06/24/2022
Now a little from my perspective.
While I seem indecisive about many things, I really was about this because I know that’s going be work for whoever comes with me. I don’t want to make that decision. You, however, knew what you were getting into and we’re willing to do it, so I thank you for that.
The whole thing was great and the people we met or saw along the way we’re great as well.
The bad times seem bad at the time, hence the name, but things like me becoming an anesthetized bowl of jelly when my loaner Smart Drive failed halfway up the hill and I had to push my self the rest of the way up In the 90° and 95% humidity in St. Louis), the flat tire at the top of the mountain in crater Lake, and the gas station attendant who made the sign telling us that the bathroom was out of order, only to tell you that it was only out of order for the homeless (not to mention the mattress in the comfy nook around the corner from our doorway in the motel six in Kansas City - that you could be pretty certain that was in use) is what makes the trip memorable.
It was annoying and inconvenient at the time, but that’s what you remember.
The sites and events we saw, though, Will be permanently etched in my brain, or at least in my photo album, forever.
Kathy in St. Louis was great. I can’t say enough.
Jessalyn Hampton was fantastic (as always). Now you know, I assume, why so many of us that have worked with her have also tried to set her up with our kids.
Bear was amazing. What can you say. Great guy, great food, great view.
It was truly great to see John, again!
Jim Kramer is truly a great guy and so incredibly accommodating. His place is beautiful and I really, honestly, can’t say enough about him. From the book that he gave me to the breakfast talk he let us be a part of at the monastery, it made the whole trip that much more meaningful.
Again, you tolerating me being in a brain fog most of the time means a lot, as well. When you go through that many variations in temperature and humidity, it’s never going to be a great situation.
Add in the allergies, which apparently are new to me and started somewhere around mid Wyoming and carried Partway into Minnesota, was in fairly rough shape there for a day or two 🙂. (fortunately, the 12-year-old girl working in the Casper gas station, told me it was probably “coh-in,” which we figured out later was probably “Cottonwood.” That was an addition to the hay that was apparently a part of some big event happening in the entire state of South Dakota.
Overall – a good time and one that will always be at the top of my list.
