It’s fall.
And if you’ve been following me for any period of time…or if you’re a client of mine…
You know that I tend to slip off the grid for periods of time.
And you also know, that I do that on purpose.
I do it unapologetically.
I’ve never been a person that can stay connected every day, all day, all year long. It just not me. I turn the world off for periods of time. And certain times during fall is one of them.
I normally travel in the fall with my son. Either someplace far away or someplace close. We’ve done both. But we always have grand adventures. It’s just he and I. And we are different when it’s just he and I. It helps me be a better person. And…. being with my son, that time of just he and I, is priceless.
We decided to go on a climb this year. Just a little one, but a big one for the two of us. Took us 6 hours round trip. We were prepared and we had food and water, but it tested us. The first picture below, may not show much to you, but to me, I had a boy sitting next to me, holding in tears because he was tired and cold and had gotten to the point he was mad about it. I made him sit here. Overlooking the valley, hugging him while he ate, because he needed to eat and I knew it would give him energy to get down. And a half hour later… he came back to me, exclaiming how proud he was of both of us and what a wonderful time he had. Wishing other hikers luck on their way up. Telling them it was cold.
I have that with him. I can read him. I can tell when to not talk. I can tell when to encourage. I can tell when to tell him to “cowboy up.”
We stayed in Saratoga, and went to the hot pools twice. Drove past my childhood home. I feel good there. A place I spent so much of my childhood. It’s still peaceful to me. Calming. And thank you Saratoga Inn for feeding me Ribeye. I needed it. So did my son.
The next day we ventured 23 miles west of Encampment to Aspen Alley. It’s been on my list for many years to get to, and I’m so glad I did. It was incredibly beautiful. But the entire drive through the Sierra Madres was breathtaking. A lovely day spent.
I recommend going and visiting and getting out. It doesn’t have to be there…but get out. I will make you feel better.
