purplesilo

it would be great to get reacquainted with my long, lost brother.

I can only imagine what it is like to travel internationally – having baguettes in Paris or bier in Germany (or Brussel sprouts in Belgium); however, my travels have been closer to home.

Sometimes the best place to find yourself is slowing down enough to actually “find” yourself. Here are some wonderful places, not so far away, where the self emerges – if only briefly:

1. Iowa. There is not much else to do and frankly you just cannot get away from yourself here :)
2. Eagle Cap Wilderness (NE Oregon). On the south fork of the Wallowa Trail I found a moment of pure clarity. Nestled amongst the pine forest, alongside a mountain stream I briefly experienced a moment of self-awareness (Maslow probably would call it self-actualization). It was brief but absolutely beautiful.
3. Keweenaw Penninsula (upper penninsula Michigan). In late September on US 41 near Copper Harbor you have an opportunity to drive into a golden tunnel of Maple trees. You might not be able to discover yourself but you will feel awe inspired.
4. Valley View Hot Springs (CO) The most relaxing place on earth! Hiking near and soaking in natural hot springs at 11,000’ will rejuvenate any tired soul.
5. Roslyn Cafe (Roslyn, WA). Backdrop to the 1990’s hit series “Northern Exposure” – about 100 miles east of Seattle. Drive through town, eat at the cafe, or have a beer at The Brick.
6. more to follow…

a few acres, a building and winery equipment, and a bunch of grape vines is what I’d love to have.

In the interim: wine making and grape growing classes, and making a ton of homemade wine! Yummy.