Approaching Normal

Rochester Panel in Utah

Feeling pursued by demons? Bombarded by images of Russian savagery in Ukraine? Wondering if things will ever return to normal? Or, as they say on the news, a new normal?

Maybe it is time to look back at normal, or at least one aspect of one normal - travel in 2019.

My path that year included a long solitary drive on two lane roads, a ridge line walk on a desert path, and a  climb through and over boulders to this panel carved by native Americans hundreds of years ago. Relatively untouched by modern graffiti (Photoshop did the rest), it is a vivid reminder of human creativity AND the uncertainties, beasts even, that have always been a part of the human experience.

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That trip also took me to Moab and the nearby Green River, seen below. The image took planning to arrive at the right time and patience to wait until the light softened in anticipation of sunset. It was a still afternoon in the low 70s with no one nearby. Quiet as can be as the scene slowly darkened with nightfall. The image from that day can still lower my blood pressure.

Just before sunset on the Green River

Later, travel took us to the East Coast where we took in Mt. Vernon, Monticello, and Chestertown, a small town on the Eastern Shore. The first two stops were to take visit the iconic homes of two of our country's founders.

Mt. Vernon view through 18th century glass

Washington's home was full of color with a dining room that was almost garishly bright green.

George Washington's parlor

Portions of both homes that were housing for "slaves" 30 years ago are now more appropriately described as housing for enslaved people. Below is the pristine version of the enslaved Sally Hemings' cabin.

Sally Hemings cabin at Monticello

Chestertown is an old Chesapeake Bay town whose roots, and many structures, date back to the 1600s. My wife's predecessors were among the towns founders. A night stroll is always picturesque. Yes, that's me in the bottom corner taking the photograph.

Chestertown at night

And, what would travel be without an outing on the high seas. Pirates and 'arrgh' and all that. Well, not really, but an encounter and a trade off the Gulf Coast. Here we are swapping beer for shrimp with a shrimp boat crew member.

Business on the high seas?

No fish were caught that day but fresh shrimp for dinner and a few days with my son and grandson were a great way to close out travels in 2019. Here's to you and your future trips as we all ease back out into the world.

All photos and text are copyright Clinton Richardson. If you like these posts, please tell your friends about the Venture Moola blog. And, feel free to share this blog. Click here if you would like to get a weekly email that notifies you when we release new entries.