Where in the World are Jeff and Sue?: Yeah, we’d go again tomorrow! Any donations?

It’s hard to believe that we’re almost home. I’m writing as we drive in the car and reflecting on a lot of things. I’m reflecting on our trip, on being home, and believe it or not looking ahead to our next road adventure.

Speaking of adventure, this has been one of the greatest adventures of our lives. We have seen the mountains, desserts, and everything in between. We have seen streams, rivers, lakes, dams, waterfalls, reservoirs, and the ocean. We have also seen flooded areas, areas in drought, and experienced temps from 30° to 120°. We saw bear, deer, elk, bison (can’t forget those bison!), as well as birds, pelicans, mice, cows, all kinds of insects, and oodles of pocket gophers! We’ll never forget the sea life that we saw; sea lions, elephant seals, and harbor seals. I even think I have slightly gotten over my hatred of sea gulls (I’m working on that one), at least for art’s sake. In addition, we have met and talked with people from all over and we have deeply cherished each and every minute!

What does it feel like being back in Minnesota, the state we were both born and raised in? Although I’m looking forward to seeing our family and friends, in all honesty I’m not excited to be back nor am I disappointed. I have to say that it just feels natural and I am at peace. This 21 day adventure that we just went on was something that both of us have wanted to do for a very long time. We didn’t plan on being gone for 21 days but we’re glad that it worked out that way. After all, this trip was never about a destination but the journey. There were times that we needed to put the “pedal to the metal,” and we did. But mostly we just allowed the journey to shape itself not being afraid to let one thing flow into the next. And we are so glad that the timing was right and we were able to make it happen.

As far as this day, we left Sioux Falls this morning with the intention of getting home to spend the 4^th with our kids. We did stop at Falls Park to see the waterfall before we left. Our timing was pretty good in that a Fourth of July parade was about to start. So, we quickly hiked up to the falls (we had to park in the designated parking because of the parade), took some pix and enjoyed the falls for a few minutes, then we took off while we could still get out. Next, we headed to HWY 23 for the rest of this journey. The day is beautiful, sunny, and a great day for a road trip.

Until next time