Tom asked me to write a little something as we get started on this adventure. I believe the request came more as a “proof of life” thing. A few of you seem to think I get pushed into these adventures, when in reality I’m the enabler.
Would I do this on my own? HELL NO! But you see, I’m curious. Once the seed is planted (Master Gardener analogy inserted here), it really starts to grow. You know, the usual testing my mettle kind of stuff.
Can I imagine circumnavigating Antarctica? Could I actually rappel 300-500 feet into a pitch dark cave and ascend that same distance? Hike from Mammoth to Yosemite? Let’s try the North to South Rim of the Grand Canyon via Phantom Ranch. What about a Class 4 white water rafting run? Isolation tanks, Area 51 nonsense, remote viewing…well, you get the idea. High adventure and high strangeness to say the least.
It’s been a while since I’ve truly stretched these muscles and I find I’m strangely curious to explore Europe, living life as a traveler, not a tourist. Huh, that word again…
What are my expectations? Haven’t a clue, but maybe I’ll acquire a passable second language.
Stephen Colbert’s Questionnaire asks a question that I’ve thought about a lot. “If you could listen to only one song, what would it be? You don’t have to listen to it constantly, but when you do, what is the song?” My answer has always been Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue”. But I think for this adventure, I’d like to change my answer to “An American In Paris.”
Au revoir, mes amis, see you on the other side and in between, I’ll keep you posted!
A note from Tom: We received a comment that Jeri’s post here had the air of an obituary. I can assure you that Jeri’s fine (other than wasting her life with moi) and has no terminal illness other than life itself. Really, she’s FINE! What’s with you people? It’s me you should be worried about, as I’m the one doing stupid crap. Jeri just stands around, watches and shakes her head.