A brief narrative with photos from our summer 2021 hiking trip in Maine.

We love sharing the Homestead with our friends, especially friends who have not visited before. This week we had friends from Gastonia, NC, Southern California, and Richmond share the week here with us. Thanks David and Patty, Bob and Judy, and Jeff and Denise for making this week so special for us. Enjoy the photos.

When the pandemic began back in February/March, a lot of activities, events and special celebrations were either cancelled or postponed. One of those special events that got postponed was a wedding we were supposed to attend back in April. Back in March, when the new date was announced – September 25th, we were hopeful that COVID-19 would be in our rearview mirror. Obviously, that did not happen. So, as September 25th approached, Ann and John Kent, the mother and father of the bride, had a difficult decision to make. Postpone again, downsize the invitee list, make it virtual, totally cancel, or move forward as planned – while taking precautions. They…

After another wonderful breakfast at Red Mountain, I participated in another guided morning hike arranged by the resort. We hiked almost 6 miles, which included hiking through the desert, into some small lush canyons, and along a ridge that included a cave. As the hike was guided, I learned a lot about the local geology and plant life. Because these small canyons are the only watering spots for the local wildlife, they close down these canyons to hikers during birthing season so that the local wildlife have a place to birth and raise their young. Our two days at Red Mountain Resort have been nice. I would definitely recommend this…

After checking into the hotel yesterday, we strolled around, sat by the pool, and enjoyed the SPA facilities, where we received our massages that we had reserved. We had a wonderful dinner last night – the best meal thus far on the trip.  I awoke early this morning and walked the large labyrinth that is in the desert near our resort. It is the largest I have walked. The only other two I have walked while on vacation are in York, Ireland and Bandon Dunes, Oregon. After breakfast, we hiked three miles on a guided hike through Snow Canyon. The hike reminded me of BikeRoads hikes I have been on. After…

Before our Backroads farewell dinner in Springdale last night, we gathered for happy hour with gorgeous red mountains as our backdrop. Springdale’s permanent population is 500 people. You would not know that during tourist season, as the town bustles with activity.  To maintain its ambiance, the town allows no fast food restaurants. Subway managed to put a store in, but had to close when the town boycotted it.  This morning, we cycled for a total of 16 miles on the traffic-free Zion Canyon Scenic drive next to the Virgin River. Making our way to the Narrows trailhead, we pedaled sandwiched between walls of sheer sandstone rising 2,000 feet from the…

Today we have no cycling and only hiking within Zion National Park. Our shuttle dropped us off at 9:00 a.m. with our lunches stashed away in our daypacks and would be back to pick us up at the West Rim Trailhead at 2 p.m. After the first 45 minutes of hiking with the group, I accelerated my pace and hiked the rest of the day on my own. The hike today was better than any cycling day of the trip. I was truly in my element. I will let the photos convey the experience.

The desire for human contact and social connection is so embedded in our DNA, we will find ways to make it happen. Last night, our Backroads group held an impromptu happy hour without our leaders in the hallway of our Bryce Canyon dorm next to the Pepsi vending machine. So, we took chairs and plastic cups from our rooms and drank beer, shared wine and told stories. Most of us were recovered from our altitude sickness and were ready to socialize.  At 8:15 a.m. when we gathered in the parking lot to prepare for our morning route, the temperature was a brisk 28 degrees with a windchill of 17 degrees. That is…