“You lose sight of things… and when you travel, everything balances out.” – unkown

There is something so liberating about taking on the road.

Alone.

…just you…

your ride…

and the road.

Perhaps some music in the background… Perhaps a thought or two.

But for me, not having anyone to distract me with a conversation (or their presence) actually awakens my senses.  Suddenly I’m fully aware of my surroundings.  I notice roads I’d overseen before.  I smell scents from the area I’d never cared to appreciate.

And my mind is wide awake, at ease with no background noise other than the sound of ‘traveling’.  I am fully present.

Whether it’s a few-hour drive cross state for a family weekend, or a thirty min drive across town, it feels great either way!  Sometimes I jump in my car and go for a drive — my  perfect way to clear my mind.  My favorite place near the city?  Alki beach!  Have you seen how amazing the Seattle skyline looks from Alki at night? Gah! I fall in love with our city all over again.  Its breathtaking *mind recharged*  It’s one of my favorite spots to drive around (especially at night!).

This past weekend, one of my younger sisters rode with me to our parents’.  It’s always fun catching up with my sisters on our little trips!

But, on the way back I drove back home alone.  It reminded me how much I enjoyed that feeling, and I think it’s safe to say I came back feeling refreshed.

Hmmmm…I may need to take lonely trips more often…a drive down the coast?  A plane to another country? Ahhhh the possibilities!

What makes helps you clear your mind?

Love and Adventure,
Denise

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Below are some phone photos from my drive and weekend trip to central WA.  I took a little detour on my way back to Seattle to catch the sight of the Columbia river at Vantage.  I’d never seen the river so low (I forgot they were also fixing the dam).

Anyway!  It was such a sunny weekend and made my drive all that more enjoyable! : )  Cheers!!!

The central WA beauty. Hahaha :) You learn to appreciate it when you’re away in the noisy city.

Boots! Right where they belong.

iLove Trees

…So in my my 14ish? years of living out in the middle of nowhere, I’d never seen these…

I wonder what plant this is….or will become.

It was so pretty though! =)  Even if it was dead.

…can you feel the country breeze?

…there’s not a lot to do out here. So we make it happen!

The Columbia River at it’s very lowest…in a long time, anyway. Vantage.

Love the wind turbines!