Such a trailblazer I am

Today was most certainly a Monday, but it had plenty of highlights to balance out the rest. I mean, in a place just crawling with wildlife and beautiful sights, it’s hard to get by without any highlights.

The work day wasn’t all bad, either. Mike found a folding table in the laundry room, and I was able to set up a perfectly good little office. The sun attacks early in the morning, but I made a shade out of my extra screen carrier, so I could do meetings and look at the trees. That helped a lot.

My first set of meetings were intense, so I took a nice long walk around the neighborhood afterwards. There are so many birds to see and hear, along with so many beautiful fall flowers! The houses and cabins range from scary to palatial, but together it’s all cozy.

I kept heading down streets that said “dead end” hoping to get to a nice birding spot. At the end of the final turn I found a trail! It had US government stakes saying no motor vehicles, so I knew it was okay for non motorized elders. I couldn’t believe my luck!

I had a fantastic time wandering up and down the path while listening to Bushtits and Nuthatches chattering away. I also enjoyed Western Bluebirds, Hairy Woodpeckers, and Flickers. The woods were so lush and green from recent rain, and some plant had a minty smell.

I was going to sit on the rustic bench in the last photo and enjoy the peace and quiet. However, right when I decided to sit, what sounded like chainsaws started up. I reluctantly headed back to the cabin.

Once I got back, I went to the Maps app to see if the trail showed up. Indeed it did. It also showed me that the trail is actually quite close to where we are staying. I realized then that the chainsaws were in reality guys using gas weed-whackers to trim the house across the road. Argh. You can’t even escape lawn crews in this rustic area.

In the afternoon, when I was finished with work, Lee and I drove around looking at more properties. We ruled out an RV park, but enjoyed checking it out. On the way back we had to slow down for a school zone, then were stopped by young ones crossing the road. Elk. They know they’re in charge.

We tried to be festive, and took Anita out for dinner for her birthday. We were joined by Martha’s sister and her spouse, who came up in their camper, so it was a group affair! It was good to see them again. But we were all wiped out and came home to stare at our phones like good modern people. Now we’re reading, or will be when I quit keyboarding.

Tomorrow is big work day. Glad I have my fine office!