Friends on the Trail.

Over the years we have made many great friends.  Traveling it seems so easy to meet and enjoy the company of new people. Today we said goodby to Al, and Debby.  We have known them about a week, but they seem like old friends.  It all started when Kadizzle checked to see when they were pulling out.  Kadizzle and The Commander envied Al and Debbie's camp site.   Al and Debbie had no plans to leave, but conversation ensued and the next thing you know we were hiking and motorcycling together. In the evenings we enjoyed beer, wine, and conversation.  This is how it usually goes.

At Lake Roosevelt we met Gary, Len,  A nice Canadian couple, Dave, Max, and various other folks including the Captain.  Some of these people we have met in years past.  Martha and Ron stopped by and we spoke of books and traveling.  We spent a lot of fun time with our old Canadian friends,  Barry and Lorna playing The Idiot and The President.  Darch had us over for dinner and introduced us to the Handlebar Bar.  So many nice people, and each has a different spin on life.  Always we invite everyone to visit and sail with us in North Dakota. Darch, Barry, and Lorna may actually stop this summer. Our oldest traveling friend never appeared this year,  Ed is still in his Casita somewhere warm.
 
The motorcycle has brought a new spin to our adventures.  Motorcycling on deserted difficult roads is not something one should do alone.  In no time driving around a camp site you can find another old fellow with the same problem.  He wants to ride, but needs a partner.  Len was a good partner at Roosevelt Lake, and Al and I had some good rides together near Sedona.  Back on the Salt River Kadizzle also found a good rider for adventures.  When Kadizzle rides the rough trails The Commander needs someone to play with.  This has worked out well.  Kadizzle rides with the husband, and The Commander hikes with the wife. 

Our friends on the trail have several commonalities.  All love the outdoors, most sail, most bike, and we seem to hit a run of ex airline pilots.  Just about everyone seems friendly and easy to talk to.  Advice flows like water, and you can always learn about a new spot.  The Kadizzles have been traveling for so many years it is inevitable we meet some of the same people everywhere we go.  When people finally let go of their job and realize they can relax and enjoy life they become different people.  Rarely do you find a grumpy specialist in a campground.  If you don't like your neighbor move.  If you don't like the weather move.  If you are bored move.  So many things can be cured by hooking onto your house and moving it.  When you get tired of seeing the same people, go somewhere else.  Tired of the same stores, the same town, or whatever, move.  When you travel their is no excuse for being a grump.  When you drive, you don't have to be anywhere at any given time, so if it is too windy, stop.  If you are tired, stop. 

A life full of choice, and no preset plans is something most of us are not used to.  Once you get used to waking up with a ton of free choice on your hands, it is hard to give up.  Remarkably the active life is good for you.  Sitting in a coffee shop bitching with the same people everyday never lowered anyones blood pressure.  Don't put off what you have worked your entire life to enjoy.  Tomorrow may not come, and if you die holding a winning lottery ticket, that is not a good thing.