ll be back in La Paz tomorrow thru the weekend, then off to the North on Monday!