Getting Real With Shadra Bruce
We didn’t have to drive today. No waking up to an alarm to make sure we had time to get the hotel room packed up and the car loaded and the maps we need to the next hotel. In fact, no staying in a hotel. Thanks to our friend Pete, we’ve been staying in a real home, and thanks to Pete’s daughter, we’ve had a comfortable bed with sounds of a fountain and a cool breeze to make each night enjoyable.
So today was truly the day the vacation began. Anika spent time playing on the tree swing; Parker curled up on an uber comfortable couch and read. Kyle watched Spongebob and other favorite Nick programs and we enjoyed not driving.
But we’re in Montrose, Colorado…a town that is filled with natural beauty and only 20 miles or so from the most recently designated national park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. We spent some time exploring the area, which even has wheelchair accessible paths so that Kyle could enjoy the absolutely astounding views.
We had dinner at a fabulous local favorite called the Horsefly, whose deep fried pickles and micro brews are to die for.
The only problem with traveling the way we are is that tomorrow, we leave. It had been ten years since we shared time with Pete, and it’s hard to leave wondering when we will get together again, but knowing that ten years could go by and we could still feel as connected as we all do, I’m not too worried. Some friendships are designed to last.
This trip is more than just an adventure for me, though…it is a soul feeder. I’m connecting with the people who mean the most to me outside my immediate family, and I’m reliving fond memories and making new ones with very special people. I highly recommend the experience!
