The last four trips this summer have been very, very beautiful, sometimes miraculous, sometimes perplexing, sometimes astonishing, sometimes eye opening and sometimes simple.

Leaving on a moment’s notice, isn’t that unusual for us but this series was extreme. Preparedness means I always have a few trip ideas/itineraries rolling loosely around in the back of my brain. There are still four trips in there waiting for timing of the seasons /leaf fall. A couple of them have very interesting historical focal points. We will see if we can get all four in before snow flies.

I’d only a loose outline in my mind of potential things to see for any of these last four trips. It meant we took things a little slower than usual and had more time to observe and interact with people. The world has shifted since the last time I went out as an observer. One group of people is affable, happy to share and smiles (what was once considered normal) and there is a group that is expressionless and seems to just be completing the task of living their lives. I will use the term zombie-like because it was that striking a comparison. It’s peculiar. It’s a little sad, too. I have theories on the perfect storm that has caused this but my mind reminds me of the Star Trek Next Generation episode where Captain Picard is assimilated into the Borg.

We stayed in several private RV parks (since the State and National Parks and Forests were long booked …especially on the long weekend.)

I had time and opportunity to speak with people in very different circumstances this summer. (I save up questions for people, too.) The people happy to provide answers showed up in these trips. I love how the Universe works. I have long wondered about the people who purchase long term spots, since we have a hard time staying put. Talking to them gave me so much to think about and so much self examination around our own style. I could write a little book about it.

Three of the RV parks were exceptionally nice and may have moved us a little off our lean into only parks. I’m in the process of writing all that up. It takes a while to organize the trips and there are all the things that happen to tie up loose house ends that get in the way of writing.

The world has shifted though. It’s astonishing. Have you seen this parting in humanity where you are?

I pay to continue this blog so please subscribe or comment or like. It’s a bit like talking into a void, otherwise. I do love sharing the places and people with like minded people. I hope some of you will find the gems I write about and make them a part of your travels. I’ll keep at it for a while longer at any rate.

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