Spring is in the AIR!

Yes, indeed.  First quarter of 2018 is now behind us.  As I post, I look out to the rabbits and squirrels chasing each other.  The daffodils and iris are in bloom. 

There are a plethora of trees blooming and I am so grateful for living where I live.  I have come to call the place my "NEST".  Like a Mama bird, I fly out and circle back .....not for my baby birds, but to regenerate.  This place known as RIM COUNTRY fills my soul and settles my nerves.  Yes, I do love to travel, see new places, learn from others and reunite with friends.  However, at this point in life, I do need the occasional stop to recharge.  There is no better place than my mountain home! Elk continue to be seen in the mobile home park where I live, but Spring is not their flattering season!

Karen and I have taken a couple of hikes in March and April...best time in AZ to hike!

Three pictures below are from Tonto Natural Monument near Roosevelt Lake.

These are from our April hike to Fossil Creek, an 8 mile hike with 1500 foot elevation change.

Might be Spring, but this water in Fossil Creek was cold to me!

The last two months found me here, there and everywhere according to my neighbors.  I finally bought a vehicle in February after remaining afoot since my return from Guyana in 2016! You guessed it....I would put a few miles on that Jeep in no time! I felt fortunate to get my hands on a 2008 one family vehicle with just 62,000 miles. I feel this vehicle will help me have many good memories!

My friend and neighbor, Maria passes on her treasured 2008 Jeep to me!

My longtime friend, Kim met me at Sahuaro Ranch in Glendale, AZ 

It's a lovely historic property that seems to be a secret to locals! 

I kept my word to my friend, Michelle who arranged a double hip replacement in Vegas in March.  She flew in to Phoenix and we had a quiet week at home, taking in a quick day trip to The Petrified Forest which is close to Winslow, AZ.  That being said, a picture was necessary! We also had a lovely lunch in the Turquoise Room at historic La Posada Hotel. (www.laposada.org)

Michelle taking pictures of petrified wood she called rocks.

We drove to Vegas and she was in the hospital getting her surgery 2 days later.  I felt she was a bit off her rocker doing both at once, but she was up and walking with a cane only less than a week after surgery!  In fact, she flew home a mere 10 days post surgery and is doing well.  Made me a believer!  I returned from Vegas with just one day to do laundry before flying out to see my family out East! 

I flew first into Baltimore, MD where 10 year old Jacob was on Spring Break and spent every day with me.  What a great gift for a Grandma!  I was impressed when he said he wanted to bake a lemon meringue pie one day and prepare fish chowder the next!  I stood by, just helping with something once in a while, but he did prepare both successfully.  We enjoyed a day at Brookside Garden and another touring the Smithsonian African American Museum.  The cherry blossoms lagged their peak  during my week in the area, but there were certainly indicators that Spring was on the verge!  I was pleased to get in short visits with a few friends as well.  After one week I was off to Jacksonville, FL to see my daughter, her husband as well as Grayson, 6 and Gabriella, 5.  They are so busy, but we found time to have some fun sessions.  I was happy to be present when Grayson did a great job at his baseball game, earning the game ball.  I certainly enjoyed having the tables turned some having them read to me! I took a day to wander in the St. Augustine area.  I had seen the fort and extensive visitor's center in the past.  This time, I took in the first mission of the area and dock.

I have been back in Arizona a little over 2 weeks and have just a couple of days for last minute preparations for my summer away.  I am pulling things out of the woodwork as I pack up for Glacier National Park in the northwest part of Montana.  I will undoubtedly find myself greeted by snow on my journey which includes a quick trip to Canada.  Jasper, Alberta, Banff - all on my bucket list for years!  I only hope Ma Nature cooperates with my timeline!  I am due to report May 11th for orientation.

Here are some things I do know about Glacier National Park.  There is a lot of wildlife, of course.....particularly, BEARS!  It is recommended I arrive with bear spray!  I will be living in a dorm and consume my meals in an employee cafeteria.  I will be able to do my own laundry and hitch rides into Kalispell on weekly shuttles.  However, I am finally a vehicle owner again and will leave the shuttle to those who are there without wheels. I also know that there will be amazing and beautiful land to trek, water to explore and travelers to greet.  I look forward to those who are planning to visit me over the summer and just maybe there are those making a plan that I do not know.  Could YOU be one?

At any rate, keep this link under my name in your contact list.  I will update as I can! If you choose to drop me a snail mail, here is where you would send it:

Patrece Ryan, Lake McDonald Hotel
Xanterra -Seasonal Employee
 PO Box 2990
Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Packages must go to this address:
Patrece Ryan - Lake McDonald Hotel
Xanterra - Seasonal Employee
110 9th Street West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Have a wonderful summer!