2023 a year of "Adventure!"

2023 was certainly a year of wonderful adventure. We saw beautiful new places and met many interesting people along the way. The year was full of "go and experience" trips. Our luggage really got a workout this past year. Of course, adding a beautiful daughter-in-law, Eliana, and grandson, Nicollas, to the family were a highlight! We also learned to play pickleball and acquired a time share at the family enclave at Lake Chelan. Thankfully we remained relatively healthy, and we both joined the ranks of Americans who benefit from a life of paying into Social Security. Yes, we packed a lot into 2023 and we are extremely thankful! This is indeed a sweet time of life!  

It is impossible to write about all the cool things we did in 2023 without first pausing for a moment to reflect on 2022.  Maurina's two successful knee replacement surgeries were game changers. Without the benefit from these procedures and her hard work rehabbing that followed, we would not have been able to enjoy many of the things we did. My hip resurface procedure also gave me increased mobility. After spending a week in the hospital, several of those days in the ICU, in mid-November, much of our travel plans were in question.  An issue with internal bleeding had resulted in the loss of about half my blood volume and threatened more than just our travel plans. Thankfully the Lord determined that He was not finished with me yet, and I was able to recover much of my strength by the end of the year. We welcomed in the New Year with Amanda, Sean and the boys as well as Jordan on Lopez. 

January was mostly a month of recovery and preparation. The first week of January, Jordan and I made a day trip to San Juan Island so he could process some paperwork to help him transition to life in Brazil. 

We began our South American adventure on January 31st with a flight to the frozen tundra of Dallas, Texas. After a fight with sciatica during my recovery threatened our trip plans, we boarded our flight to Santiago with a connection in Dallas. A freak snow/ice storm in Dallas shut down the airport shortly after our arrival causing us to spend the night in the airport. We learned two important things during our unplanned overnight in Dallas. First, don't try to catch a cab in Dallas during an ice storm. There aren't any. Second, the Dallas airport is not heated, and all the glass windows only add to the cold draftiness.

Santiago, Chile - Jan 31 - Feb 7: To read more about our time in Chili visit this blog:  https://wind-guatemala.blogspot.com/2023/02/gran-adventura-de-south-america-2023.html

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A Case of Wanderlust

 

Last night after church Small Group, Jack asked me a very interesting question, “Have you always been a roamer?” Earlier in the evening I had shared about my week riding with Jordan in his 18-wheeler out to Wisconsin and back. The trucker life was intriguing, and the time spent with Jordan was priceless. But I think Jack picked some signs of wanderlust in my voice as I shared the experience.

I found this definition of wanderlust: “A strong desire or impulse to travel and explore the world. It is a term often used to describe a deep passion for experiencing new places. cultures, and adventures. People with wanderlust are driven by a curiosity to see and discover different parts of the globe. “

If the shoe fits …. I confess I do have a spirit for wanderlust. I certainly have a great appetite for experiencing new cultures and seeing new places. If it were a medical condition, the diagnosis seems to be very certain.  

A few reflections from last winter’s amazing trip to South America is proof of my ailment. From soaking in a thermal hot spring in the Andes mountains of Chile to posing with a massive boa constrictor draped across my shoulders in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil. From riding on a Zodiac into the powerful waterfalls of Iguazu falls to swimming with Pink Dolphins in the Rio Negro River, the adventures feed a deeper curiosity to expand my world. I am thankful Maurina was also there with me collecting new experiences. She too has been inflicted. We love collecting new experiences.

My curiosity is not of an extreme, thrill-seeking type. No diving from high cliffs or bungy jumping from perfectly good bridges for me. I am not an adrenalin junkie, out looking for my next fix. I guess I am more of a collector of new experiences which help expand my awareness and appreciation for God’s creation. Learning about new cultures, by way of firsthand experience, is a deep passion. I appreciate that some people are more comfortable doing this from the comfort and safety of their home by watching documentaries and reading books. However I love the experience that awakens all my senses simultaneously.

I have been blessed in my life to have witnessed and explored amazing places. I have walked upon the great wall of China and strolled through the sacred caves of the Catacombs beneath Rome. I have held the hand of a hungry child in a dusty refugee camp on the border of Sudan and Uganda and prayed with transvestite prostitutes on the dark streets of San Jose, Costa Rica.

