Dali

Doug and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Salvador Dali museum in St. Petersburg this morning. The collection was well balanced, although it seemed to have more works from his earlier and later years than from the period most of us are familiar with. 

Costume Swim

Clearwater's Open Water swimmers gathered on the beach this morning to celebrate Halloween with costumes and, despite the rain and cold, a swim. Thankfully, the sun broke through the clouds as the swim wound down.

It was also an opportunity to remember those we had lost over the past year.

 

I Will Be Back

I discovered the Starkey Wilderness only five miles from my house. It felt great being away from civilization, and I only saw one other person in the two hours I spent hiking there. I will be back - and soon.

 

Back in the Water

Finally! I have settled into our Florida home enough to get out into the Gulf for an open water swim. About time!

The water is not quite as clear as it was off Maui, but I'll try a different venue Thursday and see how it is there.

 

Big Easy

After re-unioning with another of the McBride clan, we made the truly harrowing drive to New Orleans. I don't ever want to make that drive again!

The Big Easy has been a treat. I could definitely see living here. Not Bourbon Street, of course, but the French Quarter for sure. 

Now we're off to Alabama. 

The Weber Gang

I finally got to meet two great nieces from the Weber side of the family. What a treat. 

Up and Down

This afternoon we scrambled up, then down Enchanted Rock, somewhere in the middle of Texas. It is an immense granite rock dropped in the middle of a valley in hill country. 

If you look closely, the tiny spots on the hill are other hikers. 

Llamas in Texas

We've made it to Doug's brother's ranch in Texas where they keep llamas to fight off the coyotes. 

Down Deep

The exploration continued today as we climbed down, down, down into the Carlsbad Caverns. We were so glad we hiked in through the original entrance instead of just taking the elevator down the 800 feet. Our Maui lava tubes definitely pale in comparison (putting it mildly); these caves were IMMENSE. 

After 30 years on Maui, today's speed limit was mind boggling. 

Even Better

The Grand Canyon was stunning, but our favorite side trip so far has been the Gila Cliff Dwellings! And we had the extensive complex all to ourselves! Camping was only a short stroll away and the cliff dwellings were amazing. 

Plus the prehistoric pictographs were way cool and totally accessable. This trip keeps getting better and better. 

Visit with Mom

What a wonderful three days we've had in southern Arizona. Lots of chores got done, and lots and lots of delicious homemade food got consumed. Tomorrow we're back to camping in sub freezing temperatures (Brrrrr). 

Memory Tripping

I've been taking an interesting trip down memory lane today as my mom and I have been digging through old photo albums. Here I am a tiny bit younger. 

Camping and Hiking

The Grand Canyon's Kaibab trail was all about stairs, stairs and more stairs. The descent was fun, and getting out was a great workout. 

We were so happy that we had packed a nice lunch and plenty of water. 

We were especially thrilled that we brought a queen air mattress, flannel sheets and a down comforter. 

Brrr

The top photo is us shivering over our steaming oatmeal this morning in below freezing weather at the Grand Canyon general store. 

The day before we were sweating and huffing and puffing on the Kaibab trail into and back out of the canyon. We were thrilled that we turned around when we did. 

On the Move

We had no difficulty picking up the car in Long Beach and are now cruising across country at 80 mph. Being nerds, we thoroughly enjoyed a Harry Potter parody in Las Vegas last night. Today we're on our way to the Grand Canyon to go tent camping in 30 degree weather and pouring rain. 

New Life with Death

My first day at our new phase of life as retirees in Florida has been heavenly. We spent long periods floating on our dock watching the variety of wildlife, including a hawk making a kill then eating right in front of us.

And the previous photo on my camera was this one from several thousand miles, and a lifetime, away.