Unplanned Adventures in the American West in Fall 2023

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Unplanned Adventures in the American West in Fall 2023

It was a trip we had dreamed of for years, a journey to the iconic landscapes of the Tetons and Yellowstone. The anticipation had been building for so long that we could almost taste the crisp mountain air and the thrill of adventure. But life had other plans for us, and our bucket list adventure was postponed not once, but thrice. It seemed that “the crud,” as we fondly called it, was determined to keep us at bay.

After finally recovering from our bouts with illness, we embarked on our journey. The open road beckoned, and with each mile, our excitement grew. Five hours away from home, fate threw another curveball at us. A near collision with a reckless driver caused a big rig to swerve into our lane. Our trusty vehicle bore the brunt of the impact, leaving it totaled. Once again, our much-anticipated trip was shattered.

Determined not to let life’s adversities deter us, we soldiered on. We planned an abbreviated trip to the western wonders, only to have our plans thwarted once more when my mother-in-law fell seriously ill. With a heavy heart, we postponed our trip yet again, tending to family obligations.

But eventually, the stars aligned in our favor. We acquired a new vehicle, and my mother-in-law began to mend. Finally, it was time to hit the open road. This time, we were determined to embrace spontaneity. No lodging reservations, no strict itinerary – just driving westward and stopping wherever our wanderlust took us. And let me tell you, I couldn’t love it more.

Our hearts were set on exploring rural and rustic landscapes, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. These are the places where time stands still, and nature’s beauty is untamed. As we cruised through parts of New Mexico and Colorado, we couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning vistas and quaint, small towns that came into view.

Today, we find ourselves on Highway 550, a winding ribbon of road that snakes through the heart of the American West. Our next destination is the breathtaking Black Canyon of the Gunnison, where the sheer walls plunge into the depths of the canyon, and the river below flows with quiet determination.

As my husband, the steady hand at the wheel, guides Miss Connie (our trusty vehicle) through the winding roads, I’m left to capture the beauty of the West through my lens. These snapshots are taken on the fly, capturing the essence of the moment. It’s a journey of unexpected twists and turns, but that’s what makes it an adventure to remember.

In the end, our long-awaited trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone might not have gone as planned, but it has given us a newfound appreciation for the unexpected. We’re embracing the unpredictability of the open road, and it’s a feeling that fills our hearts with joy. Our adventure continues, and I can’t wait to see where the road takes us next.

Unplanned Adventures in the American West in Fall 2023
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