Road Trip-Fall 2017 Route Back to AZ

All good things must come to an end......maybe not! Extending my adventure as I drive home is one way to stretch the fun. My route back was through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. I took advantage of freeways for the first segment. Then off I went on a state highway adventure through western Kansas, southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Less traffic, beautiful wide open vistas and sadly a lack of coffee shops! 

A few photos from Pueblo, Colorado. A walk along the riverfront was beautiful. I discovered that apartments for seniors were in close proximity. What a marvelous concept. I also discovered a brewery that is in the old police station! 

Traveling south I drove along state highways from southern Colorado into New Mexico. As the fog lifted I was treated with this view! 

My next stop was Chimayo, New Mexico. Many times the best travel recommendations are provided by friends who have treasured memories from their travels. 

Chimayo is the home of El Santuario de Chimayo.

Learn more; http://www.elsantuariodechimayo.us/Santuario/windex.html

Photography was not allowed inside the church. One room was the "holy dirt" room. The entrance to the room was full of crutches and canes left by the faithful who reported relief from challenges after applying the dirt to their limbs. It was very spiritual. More information is available on the website.

Learn more; http://www.elsantuariodechimayo.us/Santuario/Esquipulas.html

Look closely and you will see two artists sketching the church through the arch. 

Driving home from here would just be too long of a drive so I stopped in Albqueque for the night. Old Town is always a fun stop. Enjoy the photos. 

A few tidbits from my road trip;

Don't watch the clock....keep your eye on the view.

Freeways are fast but driving state highways provides adventures.

But-if you are on freeway for the love of all things-the left lane is for passing! 

Coffee from gas stations ..... well is it coffee? 

Tollways-should there be a charge when it is under construction? 

Drink local....eat local.

Sometimes friends are family.

Flexible schedules have room for more fun! 

Stay safe-even if it means missing a great photo.

Family who are also friends are a treasure. 

Ask questions-then ask more questions.

Love humanity ...... affection multiplies.

Be thankful, unpack and start dreaming about next adventure. 

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” 

~Eleanor Roosevelt 

Road Trip-Fall 2017 Wisconsin Part Three

Although my time in Wisconsin was nearing an end I managed to fit in a ton more fun! Several nights out with friends were in the plans. It always seems like we just pick up where we left off even if it has been a few years! One evening a group of us were stuck in a bar during a torrential downpour. More time to get caught up! My final day in Wisconsin was spent in Dheinsville at Oktoberfest. Many of my Dhein relatives came to celebrate our German heritage. 

A vineyard near the shore of Lake Winnebago - not too far from my hometown. 

Architecture and libraries have always interested me. In Kaukauna, Wisconsin these two interests meet in a public library housed in a restored paper mill. 

Learn more; http://foxcitiesmagazine.com/departments/movers-and-shakers-a-developing-future/

Fortunate to have breakfast with my youngest grand-nephew, Emmet! 

And sometimes there is a crossbow demo for a neighbor by my brother! 

My aunt gave me the bike that I had given her when I received a new one as a child. 

A fun lunch with aunts, uncles and my brother.

Often special events and simple times are celebrated with delicious food and drink. This is especially true in Wisconsin. Several times as I finished with my morning walk a friend was waiting in her driveway with a cup of coffee for me. Now that is neighborly! 

Wisconsin perch lunch-a tradition! 

DHEINsville Oktoberfest - September 23, 2017

Family, friends, heritage, music and beer all in a beautiful rural setting near Germantown, Wisconsin. 

My oldest grand-nephew and his two brothers were the first of their generation of our family to attend the Oktoberfest. 

Oh, let the fun continue! Jeff is the event organizer and it was his birthday! Celebrate! 

My niece, grand-nephew, my son, his friend and oh yes the "statue man"! 

Will, Sarah and Kelle

A wedding reception at Oktoberfest! 

We could title this photo "Dhein Family at Dheinsville". 

"The best part of life is when your family become your friends and your friends become your family."

~Robin Roberts