I think, in part, that is why I spent a week in the passenger seat of Jordan’s 18-wheeler. Spending time with Jordan was my motive, but seeing our country through the enormous windshield of the cab of his truck provided me with new perspectives and appreciation for the life of those who are a major cog in the vitality of our U.S. economy, the long-haul trucker.  

Am I a roamer? Well, yes Jack, I guess I am. There are worse addictions in life. Experiencing new cultures and things lead to stories, stories turn to memories, and memories are the best gift money can buy. I desire to live life as a learner. It is a shoe that fits me very well! I can’t wait to learn what new experiences await us in 2024.

Life on the Highway!

 

Echoing the words of CW McCall, in his amazing song Convoy, I responded 10-4 good buddy, when Jordan asked me to join him on a cross country trip in his 18-wheeler. I thought to myself, Wide open highways. Truckin down the old interstate, starring out that big windshield at the distant horizon, wondering what awaits over the next hill. Seeing the good old US of A from my elevated perch. Seeing the sights as we go. Waking in the morning to a big trucker breakfast and a steaming hot cup of coffee from the small town dinner. Yes please, I am in. When to we roll?

"Ummm Dad", Jordan informed me, "there are no trucker breakfast, but I have yogurt in the truck and maybe we can pick up some granola." "What's that" I responded (my ears sometimes needs a second chance these days). He repeated, "No trucker breakfast and we will not be making any unnecessary stops" I was rather certain I heard him clearly that second time. But he did have a bit of a smirk when he said it. Then he proceeded to tell me about the travel uranal he uses and that he has an extra one for me. I also learned the small town dinners would take the form of extremely well lit truck stops bustling with truck activity. Then he sealed the deal by telling me we would be sleeping in the truck, surrounded by a multitude of other trucks, on bunk beds next the the reefer that never quits running. Great! When to we roll? I only needed to think of my handle so I could operate the CB radio. "Ummm dad, trucks don't have CBs anymore."  What the heck - I'm still in. 

Yeah, that's a big 10-4 there, Pig Pen
Yeah, we definitely got the front door, good buddy
Mercy sakes alive, looks like we got us a convoy ... CW McCall

We left Puyallup on Monday morning to head to our pick up location in Wenatchee. The skies were blue and the road clear. We were on our way. the trees going up Blewett pass were in full fall glory. As I looked out the windshield at the fall colors lining the road as it disappeared into the horizon, I said “that is sure purdee”. The memories of my brother Gene flooded my mind. I fondly remember how his strange pronunciation of pretty always made me smile. Purdee summed up the beauty of the scene in front of us. Gene would have loved this road trip. I can see his smile and almost hear his chuckle as if he was here with us.

We drove to Wenatchee and picked our load of destined for Wisconsin. Delivery set for Thursday - we headed east. First order of business was making sure we were good on weight and load balance. We weighed the truck in George, Washington. Thankfully we determined we were under the 81,000 pound limit for the truck. BTW - that includes driver and passenger. The load was a little out of balance, so Jordan had to move his rear wheels back to accommodate the load. I never new trucks could adjust their rear wheels forward and backward.  We headed east on 90. We stopped in Missoula for the night and I had my first truck stop night. Trucks lined side by side, many with refers running and lights on to keep their loads safe during the 17 degree night. It really is quite the sight. 

Did you know there are strict National laws governing the truck industry to keep drivers safe. An onboard computer tracks the trip and drive time. 

11 hours - the maximum number hours a driver can drive in a day.
14 hours - the maximum time per day including stops.
10 hours - the minimum rest period before the next 14 hours can begin.
34 hours - mandatory reset after 8 days of 10

A thought: The next time you pass a truck on the highway, offer up a prayer of thanks for the job they do. Be patient with their slow climbs up the grade, they are doing the best that they can. Instead of grumbling, pray for safety on their journey to their drop. In many ways your family is dependent on the work they do. Next time you fill your cart at the grocery store, remember the truckers that carried it across the country. Our grocery store shelves would be empty in a week without the work of those truckers. So cut them a break as you rush down the highway to whatever appointment you deem important. 

Trucks move roughly 72.6% of the nation's freight. There are 13.86 million single-unit (2-axle, 6-tire or more) and combination trucks registered in 2021, representing 5% of all motor vehicles registered.

