Only ten work days left at the North Rim and I feel mixed saying goodbye to Grand Canyon. Was a great season full of mostly wonderful visitors, numerous Junior Rangers, 164 days of amazing views of the canyon’s moods, an energizing monsoon season, an awesome team of Rangers, ultra-creative group of Artists in Residence, and 1000s of photos. I’ll be back next summer, baring any unforeseen circumstances.
Yet I’m ready for the season to be over and take some time to re-energize away from the crowds. Now, if I only knew what the heck I’m going to do this winter. Well after I return with my wheelestate to Yarnell anyway.
I know, I wrote about a fall western people and places road trip. I Want to go. Still haven’t found a cabover camper that suits my needs and pocketbook. But then the North Rim isn’t the best place to be for shopping. Soon I’ll be near a huge megapolis and hopefully have more options. But I want it soon, before full winter hits the Pacific Northwest. OR, I could blow off the road trip and just fly up to Portland, rent a car and visit with a few folks.
Plus I Want to return to South Africa. Visit Joan, watch wildlife, be in the warmth of summer. Nothing wrong with that.
But am I being greedy? I WANT to travel!
I don’t want to be where it’s cold. I don’t do cold well and that gets worse as I age. Part of that poor circulation issue I live with. Yarnell usually gets some snow and winter cold, to me, temperatures. Of course with a cabover I could go play further south where it’s warmer. How far south do I have to go?
Then there’s the budget which always seems to have a gaping hole. Not much saved this summer. Hard to bankroll both travel ideas.
My brain is foggy and I feel so undecided. All my life I’ve had trouble making decisions. But I usually make good decisions when I finally get around to it. Guess it’s partly the procrastinator in me. Do you have that problem?
Yet I also Really like to have a plan. Well at least for the next six months. I don’t usually think much beyond that.
I Really like the NOW. And it’s Always hard to say goodbye to Grand Canyon.
Suggestions?
I can only plan for ten weeks at a time, here in EA. And then its quite a mad rush when we’re in SA for three weeks. But I like to plan. No procrastinating for me, but it happens. Ha ha. Hope to see you in SA soon. Hugs Jo
I hope to see you in SA again also.
I can’t believe the season is over already. But on the other hand the seasons are changing here in South Africa and its slowly getting warmer. I know what you’re saying with wanting to travel and needing the budget for it.
I’m already dreaming of your summer.
You are like Nigel he likes to plan ahead. He is already thinking bout next years holiday but no where decided yet. We would love to return to S.A. but the flights for Nigel and his feet are outrageous. We keep thinking we may get that lottery win!! Sure you will have great plans when you make them and we will all be following you. Have a good week Diane
I like to have a plan, short range anyway. I keep holding thumbs you’ll win that lottery so you can both go to SA. Would be really great to see you there.
What gorgeous pictures! I love the peek-a-boo rock. I love the elephant, the rainbow. Each picture seems to go with your thought. This post sounds like the self talk I do, except that I seldom wonder if I’m greedy. I know I am. I want it all and that’s OK. Life is what you make it and this is such a grand world; if you can why not have as much of its beauty and wonderfulness as is possible.
I know you’ll ruminate and find a way to do at least some of what you want. But I’ll warn you from my expansive search for warm in the winter that you have to go pretty far south and that there tend to be a lot of people there. Everyone wants to be warm including me. It seems that winter and summer are filled with too many people at least for me.
I can so relate to your need to get away from the crowds and recharge. I seem to be getting worse that way as I age. It will be lots of fun to find out what you ultimately do with your time away from the canyon.
I am greedy, and like it that way. It’s just Way too far to head south via land and stay warm all winter. Been there and done that. Will continue to try for South Africa again, where I know it’s summer.
Always difficult making decisions based on the unknown but it’s an inescapable part of being human. With all the latest rules & regulations coming out of Homeland Security, the border, & the IRS regarding Canadian Snow Birds we’re beginning to see the writing on the wall for future U.S. travels. Would it be wise for us to sell our Congress house now. Decisions, decisions. Like your photo & good luck in deciding your whereabouts for the next 6 months.
Hope you’re staying warm and the rig is fixed fast. Don’t sell yet, it’s such an adorable place.
You’re lucky. You made good decisions. I’m made a boatload of bad ones. I’d go to Portland if I were you. Even with the rain that they have in the wintertime….it’s a magical paradise of green. Beautiful green.
