The Adventures of Fric and Frac: Adventure 408: Happily Home 4/11/17/End Year Three

A Pretty Happy Camper.

Exactly three months and a day, we're back home. We enjoyed traveling mercies again today as we sauntered homeward through the very beautiful wheat country of Whitman and Garfield Counties. Our adventure this year was filled with old friends, new friends, old stops, new stops, and in every instance we've gained. Our perspective has broadened, our appreciation has blossomed, our gratitude has deepened, our good fortune has been manifest, and in many ways this year's adventure has come full circle. We spent last night and this morning with Dave and Liz Ulmen, and we went our separate ways with the usual hugs and tugs. Some months ago at the beginning of this year's adventure, we met up with the Ulmen's. They were heading home, and we were heading South. After leaving Dave and Liz today, we headed toward Dayton, WA where the Ellsworth's live during the summer. We were hoping to see them since we stored Fric and Frac at their home in Lake Havasu. Sadly, since they had just returned from Arizona the day before, they were on he way to the Tri-Cities to resupply. The best we could do is drive by their home in Dayton. We arrived home about 2 P.M. I was glad; Judy was ecstatic. We performed the usual unloading duties, and then we toured the grounds. Eventually, Judy putzed in the garden. I took the truck to the car wash, and in general we started some spring cleaning. I emptied the hot tub, we washed it, and hopefully tomorrow, it will be hot and open for my return. Dave came over around five and took us on a tour of our new bathroom, which is about 90% finished. It's quite cool, and we can't wait to move into it. So, as in all things, this adventure came to an end. In the final analysis, the tale of the tape reads like this: 6925 miles driven (Some unhooked); 525 miles ridden (All tandem); 375 miles walked/hiked. We returned to some old favorite places such as Luchenbach (Fredericksburg, TX), Stoneybrook Farm, Austin, and Big Rock Candy Mountain. We enjoyed some new adventures such as Big Bend National Park, St George Utah, Fremont Indian State Park, Park City, Utah, and Crystal Hot Springs. We continue to have a love affair with both Texas and Utah. In neither state can I share my political views safely, but as long as I stay within accepted social bounds, I can exist very well in both. In Texas, I can talk BBQ, Texas History, and Gonzaga basketball. In Utah I can talk National Parks, State Parks, and Gonzaga basketball. Both states are welcoming, and both are glad to accept our money. That's not to say I don't love Arizona, Idaho, or any other state. Each has something amazing to offer. And as much as I tease Judy for wanting to be home, I am glad to be here, happy to be safe, and grateful for the many opportunities we've had. In short, life is good, especially today. (Note: Fric and Frac signing off until further notice. Thanks for joining our adventures-we strongly suggest you go out your drive way and head for the open road. Your adventure awaits-don't wait).
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