Katy Trail

As a newly retired person, I have been wanting to take a very "spur of the moment" trip, just because I can.  Well, it happened!

Wednesday, October 21: Phillip and I were drinking our coffee, discussing our schedule for the day.  We wanted to vote for President Trump around 10 to miss the morning and lunch crowds, but other than that we really had nothing planned.  However, it was a pretty day and I wanted to ride my bike.  I had just done a 15 mile ride, so I wanted to do a 20.  Suddenly, I thought about the Katy Trail.  I had not thought about the trail for some time, but probably 10 years ago I did some research on the trail.  However, I never could make the trip work since it is pretty far from Arkadelphia.

Things started happening quickly (1) Prettiest section of the trail? Rocheport to Jefferson City (2) what is the weather in that area tomorrow? Beautiful, sunny, high of 80 degrees (3) Can we find a campground nearby? Booneville, sites available (4) how quickly can we pack the RV? It stays packed with the basics, so we have to hook-up, load bikes, food, and clothes and we'll be ready.  (5) Can we do this? YES!

We were on the road by noon and in Booneville in time for a nice dinner in the RV.

Thursday, the weather is perfect!  We headed south east about 6.5 miles on the trail then turned around. This put us back in Rocheport in time for lunch at the cute little outdoor cafe next to the trail.  

After lunch we headed southwest on the trail which took us through this tunnel and about 3.5 miles out. By the time we turned around and went back to the truck we had our 20 miles (whew).

On this ride, 4 black snakes crossed the path in front of us.  I saw an eagle fly off from one of the cliffs.

Retired life

 I find myself a bit restless these days - just adjusting to retired life.  I love having time to do the things I enjoy doing.  I love being outside, so I have been riding my bike:

The water has gotten pretty cool at the lake so I didn't Kayak this past week.  However, I am thinking that I will get out and Kayak even though it is cold.  I may have to purchase some additional equipment, but I will work on it. 

I continue to walk on our country road, but I also enjoy a good "hike" for the different changes that it presents - steep hills, uneven terrain, as well as beautiful views.  Phillip and I hiked the Yellowtail Trail at Devil's Den State Park this last weekend:

Traveling to visit the Johnsons!

It has been about 4 months since we have seen Avery and about three months since we last saw Miranda - and that is too long!  Since Avery had a four-day weekend and Miranda took off as well, Phillip and I hit the road on Wednesday, October 7 for Greensboro.  

We left early and stayed at the KOA in Crossville, TN (nice place) and arrived in Greensboro around 5 pm on Thursday. 

We are wearing masks, keeping the recommended 6 foot distance, and staying outside as much as possible.  Thankfully the Johnsons have a nice covered back porch.  Friday we visited a nearby arboretum and got some good exercise.  We spent most of the afternoon at the house, playing games, playing on the swings, and playing soccer.  In the evening we enjoyed a great meal around the fire pit and later relaxed in the hot tub.

Saturday was rainy so we hit the road to the NC Zoo.  Thankfully it was not raining there and we enjoyed walking through the entire Zoo.  Sunday was a total washout!  It rained all day, but we had some good time with the Johnsons.  

Monday is another travel day.  We made it as far as the KOA in Lebanon, TN.  The fall colors were beautiful today.  It is amazing what a difference a couple of days made.  Tuesday morning we left around 7 am to avoid the rush-hour traffic.  We stopped in Carlisle and picked up BarBQ from Nicks and made it home by 4:30.  

It was great to see my North Carolina girls!!