I’ve made a few bad decisions too, but mostly good ones. I do love the magical green of the PNW.
Go to Portland !!!!! You couldnt pay me to go anywhere in Africa right now. I wouldnt risk my health on the chance of picking up Ebola. Stay in the good old USA.
South Africa is probably as safe as the USA right now. I Need to be someplace warm for health reasons.
Go to Portland AND Washington! Your like me! Want to do it ALL. lol Leave Africa till next year when you can save a little bit more money! Stay Safe Gaelyn!
I Really want to do both. Is that asking too much?
Indecision is just a reflection of so many options…which is an awesome position to be in. We’ll be in SW desert of course, but that’s not as warm as South Africa. It would be hard to resist that draw.
Nina
I like having options, just wish I had the budget to go with. The SW desert isn’t warm enough for me.
Totally, totally identify with your indecision. I am just the same, though I’ve made the odd impulsive move in my life, and, oddly, it’s always worked out well! I also identify with the not liking the cold. Well, at least not to have to live with it for months on end. don’t mind a vacation to it, like skiing, though I haven’t gone in years either!
The only thing which prompts me these days, is knowing that life’s just getting shorter!
I just can’t handle the cold for months on end. I have poor circulation so numb up pretty quick.
Can totally relate to the need to stay warm … Portland (and Eugene) get kinda’ cold and damp … the damp seeps into my bones. So go there as soon as you can, don’t wait until later in the winter. Fall is usually lovely there and along the Columbia Gorge. Hope you get the camper.
I can see from these pictures why you’d have mixed feelings about leaving — so beautiful.
PNW would definitely be ASAP.
You aren’t interested in taking the 5th wheel a bit further south? Several of our RV friends love KOFA and anywhere between Quartzsite and Yuma for warmth! We will be in Florida @ Crystal River by Jan 1st.
I really like to park in Yarnell, but maybe not if it’s All winter. Will see. Even Q & Y get chilly in the winter. Would have to Way far south. Hope it’s warm where you are.
Love that second photo, the mommy elephant with baby, and the one of Angels’ Window. Memories, memories….except for the elephants.
I too have been bitten by the travel bug….I plan to go back to India next year….more on that later….
Is it warm in India when you go? Want to hear more.
Oh you sound like us. . .so much to see and do out there that sometimes I need a break from thinking about it to get my thoughts focused on which direction the winds will blow us. If you head this way, do hope to see you ~
You’re right, so many places to see.
It’s already cold in Breck, Gaelyn. I think PNW is awesome but when we went in spring was damp and chilly. Why not to a warmer part of the desert? Maybe want a change of scenery? Always love your photos of the canyon.
I’ve thought about a more southern desert.
Looking forward to hearing what you decide!
It takes me a while to make decisions also. Things have to “feel” right for me in order to go with it. Frustrates the dickens out of people. But there it is.
Glad I’m not the only one.
As someone else said in the comments, you have too many choices. But I’m sure that after the North Rim closes and you take a few days for yourself, the answer will become clear to you. And having many possibilities is much better than none at all. Looking forward to see where the road takes you next.
Thanks Donna. I’m sure many choices is better than none.
Having a choice is a big plus.
In your case three columns: destination, wheels/wings, money,money and a pen for check-marks…
and don’t worry the Grand Canyon will always stay where it is with heat in the summer and new awesome pictures like these to take. What a view!
Good advice Therese.
I can understand many of your frustrations…… I almost always have to have a plan – but hate planning!
From your latest post it sounds as if you have at least made one decision now for the cold season – have a great time in Portland.
I have some downtime in November and would love to go far away from the crowds and camp – maybe far north Kruger – but it will be the reverse of your issue – way too hot, so I’m not so sure – might leave it to the last minute…..
I just love your photos. They make me yearn for grand landscapes again..
I actually like to make a plan. The Portland trip will be short, and hopefully not cold. I still want to return to SA. Yet agree not too far north so it’s terribly hot. Am thinking Dec at Addo with Joan.
Oh my. I’m sad for you to leave to, but it is seasonal. I’ve lived vicariously through this season with you and I’m glad we connected. Have fun in the Pacific Northwest. If you get to Tucson, look us up.
I’ll be back to share the canyon with you virtually and in real time too. Will certainly let you know if I get to Tuscon.