After two months of camping out in our van, we have decided to end our protest (against cold weather) and return home. The stock markets just completed their best week in a while so we feel our task of stimulating the American economy is complete for now and we will start preparing to do the same for the SE Asia region next month.
The drive home from Texas (Thursday morning) was a quick one since cold weather, from Canada apparently, had made it's way down to the Panhandle and the threat of snow was in the air. We had the van winterized to protect the water lines and started the long journey home. Other than some stretches of black ice and a bit of blowing snow, the roads were dry so we were able to make good time, arriving home yesterday afternoon. The timing also worked out well for an evening stopover in Boulder, Colorado on Thursday night where we were able to catch a SK6ERS concert (one of our favourite bands).
While we were away it was interesting to watch the Republican - Democratic infighting on U.S. soil and hear the views of the locals who were clearly on one side or the other (no middle ground) with each side blaming the other for the sluggish economy. And the GOP leadership hopefuls (Cain, Perry, Bachman, Gingrich, Romney) all rising and dropping in popularity as their backgrounds and personalities became more public. At home we just missed the birth of another niece (welcome to the world Violetta), the finish of Caity's bathroom renovation which we helped her start, and my dad's 90th birthday......but I will be out there next week to help him celebrate....every day past 90 should be celebrated and hopefully we all live that long and continue to enjoy doing so.
Another wonderful trip has come to an end. The U.S. east coast is quite different than the west coast which we have become more accustomed to in recent years. The more rugged, cliff side views of the Pacific Ocean were replaced this fall with the flat, more populated but equally as scenic coast along the Atlantic. The history in the region, especially Williamsburg, was fun to re-live and kept the journey interesting. It was also an eye-opener to see how fragile the Outer Banks area is, with Hurricane Irene damage still evident more than two months after hitting the area (and it was only a category 1 storm). It makes you realize that if the sea level rises several feet (quite possible with global warming) this whole area would gradually disappear and the Intercoastal Waterway would become the new coastline. But the people there are very resilient, love their homes on stilts and are prepared to live with the risks in return for a very relaxed lifestyle beside the ocean. Nashville (Music City) was also a highlight and has been added to our must return list. The history of the careers that started there and the ongoing 'live' music scene make it a very vibrant place to hang out. And it all started out with many wonderful Thanksgiving re-connections with family and friends in Ontario. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality along the way.
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