Continent Hopping

I was moving faster through Europe than my original plan and blew through my rail pass so when it came time for re-planning, I decided the last 2+ weeks of my travels would be in the US visiting friends and family.

Me and my goddaughter Lauren

After two days of travel, during which I discovered that 4 flights in 2 days is the limit of what my nerves can handle, I landed in Houston to visit friends I consider family. I got in all my Texas trip requirements: brisket, fried pickles, stuffed grape leaves, pool time, chats over cocktails with my best friend and a tickle fight or two with her adorable kids.

It was great to be back in the US and in places where people assume I'm American. There weren't many US backpackers - mostly Australian and Canadian and most people thought I was from Toronto. Interesting that my lack of any specific accent seemed to place me squarely outside the country!

After Houston, I headed to Denver to visit my awesome cousin Collin - the best part of which what seeing him perform live. Check out his album "Waiting in Bolivia" on iTunes or Rdio and also now on Spotify!

He was kind enough to let me borrow his car and I drove out to Rocky Mountain National Park one day for a gorgeous 10 mile hike. It started out above 9000 ft so it took a few minutes to get used to the altitude, but I found a good rhythm and had some good conversations with other folks on the trail.

Lunch Spot at Black Lake (elevation 10,620ft)

I spent the next afternoon at Garden of the Gods...

Then, two days later, I drove out from Seattle to Snoqualmie Falls and Mount Si. I am seriously overwhelmed by how beautiful Colorado and Washington are.

I have no idea where this will lead us. But I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange. -Dale Cooper

 

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