California (RTXXII)

“I’m going to California Colorado by myself

Next time you see me, I’ll be someone else.”

Tyler Lyle

Like Fawkes rising from the ashes to bring Dumbledore his favorite beard tie, it’s time once again for this blog to return to life for your (and our) summer entertainment. RTXXII is going to be different. With our home in Colorado now complete we have a base in the West. It’s going to be great to spend time there being a part of that community and enjoying the amenities of a house. It’s also going to be strange and sad to lose day after day living within 2 feet of each other as we travel from place to place in Fred.

While we’ll be spending a lot of time at Desenredada we also have some mini road trips planned. We’ve scheduled a trip through southern Utah in June and another through central Colorado in July. We’re hoping Bandelier will be able to reopen after the fire that’s devastated nearby national forest. We’ll also be exploring the mountains and deserts nearby our base.

We’ve debated whether or not we should continue with the blog. For me, the primary purpose of it has always been as a journal for ourselves to look back at in the future. Having other people who enjoy following along the journey has been an interesting bonus. With the primary purpose in mind Molly and I decided that it was right for the blogging to continue even through there may very well be days that aren’t as adventure filled as those we’ve had in the past.

RTXXII is also beginning very differently from past trips. My school district is ending almost two weeks before Molly and Ellie’s so today I heading out on my own to tackle some projects at the house (plus some fun) before everyone else joins me in mid-June. This means you’ll mostly be hearing from me for the next two weeks. Apologies to those of you who normally skip over my posts because of my excessive focus on logistics and lack of emotional detail (that’s right I read those comments!).

I waited until noon to leave this morning since the entirity of the plan was to drive seven hours from home to Omaha, NE. Over the past couple years Omaha, and more specifically the Kimpton Cottonwood was become a regular rest point on the commute between homes. The Cottonwood is the best of Kimpton as it used to be when we first started visiting them 10 or so years ago. The staff is friendly and helpful, the room I’m in is a beautiful suite, and the old fashioned I’m enjoying as write this is delicious. The only thing missing is having Molly here to enjoy it with me.

This year’s trip will be different, but it will still be an adventure. I hope that we’ll still be interested in looking back at it years from now, and perhaps some other people will still want to come along for the ride. I also hope Molly, Ellie, and Zoe will hurry up and join me out here! RTXXII is officially beginning!