My Handle: I've decided on my trucker handle, Papa Bear. It was between Papa Bear and Frito Bandito. I thought it would have been cool to respond to the question, "what is your handle?", with " I am the Frito Bandito". But I think Papa Bear is a good fit. I know trucks don't have CB radios anymore, but I feel strongly that handles are important. Jordan does not have a handle. So I decided he could be JR Bear. I considered Baby Bear, but thought JR was better. When they see us at the truck stop other truckers will proclaim, "here comes the Bear boys" or How's it going with familia Bear". It will be epic. Now Jordan says he does not like Bear, he prefers Wolf. Sorry JR, that truck has rolled. 

Trucker Breakfast ... Myth buster. I dis covered there is no such thing as a trucker breakfast (although the breakfast diner I visited this morning in Wisconsin featured a "Long Haul Breakfast"). In my world I had the lumberjack breakfast on the top. Well maybe at par with the NFL lineman breakfast. Heaping with both protein and carbs. But in my mind the trucker breakfast was a close second. But its a myth. You see truckers spend 11 hours behind the wheel and in a long day on the road they burn few calories. The truckers I have encountered are lean and clearly do not eat high carb breakfasts. But they do seem to consume amble levels of caffeine. But that does not stop me from enjoying a " papa Bear" breakfast from the mini mart deli. 

Nov 4. This has been a fun adventure. Opportunities to experience new things at the edge of my comfort zone, getting out of the daily routine I settle into so easily, and letting myself see life through a different lens is a great gift. I have really appreciated having time with Jordan. I have enjoyed the long  periods of comfortable silence followed by good conversation and laughs. Retelling of stories of times past. Good music and good talk. Seeing things from a new perspective through the windshield of the semi. I am thankful! I am ready to roll. We are chasing sunsets with three more days to get home.

2110 Esther Drive, Onalaska WI. 

We purchased this home new in 1989 and lived here for two years. Jordan was 5 when we moved here. Hard to believe that was 34 years ago! Jordan went to kindergarten in Onalaska, learned to ride his bike, and joined his first swim team. He and Amanda spent many hours running the neighborhood with friends and walking our dog Juneau. We felt a.little like creepers posing in front of the house and taking photos. 

Rocky Mountain High

 

We arrived into Denver last night (or was it early this morning?). Checked into the hotel, the Baymont, at 1am. Arriving at Denver International Airport brought back memories from my many trips to Denver while working at Kellogg's. Remembering when it first opened in 1995, replacing the old Stapleton Airport and the baggage claim disaster it turned out to be. Frequent travellers learned never to check a bag when traveling through the airport. 

The airport is the largest US airport by surface area, and it sits at an altitude of nearly 5,500 feet (1,676 meters) above sea level. It has six massive runways with the longest being 16,000 feet long and is one of the longest in the world. 

Regarding the tunnel baggage system: "In February 1995, DIA was opened 16 months later than originally anticipated with a delay cost of $500 million. A key schedule and cost problem—the integrated automated baggage handling system—was a unique feature of the airport. The baggage system was designed to distribute all baggage automatically between check-in and pick-up on arrival. The delivery mechanism consisted of 17 miles of track on which 4,000 individual, radio-controlled carts would circulate. The $238 million system consisted of over 100 computers networked together, 5,000 electric eyes, 400 radio receivers, and 56 bar-code scanners. The purpose of the system was to ensure the safe and timely arrival of every piece of baggage. Significant management, mechanical, and software problems plagued the automated baggage handling system. In August 2005, the automated system was abandoned and replaced with a manual one.

This morning we will pick up a rental car and head toward Colorado Springs. Other than that we have no plans for this day. Let the adventure begin. 

Following the Breadcrumbs Sept 6

For a day with no set plans, I would score the day a 10. No set plans, no absolute destination, no lodging arranged. 

We started our day with a short uber ride to Alamo car rental. Our driver was a die hard Broncos fan and a huge fan of Russ. His enthusiasm was almost convincing. He told us the Garden of the Gods was a must see, which confirmed some prelim thoughts we had. We thanked him and as he drove off our parting words were "Go Hawks". We loaded up shiny new Hyundi Santa Fe and set our first destination to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

The red rock formations that rise from the valley floor are amazing! The park is free and well maintained. The paths that weave through the park make exploring easy. I  can see why it is one if the top tourist destinations in Colorado. Lunch at the Trading Post after exploring  was perfect. The Fat Tire beer really hit spot and the home made fudge lived up to its billing.

