Who would have ever thought that a disease that rocked our world in March would still be plaguing us in December?!?! Unfortunately it is – and has – for the last six months just as it did for March – June. But – never being ones to surrender, we continued on as best we could. Attempting to do as much outside as possible, wearing a face mask at all times inside when others were around, always maintaining the appropriate social distance and – one of the hardest parts – no hugs or shaking hands;-( BAH HUMBUG!!!

Resigning ourselves to the fact things were not changing as summer approached, and the Arizona heat was becoming unbearable, the original summer plans were put into play. The Lexus was loaded to capacity on May 20th as a VRBO townhouse on the Aspen Valley Golf Course in Flagstaff, AZ was calling. Upon arrival G wiped down every square inch with the Clorex wipes while E threw all bedding and towels in the washer and all dishes in the dishwasher. Upon feeling duly sanitized the views and serenity of our home for the next month began to sink in. There was a lovely deck with a giant size grill with the golf course just beyond some protecting pines that provided fantastic shade and a pond just off to the left. What more could we ask for?!?!

The activities really didn’t change much, just the venues were different. The agenda still included golf twice a week, a weekly drive and Zoom calls with friends. But, the first order of business was to commemorate Keith’s birthday by sending a balloon up to him from our back deck – –

 

Our first day trip was to the Grand Canyon – our 17th National Park (1919).  One of the very few good things about COVID – NO crowds.  Even though it was the first week of June, at 7,000′ the temperature was beautiful for ‘strolling’ along the rim and we encountered VERY few other people.  One can see the full 18 miles from one rim to the other and the one mile to the floor.  Only a small portion of the 277 miles of length can be seen from any one spot.  The views are stunning!

The next week a BIG circular drive around Lake Mary and Mormon Lake called.  And what would we stumble upon but the Rainbow Camp that Mom helped get off the ground.  AND – the big bell that belonged to my grandparents that was donated to the camp is still there right by the dining area where it belongs.

Hiking also kept us sane and provided exercise.  A favorite was to Jenks Cabin on a 160 acre tract of land homesteaded in 1892.  The property includes two springs marked by Indian petroglyphs – and just beautiful scenery.

 

Time seemed to pass all too quickly – as it always does.  As mid-June approached, it was time to repack the Lexus and head to Park City.  Driving through the greater Salt Lake valley, familiar sights came into view and it was like being home again – –  

After sanitizing another VRBO condo – this one adjacent to Main Street in Park City, UT – we were off to check out the scene ‘downtown’.  There was a mandatory mask requirement – and it seemed to apply to all – – – 

 

The routine here was much the same.  Any activity that could be done outdoors kept us busy.  Golfing, hiking, walking, eating al fresco (on many a friends’ deck with plenty of ribs and bourbon slush or at a restaurant) and neighborhood concerts were all on the agenda.  A new Thai restaurant with great outdoor, well distanced seating quickly became our once a week go to.  As did our friend Sally’s remodel adventure. 

 

 

Again, golf was a mainstay and almost every Monday we played with Rheta and Tom on various courses around Salt Lake, Park City and Midway.  Early on there was even snow on the surrounding mountains and always plenty of wildlife!!

 

 

 

Many new hiking trails were discovered this year with several becoming new favorites.  Trails around all the old mines just above Old Town were quite interesting, informative and educational about the beginnings of Park City.  Jenni’s Trail to Loose Moose on the Park City Mountain was visited often which allowed very different sights as the leaves began to turn when autumn approached. But, perhaps our favorite of all was the discovery of the Wall Lake hike out in the Uintas.  This one was done every time someone new visited.  Both the Bolton’s and the Clarke’s were drug out to experience our new find – always with a stop at The Notch for lunch after.  Our first time out to this hike we spent quite a bit of time watching water drops on a forest fire just over the next ridge from the hike.  All in all – the hiking was fantastic!!

 

 

 

 

A summer in Park City would NOT be complete without the moose sightings – – 

 

 

Unfortunately, all the ‘normal’ 4th of July activities were cancelled;-(  Instead of a parade, there was a street painting done and NO fireworks in Park City.  We had to drive to Midway to see those.

 

Oh Yes!  The BIG Magic Bus is being replaced by a Mini Magic.  The first step in that process was to acquire a new van from Mercedes.  Ordered in June – picked up in August.  A few day trips to try it out before it went to the ‘upfitter’ in October.  Discovered Cedar Breaks NM, which was beautiful.  Also put it thru its paces on the Bonneville Salt Flats!  What a fun day that was.  

 

 

Again – all  good things must come to an end.  As the first snow flew, it was getting close to time to pack up again and head home.  But, the car would take a circuitous route via Ridgecrest, CA to see the Shoe crew;-)

In the continuing quest to get the Shoe crew to National Parks and Monuments, we drug them out to the Pinnacles.  What is more fun than climbing on rocks????

 

It seems that dancing to videos has become the new at home PE class – – 

Believe it or not, by mid-October that Lexus found its way back to Scottsdale, AZ.  This time we did NOT have to sanitize a thing – YEAH!!  And good thing, as there was little time until the schedule was full again with hiking, golf and a little MIM (although no volunteering yet).

 

 

As always, the animals are a plenty on the golf courses.  Although there are also resident owls in our community – – 

 

 

It was also great to see family again.  The middle of October, Mom Dorthy’s facility began allowing essential visitors inside if they obtained a negative COVID test.  So – after 7 months E could finally give Mom a hug!  And get her ready for Halloween – – 

Niece Demi also arrived home from U of A, and got to put on that cap and gown she didn’t get to wear to the high school graduation that never occurred;-(  We played Pomp and Circumstance and she marched through the room just for us!

News Flash!  Pictures of the beginning of Mini Magic’s ‘upfitting’.  How long will it be until she is done??  Can’t wait.

Whew!  A year to remember – AND forget.  We have managed to stay sane figuring out a way to enjoy life while being safe and distanced.  Our wish and hope for the new year is that you all stay well and healthy and have a fantastic 2021!

With much love – E & G looking forward to 2021