It is as if my internal clock is set to the changing of the seasons and as the air begins to cool and the leaves begin to fall I am once again consumed with wanderlust. It has become an integral part of who I am and how I am now wired. It is always harbored internally but with the approaching of autumn a metamorphosis occurs in my soul and I can no longer contain myself. Sometimes I think it is my reward for getting through a long hot summer but this year it is much more than that. I yearn to go just to catch my breath.
This has been a tumultuous year filled with life and death issues and intense emotions from the very hard to the most joyous. I have longed for a respite and have found it this year in the kindness of those I love and at times in the kindness of strangers. For that I am forever indebted. And, because I have always found solace in the comfort and freedom of travel, this years’ sabbatical feels like a light at the end of a long dark tunnel. I am ready for the light.
It has been my hearts desire to sit on the beach in the South of Spain where, for the last decade we have found such great pleasure and respite. I have to admit I am grieving not having a walk-about this year but am content as I think of life in this small coastal community that we have grown to love. There is something in the familiarity that helps with this grief and it is a great place to rest our bones and recover from the busyness of last year. I am sure I will still get some walking in…happy hour, gelato and walks along the beach will just have to suffice! Part of this type of travel is being flexible to what might be and so I am excited for the parts I have yet to discover.
We are at Travis AFB with the hope of a flight eastward soon. Part of the joy is being open to the journey. We are going to be fine where ever we land.
You are loved…
Tom and Nancy’s Journeys 