In My Own Backyard . . .

I envision the open road to hold great distances and new opportunities and faces and a plethora of adventures. This last Spring I sold my 21’ class C motorhome and started toward an upgrade to a 40’ class A. But as sometimes happens, shifts and turns redirected my course of action; the resulting outcome . . . at present, the road opens up to exploration much closer to home.
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Yesterday, we drove several miles under a grey canopy, but the closer we got to our destination, the clouds broke to reveal an azure sky. We bundled in layers against the 28 degree temperature and walked through the woods and along the lake shore. Light reflected off snow covered mountains and dark, moody waves crashed against the water’s rocky edge. I placed my hood over my cap to add an extra layer of protection against the icy wind.

Heading back toward home, we stopped in and dined at a cute, little place built of logs. Empty of all but the staff, we selected a table and cozied in with hot tea and coffee. While I looked over the menu, a young man walked in, took a seat and placed his order. He then interrupted my musing, “May I join you at your table?” I looked over at his grinning face and smiled in return, “Do you need some company?” “Yes, I do.” He beamed back. So, breeching CDC’s recommendation to maintain a 6’ distance, I moved over and Tyler sat next to me and began entertaining us with his story.

He wore a bright yellow hoody and his blonde hair in a clean cut style. An athletically built college student, Tyler informed he is on a undetermined-amount-of-time sabbatical and is presently exploring entrepreneurial options for his career path. During his discourse, he periodically adjusted his chic rimmed glasses and his youthful zeal and ever smiling countenance enlivened our dining experience.

Driving home, we chatted on the sweet reprieve, from the lockdown-state-of-mind-climate in our current culture, that Tyler gifted to us. He reminded us of days when a smile and a friendly word came with far more ease and when people were vulnerable and trusting and allowed access to the heart where kinder thoughts toward others stirred.

A change in one’s geographic location is not necessarily synonymous with adventure. The opportunity to explore and meet new people is a state of mind and is found within one’s own back yard . . . if one is open to its gifts.