We set out sights on Canon City as our evening resting spot. About an hour and a half from Colorado Spring and in the direction of Montrose, where the wedding will take place. We decided we would look for a hotel room once we arrived. 

Cañon City: The city population was 17,141.  Cañon City straddles the easterly flowing Arkansas River and is a popular tourist destination for sightseeing, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. The city is known for its many public parks, fossil discoveries, Skyline Drive, The Royal Gorge railroad, the Royal Gorge, and extensive natural hiking paths. In 1994, the United States Board on Geographic Names approved adding the tilde to the official name of Cañon City, a change from Canon City as the official name in its decisions of 1906 and 1975. It is one of the few U.S. cities to have the Spanish Ñ in its name. Cañon City was laid out on January 17, 1858, during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush.

As we drove into Canon City on highway 50, we saw a impressive old structure ahead. It was the Abbey of the Holy Cross built in 1924. But what really got our attention was a sign that read "Abbey Wine and tasting room"! So of course we had to follow the breadcrumbs. I mean we could find a hotel room later and it was 5 o'clock.  As luck would have it the tasting room was open until six. 

The wine hostess overheard us talking about lodging and recommended the Parkview Inn Motel. We made a quick call and got their last available room, a king bed with a nice view of the park ... And highway. The hotel is located in old town which made walking to dinner a breeze. Bare bones but clean. the warm evening allowed us to have a nice dinner at a sidewalk cafe in old town. 

Tomorrow we will look for more breadcrumbs. 

ALL ABOARD!! Sept 7

We boarded the Royal Gorge Railroad at 8:30 and departed the station at 9:00 for a two hour railroad ride through the magnificent Royal Gorge. In1905, Theodore Roosevelt described the ride as "a trip that bankrupts the English language" and "one of the best scenic wonders of America". 

We had a seat in a rail car built in 1950. We spent much of the ride in an outdoor car that allowed us excellent views of the Arkansas river and the towering  cliffs on either side. Besides the picturesque scenery, the engineering feat required to built this railway in 1879 is incredible. 

The highlight of the trip is the view of the Royal Gorge Bridge towering 1000 feet above the valley floor. The bridge was constructed in 1924 for no apparent reason, other than the desire to accomplish the unimaginable. The bridge is a foot bridge and popular tourist attraction - so we will make that our next stop. 

The suspension bridge was recognized as the highest suspension bridge in the world for over 60 years. We took a gondola to the other side, then walked back across the bridge. The heights were a little nerve rattling, as we walked across the 100 year old planks. The planks were far enough apart to see through. There was a little sway to the bridges that added to the thrill. 

We ate lunch at a fun place on the highway called White Water Cafe. White water rafting and fly fishing are popular on the Arkansas River. 

We headed west on highway 50. Through Salida and then over a mountain pass that topped out at 11,300 feet. We then dropped down through Gunnison, home of western Colorado university. 

We had received multiple warnings of road construction and road closure as we drove west on highway 50. So when I saw the orange detour 50 sign with an arrow directing us onto a side road it seemed logical to me. Over Maurina's and Google's initial protest I followed the detour onto highway 92. It turned out to be a two hour lesson on how I need to listen to her wisdom. "But it was a beautiful! drive" we kept saying to each other. And it was a beautiful drive - that went on and on. 

We arrived to Ouray around 8pm and spent the night at Hot Springs Inn. Ouray is a quant little town of less then a 1000 residents which is surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs. A popular tourist spot. We ended our evening at a Mexican restaurant with good food and great margaritas. A well earned treat after our long day on the road. 

About Ouray:, the “Outdoor Recreation Capitol of Colorado.” Ouray is a high alpine community sitting at 7,800 feet in elevation. Set in a geographic bowl formed by rugged and steep mountainsides that lead up to jagged 12,000 to 13,000-foot-high peaks with several creeks cascading down through valleys and canyons into the city. Visitors come from all over the world to experience Ouray in its entirety. Whether that be soaking in the Ouray Hot Springs, hiking our trails, learning about the history of the Ute Indians and a miner's life, shopping on our unique Main Street, or seeing our 3 W's: wildlife, wildflowers, and waterfalls.

