06/23/2024
En route home now and reflecting on the epicness of the trip. The river cruise was spectacular, although due to high waters, we were stuck in Austria for the entire trip, which wasn't so bad. Met a lot of great people, including Jaymie Klauber and her mom, Nancy. Felt like traveling with family.
My strange man, David Anson, was an exceptional traveler. He was up for anything, so we did everything, truly. We were constantly going and doing, without much rest, which is precisely how I love to travel.
While it is hard to select a favorite moment, since there were so many, I think the drives around the alps were the highlight. We did that for the last 6 days. Each day, we'd agree generally on the route for the next day, then go to sleep, only to wake up and change the route completely after talking with the hotel owners. We made lasting relationships as a result. ALL the hotels and restaurants were family owned, many for generations. It was nice to avoid chains like in the USA. They were truly appreciative of our business, and our personalities. We tried hard not to be the ugly Americans, and believe we succeeded in spades.
It was interesting being back on Facebook. I have truly enjoyed my hiatus, and likely will continue it when I am back home, although I could possibly see a way to post something infrequently, or at least much less than I used to do. Let's face it, I had a real problem. I have found that living life is much more enjoyable than reporting life to all of you.
I have enjoyed all the relationships made on Facebook, and miss you all, but living in the moment is much more enjoyable. The good news is that I have been recording my life as before, just not posting in real time like before. I hope to find an editor to help me figure out how to post more refined videos and images, although I hope to upload the poodle welcoming.
On that front, I am sorry to report that Rhonda is very ill. In March, we discovered a very large tumor in her sacrum. I drover her in YAAAAAY to Fort Collins for Colorado State University to get special radiation treatment which shrunk the tumor and extended her life, by how much, we don't know. She seems ok for the time being, although we know her time on this earth is not terribly long, so we are trying to maximize it. It is very sad, but she is super happy, and we don't think in pain, although recently she lost use of her hind leg, for reasons unknown. I would share her journey with you as usual, but candidly, it is too hard this time around. I hope you understand. I promise to report back when there are significant events, but the days of live-streaming her every moment are in the past.
Well, that's enough for now. I will try to update you more later, but trust me, the fun and adventures have continued, without you, and someday I will share them in a much more consumable format. Frankly, my travels this past year have been better than ever.
So, stay tuned. I am living life to the fullest, and doing it EAR2EAR, which just happens to be the license plate of my new Apple Green 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider, which I purchased on Bring A Trailer and drove home from Vancouver, B.C. taking the most circuitous route imaginable, recording most of the journey in 8k video, 360 like the snippet below from my recent trip.
I'm outta here.
Scott - thanks for your interest in my life and adventures.
