Moving on from the past to meet the future.
Visiting old friends, ones I hadn’t seen in several years, and catching up with each of them was endearing. At times, while chatting and reminiscing, I was overcome by melancholy. I was so touched by the outpouring of love that, at one point, I reflected on what it would be like to move back to the North Fork Valley. But that was a fleeting thought. As much as I love that Valley and, of course, all my many friends, the Chesapeake Bay beach now has my heart.
Although sad about leaving everyone, I was eager to get back on the road again. So, yes, parting held sweet sorrow, but I came away with a bucketload of lasting memories. What a blessing.
A journey is measured in friends rather than miles.
Tim Cahill
Our next stop was Crested Butte. We drove slowly over Kebler Pass, enjoying all the splendor and beauty. The Aspens were beginning to turn gold and yellow, offering one breathtaking view after another of mountains, meadows, trees, and wildlife.
We met another friend for lunch at the Secret Stash, a great restaurant located in the heart of downtown Crested Butte. The restaurant offers a fun, casual atmosphere, and excellent food, including the most extraordinarily divine pizza I have ever tasted.
Wanting to breathe in the mountain air, we sat outside and ordered drinks. Just as we got settled, it began to rain, and in my rush to get inside, I dropped and broke my mug of hot chocolate. Rats! But the patient and amiable staff quickly found us a table inside and provided me with a new cup of cocoa. Yum!
Getting in hot water
After a satisfying meal and a delightful conversation, we made several slow passes through town to view all the old haunts. Then we headed south, back to Crestone, where we elected to stay two nights so we’d have a day to soak in the nearby hot springs.
We set out for Valley View Hot Springs the following day, arriving just in time to secure a pass and find a nearby parking space. We quickly gathered our towels and water bottles and headed to one of the hotter pools.
The day was splendid, complete with a picture-perfect blue sky dotted with white wispy clouds. People came, soaked for a bit, and moved on. Some were quiet and meditative, while others were chatty, but everyone was relaxed.
Throughout history, hot springs have been revered as a place of healing and rejuvenation.
Finding Hot Springs
Ahhh! Soaking in the hot mineral waters, healing body and soul. I slept like a baby that night. Hot mineral waters will do that for you.
Losing Wally
We left Crestone and headed south into New Mexico. We spent one night in the bustling city of Santa Fe before continuing to Mayhill, a small unincorporated community surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest in the southeast corner of New Mexico.
Our guests were so very grounded and graciously accommodating. They lived in the middle of an 83-acre farm where they grew vegetables and fruit, made bread, and had chickens that produced the most delicious eggs.
The original family house, which they remodeled, was their main living quarters. Their goal was to be fully self-sustaining, and they were well on their way.
We stayed in a small cabin up the hill they had constructed by hand. The cabin was cozy, quiet, and comfortable. There was no television, but the Wi-Fi was excellent. And did I mention how peaceful it was? We heard nothing but the wind moving through the trees. At night, the stars twinkled, laughed, and entertained us.
Sunday afternoon, I received a call from my daughter in Norfolk telling me that our oldest dog, Wally, was dying. He was a 13-year-old mix of Chihuahua and Pomeranian and the alpha dog. The vet arrived the following day and gently helped Wally and my daughter to move on. I spent that day crying, sad about the loss and that I couldn’t be there with my family.
Everyone is taught that angels have wings, but the lucky ones of us find they have 4 paws.
Unknown
Our hosts spoiled us by providing delicious meals from their gardens and by providing me with a safe haven to feel and process my loss. It is a heavenly place I plan to return to to finish my book. It is a perfect retreat.
Next, heading east to Arkansas.