Telluride Sept 8

This morning we drove the scenic highway from Ouray to Telluride. The crisp blue skies perfectly framed the jagged mountains on the one hour drive. For good reason, Telluride is a popular tourist destination- epic beauty surrounds this ski town and the shops are fun to poke around in.I would compare it to Park City or maybe Leavenworth.

We rode the gondola from Telluride to Telluride Village. The thirteen minute ride connects the two communities and is free. Maurina was not thrilled when it briefly stalled leaving us dangling high above the dry ski slopes. We ate pizza for lunch at Brown Dog pizza. The pizza was amazing!

From Telluride we drove to Montrose and checked into our hotel. The Days Inn had obviously seen "better days" and I am sure their website photos were taken long ago. However, the room was comfortable and Maurina Was abls to pay for it with points.

In the evening we crashed the wedding party rehearsal dinner (the Hein family had actually invited us, but it is more fun to think of us crashing the party).

Parting observation... Back home, in Western Washington, the Subaru Outback and Tesla's fill the roadways. Here in Colorado, Jeeps and Ford Broncos are king. These 4x4 beasts seem to fit the vive and are practical. I found this on the internet.

7 Reasons Why Renting a Jeep is the Best Way to Explore Colorado

Want to take in as much Colorado scenery as possible? Rent an off-road vehicle!

Reason 1: Colorado is massive! If you are visiting for a short time-period, renting a Jeep is the most efficient way to get around the Rockies! A standard rental car can only get you so far. If you truly want to make the most of your trip, you need a vehicle that can take you over the mountains!

If we ever decide to return to Colorado for a road trip, I want to rent a jeep. I also want to allow enough time to drive Last Dollar Road. A four-wheel drive road that connects Ridgeway to Telluride. Now - that would be a kick!

WEDDING DAY Sept 9

Today is Gavin Hein and Brookes wedding. The event that served as a catalyst to our Colorado adventure. 

We started the day with a drive back to Ouray. We ate breakfast at the Ouray Cafe - which turned out to be a trailer park. Afterwards we walked along Main Street and poked around the many souvenir stores. 

This photo was taken on a roof top bar. It allowed for great people and jeep watching on the street below. I enjoyed a well chilled

honey crisp cider. 

The outdoor wedding started at four. The mountains in the distance were outlined by the bright blue skies. The afternoon  temperature hovered around 90 degrees. All guest were asked to wear all black. Shirt, pants, and shoes - all black. It looked pretty cool for photos, but the hot sun caused the sweat to roll down my back. Maurina looked amazing in her black sleeveless dress.

The wedding was wonderful, with an appropriate amount of humor and quirkiness to make it their own. During the couples dance off, we had the second longest longevity of all the couples. i guess we are at that age now. We had been told there would be dancing, but these 25 year olds dance much differently then us 65+ year olds. The music had this driving beat and the dancing took on a tribal feel. Everyone jumping and shouting. They all knew the words and juked and jived in somewhat synchronized movements to the beat. It was pretty cool. I heard it referred to as jungle dancing. I took my old man shuffle to the corner, in part so I would not be trampled. 

After the sparkler tunnel exit, we headed back to the "Better Days Inn" for our !ast night in Colorado. 

Homeward Bound Sept 10

 After a ginormous breakfast at Starvin Marvins, we hit the road  for our 5 1/2  hour drive to the Denver airport. I70 is a beautiful drive. Unfortunately time did not allow.us to explore, next time. 

We did make time to  hit a  couple of wineries in "Colorado Wine Country". Located outside of Grand Junction, in Palisades, we were told there are now over 200 wineries. Not well known outside of the state, they seem to be growing in popularity. We tasted wine at Red Fox and Carboy. Carboy claimed to be the largest winery in Colorado. 

Our warm valleys and plateaus, watered by mountain runoff, are some of the best vineyards between the West Coast and the Mississippi River. Colorado boasts over 300 days of sunshine every year and refreshing mountain breezes to keep the nights cool and invigorating. Coupled with our persistently low humidity, nature brings beauty, taste and adventure together into the ideal conditions for growing world-class wine grapes that feature the complex character and chemistry required to craft award-winning wines. Colorado’s wines offer hints of the majestic mountains, bright sunshine, and brilliant blue sky that make Colorado such a beautiful state. IT’S TIME TO RAISE A WINE GLASS TO COLORADO.

