Home Again Home Again

 I didn't mean to leave the end of the trip hanging in the air, but we ended up changing plans.  Bill decided he wasn't that excited about heading to our last stop on the way back to Portland and we just pointed the car back to our hotel there.  We arrived in the afternoon, packed up boxes to take to UPS to ship and called the girls to let them know we were back.  Sadly our daughter-in-law (an educator) had been exposed to covid and was still awaiting the all clear so Marianne came out and visited Bill, retrieved some of the very helpful things we had borrowed from them and give us some things to take back.  She and Bill were able to sit outside and have a visit.  The next day we shipped back $350 worth of UPS shipping, dropped off our rental, and walked back to the girl's house grabbing some delicious and cute cupcakes along the way.  We sat outside - distanced and masked for a visit that included pizza delivery and the cupcakes.  We said a sad goodbye and our flight the next day was uneventful.  

The next day we met friends and had a WONDERFUL day with them.  It's been so long since we were able to gather and this visit with vaccinated friends felt really wonderful.  The home cooked meal was a real treat too and included Wanda made birthday cake for Kathy and Bill!

Some final thoughts on travel in a time of covid.  We are both fully vaccinated (until they approve the booster) and felt safe because masking was required in the airport and on the plane.  We even saw a flight attendant have someone pull up their mask when it fell below their nose.  In hotels it was hit or miss on masking, but Bill and I masked 100% of the time when we were out of our room and ate almost exclusively in our room or outside via picnic or outdoor dining.  When we saw someone without a mask in a hotel we avoided them if possible.  The park visitor centers with the exception of one in the Tetons were all closed.  Most had rangers available outside and masked.  A parks visit where we are outside felt pretty safe for these covid times.  We missed the visitor centers and dining out in a normal, served fashion but you do what you gotta do.

With the help of friends and family we had an amazing trip.  Thank you for joining us electronically.  Now we begin the process of getting back to real life.