We have been traveling the U.S. and Canada in our 17 foot RV for 13 months, trying to follow pleasant (cool) weather. During 40,000 miles we have hit some quirky heat spells even in Nova Scotia, but rarely “wimped out” and used RV park/electric hook ups or hotels for air conditioning. Instead we altered course to beeline to the oceans, lakes, or the mountains.

We thought early Autumn in Alberta and British Columbia would be perfect for exploring the Canadian Rockies. However, snow in Wyoming in the Tetons last week, and locals telling us that Halloween in West Yellowstone, Montana is ALWAYS in the snow, made us realize we mistimed our Western Canada leg; we are just too late for a northward trip. Without snow chains, snow tires, or 4-wheel drive, we must avoid the risk of snow, even in September. Driving home this week, crossing the Sierra Nevada Range near Donner Summit in California, we were surprised to share the highway with a snowplow, and snow above the 5,000 foot level. Gorgeous!… and it confirmed our decision to await  Springtime to set off North again.

We decided that a weeks sojourn home to Albany, CA for home maintenance and to see our pals was in order.  When my mom invited us to housesit her houseboat in San Francisco beginning October 1st, we realized we could still be explorers, 30 minutes from home!  As two former San Francisco ‘city dwellers’ 30 years ago, we are so excited to get to live in the City again for three months. Thanks, Ma!  Hey Jules and Keith-o, see you soon!  We hope our East Bay and Peninsula pals will come visit!

So, we are not on the road, but not “at home”. We’ll likely take a hiatus from blogging or maybe take the time to sift through the blogs and do a “10 Best Places” travel list for the last year…or sit on our butts, eat chocolate and look at the waterfoul for 3 months, and enjoy not moving at all.  Call us if you’re coming to San Francisco between 10/1/13 and 1/15/14. We are hoping for a Puerto Rican bicycle touring trip in February, and then off to Western Canada in March.

What a plan…are we lucky, or what? It is finally clear to me that it is time to declare to the State Bar of California, that I am formally, “inactive”, at least in the practice of law. I can’t imagine what would make me climb into a business suit and a 60 hour a week job again. Fortunately, this year has led Steven to conclude that this 3rd attempt at retirement is for good: no more commuting, business travel, or long delayed vacations. It’s all vacation…what day is it?