Thank God for Travel Plans That Are "Written in Jello"

As travelers who seldom plan too far ahead, we are grateful for the flexibility that van life gives us. We will often joke that our travel plans are ...

Written in Jello

... soft, jiggly, and subject to change at a moment's notice.

At least, that’s how we prefer to think of it. But when that theory actually gets put to the test, it turns out to be a bit trickier than it sounds.

When we left Tucson two weeks ago, our "semi-solid" plans were to meet up with other snowbird friends in Phoenix before heading southwest towards the Baja California peninsula of Mexico.

We looked forward to enjoying a delightful BBQ lunch with dear friends escaping the Minnesota cold,

and feasting on grilled chicken while overlooking the golf course with some of our former biking buddies.

That afternoon, however, we received the call that would liquefy those semi-solid plans. Doug's brother had passed away unexpectedly back in Michigan. In the midst of this shocking news, we found the kindness of friends who allowed us to keep the Baby Beest parked in front of their house,

... and were treated to a personalized "Uber" ride to the airport accompanied by their poodle who somehow knew that he was now upgraded to an "emotional support" pup. 

Once again, flexibility allowed us to quickly exchange cacti-lined desert roads for snow-covered country roads.

It had been a long time since these snowbirds came so close to getting their feathers frozen. I think that the winter winds decided to pick up in order to give us a hardy Michigan greeting as we stepped out of the Detroit airport. And then they thought ... let's add a light dusting of snow and frost on the windshield just so our visitors can try out that ice scraper in the back of the rental car. But I have to admit (quietly) that the winter landscape holds a special kind of beauty.

As we gathered to support family, we were grateful that our "Jello plans" always turn out to be the best plans.

The road of life is often filled with many questions of what direction to go. We take comfort in knowing that our #1 Guide is always leading us exactly where we're supposed to be.

As we sat at our Airbnb and looked out at the frozen landscape, a flash of red caught my eye. 

Unlike migratory birds that fly south,

the strong and hardy cardinal sticks winter out,

as if to show us that,

even on life's grayest days,

beauty and hope remain.

A Taste of the Snowbird Life in Tucson, Arizona

Like the hummingbirds that migrate south, we savored the sweet taste of snowbird life as we settled in for two sun-soaked months at an RV resort in Tucson, Arizona.

Our days were filled with pickleball, hikes, and bike rides through the desert landscape,

... while evenings glowed with community dinners, card games and music by the pool.

We’ve always found that winter’s shorter days can make RV travel a bit challenging. Early sunsets often leave us with little time to explore once we arrive at our destination. Factor in the fact that my favorite travel partner fully embraces the "long winter’s nap" lifestyle, and it’s clear why I now favor destinations where the fun continues long after the sun sets.

Even Doug can be easily convinced to leave his cozy man cave for another friendly "Pegs & Jokers" competition!

We quickly found that staying in one place for an extended period of time has many benefits ...

In a classic "it's a small world" moment, we were able to reconnect with friends who we hadn't seen in over 40 years and join them for one of our favorite hikes in Sabino Canyon.

Being in a place where the Amazon driver could find us meant that Doug was also able to add "barista" to his resume as he perfected his morning latte. 

Fueled by a triple shot of caffeine, Doug's tools made a special appearance,

and just like that,

our worn out screen door was skillfully replaced,

and our TV disappeared, leaving room for more "stuff"!

I was able to participate in many of the exercise and craft classes that the resort offered. I would also like to say that I could add "ceramic artisan" to my resume, but unfortunately, I found my passion for working with clay during the last few days of our stay.

We also appreciated being able to get into an active daily routine that included walks to the nearby grocery and/or thrift store (yes, my clothes bins are now overflowing),

afternoon pickleball,

or just a stroll through the gardens and around the neighborhood.

During our two months here, we were able to get a good taste of snowbird life.

From group bike rides along Tucson's fabulous bike paths to the local farmers market followed by Sunday brunch,

... to hikes through the desert canyons where the usually dry washes were transformed into small streams thanks to the winter rains,

... to trivia nights, mystery dinners, and music on the patio,

...we found a community that thrives on sunshine, friendships, and fun!

But even as the days lengthen and new adventures unfold,

 we carry with us gratitude for two months of fun, friendship,

and the sweet taste of snowbird life because ...

Good Friends are the Flowers

in the Garden of Life!!