Our adventure was too short. So much to explore, so much beauty to take in. 

Katherine Lee Bates wrote America the Beautiful in 1892. Inspired by the majesty of the Colorado mountains she penned the song which was originally titled Pikes Peak. The opening lyrics frame up our feelings while driving through this wonderful state. Lord willing, maybe we can return for a longer stay. 

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!

Parting Shot

Meeting of the Waters - Two become one

 

Jesus said, “Moses wrote this command only as a concession to your hardhearted ways. In the original creation, God made male and female to be together. Because of this, a man leaves father and mother, and in marriage he becomes one flesh with a woman—no longer two individuals, but forming a new unity. Because God created this organic union of the two sexes, no one should desecrate his art by cutting them apart.” Mark 10: 5-8

Meeting of the Waters - Manaus, Brazil

Two shall become one - no longer two, but one.

I wrote about the very unusual phenomenon of "The Meeting of the Waters" in my reflections about our time in Brazil.  It is an image I have not been able to shake. Honestly, in the moment, cruising from the dark waters of the Rio Negro into the sandy colors of the Rio Solimoes, was interesting, but underwhelming. 

However, the thought of two rivers, with unique chemical properties, colliding and flowing side by side, running parallel for more than six miles, before mixing together, provides us with a great illustration that I cannot shake. 

The Rio Negro (Black River) originates in Columbia and flows very slowly through the surrounding dense jungles, collecting decaying organic matter. The rivers murky waters are rich with nutrients and its warm waters supports a unique ecosystem of fish and plants. 

The Rio Solimoes is much different. The river has it beginning high up in the Andes Mountains to the west and flows more rapidly. It carries sediment from the mountains and takes on a sandy color. The temperature of the Solimoes flows twelve to fifteen degrees colder than the Rio Negro. 

Two rivers, so different, that meet but do not immediately blend together. Eventually, over time and distance, they do mix.  They do come together to form a new river with one blended chemistry. Each taking on properties of the other. Together they form the largest river on the planet - the Amazon River. This amazing river supplies an estimated 20% of the fresh water into the world's oceans. 

I like to think that neither river completely loses its unique properties. Perhaps they hang on to their uniqueness in some fashion. If you will, with the sum of the parts, you kind of get the best of both. One plus one equals better. 

The Meeting of the Waters - Manaus Central Plaza

In the city of Manaus, the importance of the meeting of the waters runs deep. You can find it depicted in the architecture of the turn of the century buildings, on the wood flooring in the Teatro and nearby San Sabastian Church, and in the magnificent central plaza. 

I suspect this symbolizes two diverse and unique cultures coming together. The indigenous culture that existed undisturbed for many centuries and the industrialized European community that flocked to the region, in gold rush fashion, to harvest profit from rubber trees. As the auto industry exploded onto the scene in the early 1900's, the need for rubber to make tires fueled an influx of people.  The greatest source of rubber in the world was just up the rivers from Manaus. 

In Manaus, there was a collision of two very different cultures. Like the two rivers, each culture had very unique qualities and values. Decade after decade these two cultures evolved and blended together. Today a city of two million people lives on the shores of Rio Negro. 

And Two Shall Become One. 

Please permit me to make the leap from the meeting of the waters to the beautiful union of a man and woman as they begin life together in Holy Matrimony. As I witnessed Jordan and Eliana committing themselves to life together, I had a fleeting thought of the meeting of the waters. Two people, created uniquely, raised in vastly different cultures, coming together as one.  Gods plan for their lives, laid out long before this wedding day, brought them together. 

Now their lives flow side by side. Their love for one another holding them together and keeping them flowing the same direction. Over time, and life's ups and downs, they will continue to grow together into one. Mixing and blending. Adapting to the pace of life together. Neither losing the traits that make them individually unique, but at the same time becoming a new creation. 

Once the two rivers mix and blend together, it is impossible to separate them. They are forever one. A new creation. They will remain that way until they pour themselves in to the sea, there final resting place. I think that is at the essence of what Jesus meant in the context of marriage when He said, "The two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."   

