Upon leaving Tucson on June 10th, we had multiple short stops as we made our way to Colorado and then back to Seattle. On a positive note, we have finally confirmed plans to start our international adventure with La Paz, Mexico in September, followed by Costa Rica in November and December.
Here is how our last 30 days went:
We drove from Tucson to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Spent 2 nights there and drove to Denver, CO. 5 nights in Denver and flew up to Grand Forks, ND for a family memorial for Robin’s parents in Aneta. Flew back to Denver and immediately drove to Boulder for 3 nights. Then to Breckenridge, CO to spend a week at my old timeshare condo. Next drove to SLC and spent 2 nights and after that drove to Reno, NV for 2 nights. Then drove to Sacramento for 4 nights, Sunnyvale for 1 night. Left for Grants Pass, OR for 2 nights and finally drove to Seattle.
Santa Fe June 10-12
We could spend a lot more time in Santa Fe. The galleries are amazing to peruse and most are clustered together on Canyon Drive. Plenty of food options are available as well. The downtown area is enjoyable to walk and is worth more time as well.
Denver, CO June 12-17
With 5 nights in Denver, we were able to connect several times with Rick and Janet Baird, father John, and their grown children, Willie, Andy and Kimberly. Our Airbnb in Aurora, CO, was a spacious 1000 sq ft and well equipped with a full kitchen and beautiful, peaceful backyard. We used guest passes from the Bairds to spend a few hours at Life Time Fitness, an immense 129,000 sq ft facility and enjoyed a workout and swim.
Lovely trail behind the subdivision.
North Dakota June 17-20
June 17, we flew to Grand Forks, ND with Katy meeting us at our Minneapolis layover. The three of us. stayed in Cooperstown, about 25 minutes from Aneta, where the family activities took place. We were there to lay Robin’s parents ashes to rest in the family plot next to their first daughter. It was a beautiful day and several family members made the trip to share the experience at Silent Hills cemetery. Our Airbnb was a hunters style 4 plex. Roxanne, Tom, Shirley and Darrell were in an adjacent unit.
North Dakota is also home to Minuteman Missles. Silos and launch bunkers were spread across the countryside. All were deactivated with the 1991 SALT talks. The tours are quite informative.
Turkey Days is a big deal in Aneta (population 222). Thousands come and celebrate with turkeys, a parade, car show and conversation.
Boulder, CO June 20-23
Boulder is a fun city. I moved here in 1977 after working as a ski bum in Keystone with Rick Baird. Very scenic city. We stayed 3 nights with my friend, John Givens. His wife, Gail, was out of town, so we only saw her the morning we left. We explored the Pearl Street Mall and hiked a trail in Eldorado Canyon with John.
Breckenridge, CO
I bought a timeshare condo in Breckenridge back in about 1977 and still own it today. Robin and I last used it in 2013 over Labor Day. Quite a historical old mining town, now ski resort.
Salt Lake City, UT
A short 2 night stay near the Mormon Temple and state capitol. We enjoyed walking the City Creek Mall on a hot sunny day. Temple was under renovation. Ate lunch one day at the original Crown Burgers. The Law Enforcement Memorial and Vietnam War Memorial were quite moving.
Reno, NV
Another quick 2 night stay to relax and do a little sight seeing.
Elk Grove, CA (just outside Sacramento)
We spent 4 nights in Elk Grove at a lovely Airbnb. My sister, Kathie and husband, Charlie live there , as well as my niece, Ashley and her partner, Brandon. We arrived on the 4th of July and met up with my sister for the Salute to the Red, White and Blue event at a local park for fireworks. The next day we went to Ashley’s and Brandon’s for barbecue, sun and conversation.
Monica treated us to a wine tasting at Michael David Winery in Lodi, where she is a member. Fantastic wine and a beautiful setting.
Sunnyvale, CA
We spent one night with Robin’s cousin, Don. His cats Leo and Miller are still wary of us, but warming up after a few visits now.
Grants Pass, OR
We spent 2 nights in Grants Pass (Merlin actually) with my OVS schoolmate Jude and her husband, Greg. Beautiful location by the Rogue River. Lots of birds around their feeders. Another amazing home cooked meal and home made wine. Robin celebrated her birthday there. Wonderful to connect with a high school friend after so long.
Our whirlwind 30 days came to a close when we pulled into Snohomish, WA on July 11th. We had a terrific month zipping around the western US, but it will be nice to settle in for the next month. We have definitely gotten our packing down and have been exposed to a variety of floor plans and furnishings in our ultimate quest for our future home.
Randy and Robin's Roving Retirement 