Tuesday, October 14th ~ We are back home, (almost)
Last Friday we were up and on the road early, determined to make it back to Southern California before the end of the day. We traveled through southern Utah, cut the corner off of Arizona, counted the cactus across Nevada, waved at Las Vegas, and fought the traffic as we got closer and closer to Los Angeles.
Just after 5:00 p.m. we arrived at our business in Canoga Park. Actually, I should say “our son’s business”, since we turned it all over to him before we left seven months ago for our around-the-world adventure.
Thirty days ago we arrived back in the USA via cruise ship, landing in Boston. Picking up a brand new National Rent-a-car that had only 200 miles on it, we were set to drive cross-country on our way “home”.
The green line on the map above traces our journey from Boston, and up into Maine. We passed through 17 states along the way, putting 5,290 miles on the car before turning it in at the Burbank Airport location.
I will soon have time to reflect on all the amazing things we saw and did. But for now, Tim and I are taking this week to spend time with our son, visit a few close friends, take care of some personal business and get ourselves put back together. That last part entails things like hair cuts (and color for me), dental appointments, chiropractic adjustments and a trip to the bank and safe deposit box to pick up my wedding ring.
This weekend we will leave the San Fernando Valley, and make our way back up the mountain to our little cabin at Arrowbear Lake. When we walk through that door, we will finally be HOME.
I want to most sincerely thank all of you that have followed along with us as we traveled around the world.
And for those that have just recently joined us, don’t despair – our traveling days are far from being over. We already have two international trips planned (more details coming soon), as well as a yacht cruise through the San Juan Islands, and a few more things in the works.
I also have some recaps to write up, past trips to tell you about, plus numerous pictures to share that I have never posted. I somehow don’t think I will run out of things to post for quite some time!
This week there is the large RV show in Pomona that we are hoping to check out. A small size motor home is on our wish list. We want to take some more road trips, especially to further explore our National Parks.
I kind of like this one…
School bus with a VW pop-top
Gratitude Moment: Today I am grateful for the familiar. It feels good to be able to get in the car and drive to a restaurant for a favorite meal where they know us by name, have my hair done by my hairdresser of 20+ years, and walk into the bank and not need to show my ID.
A Note From Abroad 
I have enjoyed following your adventure and look forward to the next chapter.
LikeLike
Thank you Suzanne. I think our next chapter will be entitled “Open to the possibilities”. I can’t wait to find out what will be around the next corner,
LikeLike
Sounds like you have had an amazing adventure, I look forward to your next one 🙂
LikeLike
It was an amazing trip, and after a short time here at “home” I’ll bet I will be chomping at the bit until we get out the door again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome home! I have truly enjoyed your postings as a new blogger and fulltime traveler. Your enthusiasm and insight is refreshing. Thank you also for always taking a moment to be thankful! All the best,
Pat
LikeLike
Pat, I thank you for your comment. My gratitude moment at the end of each post has become something I do daily. Reflecting upon all that is GREAT in my life is so much better than looking toward the “less than perfect” elements. I find, for me, that helps keep me engaged with all that is positive. I truly am grateful for my many blessings.
LikeLike
And your postings glow with that enthusiasm!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Joanne and Tim!
Congratulations on your safe coming back home!
Today I’m grateful that I’ve had a opportunity to travel with you without leaving my chair.
Both of you are amazing !!!!! people, wonderful couple, intellectual, enthusiastic ,
brave (!!), open … and a lot, a lot more than that !
I’ve read your posts since your trip to Thailand. Thank you, Joanne !! Sincere thanks !!
I’ll be waiting for your next adventure’s posts.
Enjoy your family ! Stay well !
Best of all,
Mila (milaphila@yahoo.com)
p.s. Do you know how touching is your story with Guss ?
My regards to him
LikeLike
Dear Mila,
What a lovely comment for me to read! I shared it with Tim this morning and he too was appreciative of your enthusiasm for our blog posts. Gus does not talk much, but I think he winked at you this morning…
LikeLike
I have followed your adventure when I saw a link on Facebook about your cruise to Norway. We did almost the same cruise a week later on another cruise line. I looked back at the posts from the start of your trip and followed your progress ever since. Sometimes I felt that I was actually traveling with you and I look forward to your next adventure.
LikeLike
Hello David,
Wasn’t Norway spectacular? Did you get up as far north to experience the Midnight sun? I loved that we could go outside at midnight and it was as bright as if it were noon. Awesome to have witnessed. I sincerely thank you for following along with us. Our next adventure is right around the corner…
LikeLike
You made it! I am so glad to hear and follow along on all your travels. Looking forward to the next ones!
LikeLike
Hi Chad and Jenny!
Yes, home safe and sound and soaking up spending time with family and friends, got through the mandatory “get put back together” appointments, and now settling back into our routine at our tiny cabin. It is wonderful to be here and a little “down time” to relax will feel especially good.
LikeLike
After being gone for awhile it’s amazing how much you notice & appreciate the little things. Welcome home! I look forward to hearing more about your travels, sounds like you have plenty to blog about. Relax and enjoy the comforts of home 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for introducing us to your blog, something new for us, we have really enjoyed it, fair dinkum. Joanne you are a gifted writer and photographer. I am trying to have one of your gratitude moments each day. Today glad to have met you both on the Brilliance.
LikeLike
Gaye, we too are so happy to have met you and Daryl. I can not tell you how often we use “quite nice”, “fair dinkum, “dinky di” as well as “bzzzt” to wish an unpleasant person would disappear – each time with a big grin. Such fun, wonderful memories from our time together.
LikeLike
I love reading your post. Most of all since I am sitting at the gate right now waiting for the boarding call to LA.
LikeLike
Happy and safe travels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much ❤
LikeLike