In Marriage, it usually does take time and intentionality to learn to exist as one. It is an ongoing process of getting to know one another at an intimate level. I believe God wants us to hang on to some of our unique qualities. The things that make you, you, and makes me, me. The trick becomes hanging onto your unique qualities and learning to adapt them to meet the needs of another.  

When God joins two people together in marriage, a new and beautiful creation emerges. God the creator, has done it again! For some it is an effortless union. It feels natural. For most couples, if people are honest, it takes some getting used to. When the I and me, becomes we and us, it can feel awkward at first. 

In my experience, after almost 45 years of marriage, I cannot imagine not having Maurina beside me. She is a part of me, just as I am a part of her. We still maintain our individuality, but together we are stronger as we face life's joys and challenges. 

Two rivers, so different, joining to make something bigger and more powerful. Two people, beautifully and uniquely created, uniting together into a wonderful new creation. God is so amazing and so good! 

As it is written in Ecclesiastes, "And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken".  And that is a blog for another day. 

Gran Adventura - Upon Reflection

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.

John Muir

After spending a month experiencing new cultures, seeing some incredible beauty, and exploring the edges of our comfort zone, it seems only appropriate to take some time to think about how my perspective on life was impacted by our grand adventure. 

We travelled to three new countries (four if you count the connection in Panama). In total, we took ten flights on five different airlines. We faced a cancelled flight and a missed connection. It seemed everyday brought a new experience and interesting unplanned activities. One of the greatest unexpected joys were found in the people we encountered and the stories they shared.  In essence, they became part of our story. The trip was definitely an adventure at many levels. 

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Dallas Jan 31, 23

We ate incredible food, proof of which is in the extra pounds we returned home with. Of course, the wine, margaritas and pisco sours may have contributed to that 😁. 

We intentionally choose this experience as the start of our 10-year plan. We wanted to see new things and travel while we still have the health to enjoy it. We knew we were spending money that more conservative thinking would suggest we hang onto - for a rainy day. But we believe tomorrow is not a certainty. The good Lord has us in His hands and we cannot predict the future. So, we will seize our time and make the most of it. Living la Vida Loca! 

The phrase “la vida loca”, translated from Spanish, means “the crazy life”. It is something you may say when you are doing something out of the ordinary, or on the wild side. This may be used to refer to a person who is living with a “no regrets” kind of style, someone who's cool, fearless, and does whatever they want.

South Beach Feb 28' 23

These two photos were taken at the bookends of our trip. A month went by so quickly. The trip was really divided in half with Jordan and Eliana's wedding in Manaus and prior to that Chile and Argentina. I have written much about the trip in previous blogs. Specifically, the highlights from various activities. So here I will provide a high-altitude perspective. 

Setting the wonderful wedding aside, four activities exemplify our approach to living la Vida loco. Sitting in thermal hot springs in the high Andes, gathered for a family style meal with fellow sojourners eating great food and drinking wine until after midnight, getting drenched in the falls of Iguazu, and the surreal experience of swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon. Each of these exemplify our wanting to approach the adventure at the edge, and maybe a bit beyond, of our normal. Stretching our sensations by living beyond ourselves.

Experiencing new cultures is invigorating! Challenging! At times confusing, at times a little frustrating. It is like a sport or a puzzle. Maurina and I enjoy the challenge of putting the pieces together. Admittedly it was difficult when we left a comfortable Spanish language and entered a very foreign Portuguese language. That was a stretch, but we survived with a lot of help from Jordan. I had previously spent time in China and Japan and the language challenge was similar. 

Clearly as I reflect on the trip, the best part may have been experiencing it with Maurina. Obviously, we spend a lot of time together anyway. However, experiencing new things together was awesome. After almost 45 years, we understand each other's rhythms very well.  But for whatever reason, adapting to each other's needs in new situations, was fun. Rather processing through a new experience, or just sitting together quietly with our own thoughts, our time together was amazing. 

When I look at the above two photos, I notice my beard may be a bit longer and Maurina's face is more tanned, but at our core there has been a deeper change. We understand the world God created a little better.  We understand ourselves a little more. And we value our love for one another a little better. Maurina is a great and lifelong travel partner.

Our bags have barely been unpacked and we are already talking about our next Grand Adventure. "The world is our oyster" is how the saying goes. The door to a large and wonderful world is just waiting for us to walk through. We can't wait to see what is next. 

For now, and always, cheers! 

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.