CO to PA

Sunday morning in Breckenridge was clear and warm.  I woke up at 7am and had an hour and a half before breakfast at the inn was served, so I went for a walk around town. Breckenridge is a really cute touristy ski town.

There were 14 of us staying at the inn and we all crammed into a small dinning room around a huge table while the inn keeper's family served us breakfast. Most people were from CO or surrounding states and we all chatted and told stories from our trips. There was a couple from the area of Colorado that's on fire, but their house is okay.

After the breakfast party I got back on the road. It is so beautiful there it's unreal.

My car was struggling up some of the peaks and passes, but I made it to Denver, skis, gear, cat, and all.

I had time to kill so I went to a local park and read some magazines and enjoyed the shade. It was burning up in Denver. The cat was too afraid to leave his carrier, but I had the leash on just in case. While my plans were to explore the downtown area, I had to change them because there was a parade and too much chaos for my liking. 

Finally the super shuttle took me to the airport and I was on my way to Pittsburgh.  

The first few days in PA have been spent with family. It's wonderful to be home again. 

It's so humid here, I'm somewhat miserable.  Have I been that poisoned by California's perfect weather that I forgot what summers are like here? Anybody with AC or a pool, watch out. I'm coming to you..

life is a gift.

The drive through Utah this morning was beautiful. 

For lunch I grabbed a sub and headed to Steinaker State Park

The view was stunning.  There were tons of people out in parks and on the water today. 

Even though I gave him the option of liberty, Bagheera stayed in his carrier the whole time.

Vernal, UT

driving buddy.

Colorado, also crazy beautiful.

Something I've always heard growing up is that "life is a gift".

It sounded good, but now I feel like I understand it more.  Life isn't a privilege, it's not a right. It's a gift. Every breath we take.  It's up to us though, to make the most of it and be useful with the time we've been given.

My life is a gift. My career. My health. My salvation. My family. It's all undeserved.

This trip has been quiet and beautiful. What a gift.

CA - NV- UT

 After a final night shift, then a day of packing, I said my goodbyes to San Rafael and San Francisco.

Thursday was a short driving day, just about 4 hrs to Reno, NV.

Donner Lake

 I stayed in a Casino, because they're always cheap, and had a dinner at a great local place.

The room had two queen beds and when I walked in I was shocked to find a huge black spider on one of the beds.  I "took care of it" and chose the other bed.. but the fear lingered that there would be more where this guy came from.

Bagheera has been with me for the move. The first day was rough, but after a nice night in a pet-friendly hotel, he did much better the second day.

Nevada is quite beautiful.

First stop on Friday was for breakfast in Winnemucca, NV at The Griddle

The drive continued into Utah, which is the first time I've been in that state.

I stopped just past Wendover, UT, the first town at the border of NV and UT, to see the Bonneville Salt Flats.

It's not the consistentcy you'd think it is, at least not what I expected.  The flats are a thin salty crust which breaks upon pressure to reveal a smelly, slimy, gray clay.

Next I stopped at Kennecott Copper Mines.

This is the biggest man made mine. It's even visible from space.

Salt Lake is a really pretty turquoise in some spots.

Next I arrived in Salt Lake City for a quick walk around Temple Square to see some famous buildings.

Mormon Temple

Mormon Tabernacle

About an hour later and I arrived at the hotel. 

More driving and sites today. Then fly home Sunday!

the end of california :)

My time in California is quickly winding down. In between work and packing I've been trying to fit as many activities in as I can.  Most of these activities have been laying in the sun :)

Coppola Winery Poolside with Leah and Brittany:

Leah's pool with too many people to explain:

Farewell dinner with Aaron in Tiburon:

Muir Beach:

Two more nights of work then this California chapter of my life closes. 

 My heart feels much like this hippie doing yoga on the beach...