A little more than a year ago, I stopped at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument on my way across the country. It was a fantastic experience, like living in a southwestern botanical garden. It seemed such a magical spot that I stayed a day longer than I’d planned.
One of the special moments of my stay at the park was hiking with a couple of fellow campers. After we returned to our tents and rested a bit, one of the hikers, a guy who was exploring the south and west on his motorcycle, brought a bottle of Grand Marnier to my campsite. He and I sat under the bright stars with the glow of Mexico to the south and sipped our drinks.
I just got an email from the fellow. Once again he is camping at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, sipping Grand Marnier under the stars, and oh! How I wish I were there. I often think about that monumental park, especially now that I am homebound, and I dream of going back and spending more than just a couple of days.
My fixator will come off in exactly 13 days. (But who’s counting.) Planning new adventures and a replay of previous adventures will give me courage during the arduous months of physical therapy.
And maybe, one day, I will be back in my tent under the sonoran stars.
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(Pat Bertram is the author of the suspense novels Light Bringer, More Deaths Than One, A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I. Bertram is also the author of Grief: The Great Yearning, “an exquisite book, wrenching to read, and at the same time full of profound truths.”) Connect with Pat on Google+. Like Pat on Facebook.
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March 22, 2017 at 3:58 pm
Sounds like another grand adventure is in store for you, wishing you the best in your future travels!
March 22, 2017 at 4:14 pm
Half of recovery is the anticipation of a bright and fun filled future.
March 22, 2017 at 5:16 pm
Sounds good to me, XD
March 23, 2017 at 6:05 am
I love the silence of the desert. Sometimes a breeze across your ears is the only sound. Get strong again and go!
March 23, 2017 at 10:47 am
The best advice is what one wants to hear. Thank you!
March 23, 2017 at 9:25 am
What a wonderful and positive post, Pat!!!! Did you email back your camping friend and set a goal/ date? That might give you extra impetus to reach that goal. I can see it happening!
March 23, 2017 at 10:50 am
It won’t be until next year, so yes, next winter, I will email him to see when he wants to go. Actually, I haven’t seen much of Arizona at all — I should probably plan to spend some time there. (Never been to the Grand Canyon. Can you believe that?)
March 23, 2017 at 1:10 pm
All the more reason to go. The Grand Canyon is well worth the visit. But it is also nice to share something beautiful with another person. (I miss being able to do that now that my husband and so many friends are gone.) And having something to look forward to is exciting. Your readers will be excited, too!
March 23, 2017 at 2:02 pm
Any chance of you and I going on an adventure someday?
March 23, 2017 at 3:10 pm
You never know. Boy, we could really get into some trouble! Ha!
March 24, 2017 at 5:55 pm
What a nice guy and what a great memory. BTW, we are headed to AZ in the near future but won’t make it as far. Still, anticipating Quiet Time.
March 25, 2017 at 2:10 pm
Are you going anywhere in particular?
March 25, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Yes, yes, yes! I was so happy you were able to take that trip before your accident. Excited to hear you may have another in your future!
March 25, 2017 at 2:07 pm
How funny. I was just thinking about you and wondering if we’d ever manage to meet!
March 29, 2017 at 8:45 am
And now we’re headed back to Florida. I remember thinking how happy you looked in Florida – would love to see you there. We’ll be returning to Vegas for business so maybe we’ll meet up there yet.
March 29, 2017 at 10:46 am
Really? Back to Florida? I thought you hated Florida.
March 29, 2017 at 11:02 am
I’m a California/Disney/beach girl who loves the Florida lifestyle – this will be our third time back so there must be something I like about it. If I said I hated Florida when I was homesick for the West, I would hope you wouldn’t hold me to that. 🙂
Besides, I always sound like that when I get back from a cruise and then book another one. Your adventures in Florida reminded me of what I love about it. I so enjoyed seeing you there. Besides, when we all get to a certain age, we must make choices based on the current situation and potential future options.
March 29, 2017 at 11:18 am
PS – I forgot to mention this is a job transfer. We’re very excited to get out of the desert – no place is perfect but beach girls don’t do the desert well. 🙂
March 29, 2017 at 11:43 am
Of course I don’t hold you to anything you might have said. I certainly change often enough! Best of luck with your move. And who knows – someday I may find my way back there.