This is Just a Test.

It's been nearly a month since I returned to what feels like "real life" -- living indoors, working more than usual, driving too often, and being in the media loop. While I'm enjoying time with friends and family, I miss life on the road -- a funny statement as I've visited Maryland, Vermont and now, Massachusetts in the past month.

Maryland is always a pleasant surprise as I arrive for a health check-up and a stuff check-in, then leave wondering why all these lovely people find time for me as I breeze through once a year. My health is fine, my stuff is still there (!), and the bike riding is certainly still fun. Best of all, many dear friends are still welcoming me "home". 

Southern Vermont was unique in many ways as I expected to arrive to fall splendor (but I was early), and it seemed busier than I remember Vermont should be. Still, I enjoyed hosteling atop Prospect Mountain, near Bennington, for a few days, then in the heart of White River Junction -- even with my favorite diner now gone. However, my most memorable experience is the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park in Woodstock, Vermont's first national park, and the only national park to tell the history of conservation and land stewardship. I'll let the photos speak to that.

I've now rolled into Massachusetts to spend time in various locations, and with a number of people, before my year end trip to New Zealand. Yes, New Zealand at last. More to come before I go!