Bill and Kathy's Excellent Adventure 2024: September 11th

At some point during my sleep last night, I started to feel like Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz". I was ready to go home. Bill agreed with me, so after another nice breakfast we packed up and headed home. We can finish our final camping stop another time. We've been reflecting on our trip and it truly was an excellent adventure! We've enjoyed nature -- beautiful waterfalls, magnificent mountains, delightful lakes, and beaches, stunning gardens, and some very nice camping spots. We learned (or re-learned) our country's history with some very interesting tours and trips to historic sites and past leader's homes. We've been able to put ourselves in other people's shoes, from religious sects like the Shakers or the Amish with their "simple life" beliefs to the good folks who grew up with Andy Griffith. And most importantly, we have been lucky enough to visit 4 very special people who we don't get to see often enough. We loved staying with Max and Sierra-- two amazing young people who are living such a focused, positive, and happy life together. The love and respect they have for each other is touching and makes my heart swell with love for them. We also loved spending time with Paul and Reba. Our 3 days together were wonderfully fun and I so enjoyed reconnecting with my big brother in his new and lovely home with his new and lovely wife. I had met Reba before but we really didn't have a chance to get to know one another. Now I can see why Paul is so happy -- she's a sweet, caring, and generous person and I am so glad she is my new sister.