As I left the coffee shop this morning and walked towards my car I noticed thieves had stolen my roof racks. Then I noticed they must have felt guilty because they decided to wash my car. After gathering myself together I started to laugh when I remembered parking across the street because someone had parked in my normal spot. Same car and same color but cleaner, which was the big flag. Oh how quickly the mind creates scenarios that aren’t reality and how quickly I forget. Thankfully I still have my roof rack and the car is still dirty. This is known as a senior moment which is happening more often. But I am beginning to admit them, even here. Enjoy your Saturday!!!
This morning as I approached the bus transit center I noticed this red Coca-Cola truck and it reminded me of an image of a red Coca-Cola truck posted on the blog of the well known photographer Joseph Smith. He claims he borrowed the idea for the photo from another photographer. But I’m claiming I borrowed the idea for this image from Joe. Interestingly a woman walked by the truck without noticing it. She turned to see what I was taking a photo of and then said, “Oh the red Coca-Cola truck.” She must have seen Joe’s image also. Thanks for the inspiration, Joe!
It was in the mid 30’s when I took this image of the rider at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area this afternoon. As you can tell a little snow and cold does not stop the avid bicyclist in Colorado. They gear up just as you would for skiing or snowmobiling. This guy was on one of those fat tire bikes, with those massive tires for snow. Shortly after taking this image the sun poked its head out, gave me shadows in the snow and made me smile.
I give thanks for arriving Safely in a new dawn, For the gift of eyes To see the world, The gift of mind To feel at home In my life, The waves of possibility Breaking on the shore of dawn, The harvest of the past That awaits my hunger, And all the furtherings This new day will bring.
My ride in 2004 was a BMW R1150RT Sport Touring bike. From a trip to Washington
My dream for quite some time has been to have a Class B van, one I could spend several weeks on the road with, even living in it and have that feeling like I’m right at home. I had the Class A on the Radar for a short period of time but quickly realized that was more than I wanted to deal with.
I have also dreamed of getting a roof top tent for my Forester and traveling a bit more on the rustic side without a toilet, shower or running water on board. The romantic in me whispers life would be perfect with either of these, right? But I’m wise enough to know that external stuff and dreams will not bring me lasting joy or happiness. It would not make life perfect. However, I do believe it would be an adventure. So, these ideas and dreams have been stewing for quite some time. There is a financial price that will need to be made for either a van or roof top camping. Nothings cheap while there is a major price difference between the two options.
I’ve been looking at two options for Class B vans. Onewould be nice setup with on board water, shower, and toilet such as the Roadtrek SS Agile or even a step up to the Class C Leisure Travel Vans Unity. The other option would be an adventure style van which really appeals to me. It is a Class B but setup more for dispersed camping without a toilet and shower such as the Winnebago Revel. And there are also some very nice custom shops that will convert a van for you.
The other option is the roof top tent which has interested me for several years. One option that appeals to me the Autohome Columbus Variant. This idea was spawned by David duChemin and Jesse which he wrote about back in 2011. Another option would be the Thule Tepui. These are slick to setup and take down which really appeals to me.
I’m throwing these out there because these options and their marketing teams have perked my interest enough to keep me awake at night and brought up thoughts of selling off my kids, grandkids, my home or even your home. In a later post I’ll talk more to the reality of what I want with travel, is it feasible for me at this stage of my life and what fits my budget.
Awoke early. Couldn’t go back to sleep. Spent a bit more time reading and writing while enjoying toast and coffee. Took a walk this afternoon to Fisher Nature Area, even put in some extra steps. Needed to burn off the jelly I put on the toast.
US Air Force Thunderbirds
I heard the jets coming as I stepped outside to take the camera for a walk when. They were on top of me so quickly. I didn’t even look, just raised the camera and fired away.
I had heard earlier this morning that the US Air Force Thunderbirds were planning a flyover across communities in Colorado to honor “healthcare workers, first responders, military members and other essential personnel who are working on the front lines to combat the coronavirus.” The flight path was to take them over more than 40 medical facilities.
I find it a contradiction that military aircraft, designed to kill thousands of people, would plan a flyover in tribute to healthcare workers, first responders whose purpose is to keep people alive and include military members. I’m confused!
